“ Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
– Lao Tzu (500 BCE)
BASE HERBS
Mullein
Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus, is a traditional herb known for its soft, hairy leaves and its usage in respiratory relief. Its active compounds may offer antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits. When smoked, mullein imparts a mild flavor and a soothing effect…
Damiana
Turnera diffusa, known as Damiana, is a fragrant shrub native to Southern Texas, Mexico, and Central America. Historically utilized as an aphrodisiac, Damiana is reputed for its traditional uses in boosting libido and alleviating depression.
Red Raspberry leaves
The red raspberry plant, known as Rubus idaeus, is more than just a fruit-bearer. Its leaves have been traditionally used for health, particularly in women’s wellness. Rich in compounds like flavonoids and tannins, these leaves offer potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory…
Marshmallow Leaf
The Marshmallow leaf, or Althaea officinalis, is a velvety herb traditionally valued for its mucilaginous properties offering soothing benefits. It’s favored for easing coughs, digestive issues, and skin irritations, with its leaves used for smoking to potentially calm the respiratory…
Marshmallow root
The Althaea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow root, is a perennial herb with notable mucilaginous properties and a sweet, herbaceous flavor. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine for soothing sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues. While it is…
Wild dagga flowers
Wild Dagga, or Leonotis leonurus, is a South African shrub prized for its striking orange flowers and minty scent. Part of the Lamiaceae family, it’s traditionally been used for its medicinal and mild psychoactive effects, providing calming and euphoric sensations…
FLAVORING HERBS
Chamomile
Chamomile, renowned for its gentle calming effects and sweet, apple-like flavor, is a beloved herb with a longstanding history in folk medicine. Predominantly used as a relaxing tea, chamomile also offers anti-inflammatory and sedative benefits. The Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) are the most commonly utilized…
Spearmint
Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, is a perennial herb with a refreshing aroma, stemming from the Lamiaceae family. It is prized for its minty, slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. While not recommended…
Peppermint
Peppermint, or Mentha × piperita, is a widely known hybrid mint variety, produced by crossing watermint and spearmint. With its high menthol content, this aromatic herb serves both culinary and therapeutic uses, from flavoring dishes and drinks to aiding digestion and respiratory health. Though less common, some individuals have experimented…
Calendula
The Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, is celebrated for its vibrant, ornamental flowers and medicinal virtues. Renowned in the herbal world for its soothing effects on the skin and digestion, Calendula is a staple for natural remedies, with its topical and oral applications backed by centuries of traditional…
Lavender
Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a fragrant perennial shrub from the Mediterranean. Esteemed for its calming properties, it’s used in aromatherapy, personal care, and as a herbal remedy, though less common and not recommended for smoking. It boasts a sweet, floral flavor with notes of mint and rosemary, and while…
Mugwort
Mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris, is a versatile perennial herb with a rich history in traditional medicine and culinary arts. Noted for its bitter, aromatic flavor and calming effects, it has been used for purposes ranging from flavoring beers to treating digestive issues. Varied in its active compounds, mugwort is also…
SUPPORTIVE HERBS
Wild lettuce
Wild lettuce, or Lactuca virosa, is a plant with a reputation for pain relief and sedation, sometimes called “opium lettuce.” Native to parts of North America and related to common lettuce, it’s been used for conditions like insomnia and restlessness. Active compounds like lactucarium contribute to its calming effects, though…
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The Sacred Lotus, or Nelumbo nucifera, is a perennial from tropical Asia, revered in Eastern cultures for its beauty and symbolism. It is not only aesthetically pleasing with its striking flowers and unique foliage but also acclaimed for its health benefits, especially the seeds, which are incorporated into various food…
Blue Lotus
The Nymphaea caerulea, or Blue Lotus, is an enchanting aquatic plant revered since ancient Egyptian times. Known for its star-shaped, light blue flowers, it doubles as a natural aesthetic for water gardens and a source of traditional remedies. Although it’s linked with sleep aid and mild psychoactive effects, contemporary research…
Skullcap
The Skullcap herb, known scientifically as Scutellaria, is recognized for its use in herbal medicine. Belonging to the mint family, this perennial plant bears calming properties and has traditionally aided in relieving anxiety and nervous tension. Rich in flavonoids like wogonin and baicalin, Skullcap introduces relaxation and mild sedation when…
California Poppy
The Eschscholzia californica, more commonly known as the California Poppy, is not just a visual delight with its bright orange petals but also holds a place in traditional medicine as a mild sedative. Though typically consumed as teas or tinctures, the research into its effects when smoked is not well-established,…
Blue Vervain
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a perennial plant esteemed for its calming effects. Native to North America, it flourishes in moist environments and is known for its slender, erect stems and deep purple flowers. Traditionally, it has been utilized to ease anxiety and support relaxation, though its medicinal benefits extend…
