In most spiritual and healing circles, smoking store-bought cigarettes is widely frowned upon—and for good reason. The additives, chemical processing, and addictive properties make them an ill fit for sacred space. Yet the act of smoking itself hasn’t disappeared; instead, many seekers turn to cleaner options. Some prefer mapacho (jungle tobacco), sacred pipes, or even the controversial—and in many places illegal—marijuana. Others look for gentler, legal alternatives rooted in plant allies. Over time, people have experimented with smoking many herbs that are also traditionally used as teas or tinctures.
Some of these include: Blue Lotus, Damiana, Klip Dagga, Mugwort, Passionflower, Wild Dagga, Uva Ursi, Raspberry leaf, Mullein, Sage, Holy Basil, Skullcap, Chamomile, and others.
So why smoke a plant when you could just drink it? Let’s explore the reasons people choose to inhale herbal smoke, what the tradeoffs might be, and how tea and smoke each serve different purposes in spiritual and emotional work.
Why do people choose to smoke herbs that can be used as tea?
- Faster onset of effects: When smoked, herbs enter the bloodstream rapidly through the lungs. This can bring immediate relaxation, emotional release, or subtle shifts in consciousness that might take much longer when consumed as tea.
- Energetic or ritual significance: For many, the act of smoking is a sacred gesture—an offering, a breath, a way of connecting with the plant spirit. Pipes, rolls, or blends can be part of grounding rituals.
- Oral and tactile satisfaction: Some find the act of smoking comforting. The sensation of inhaling and exhaling can feel meditative, especially for those shifting away from commercial tobacco or cannabis.
- Portable and discreet use: Smoking is more accessible than tea in some settings, especially during ceremony or travel.
Potential cons of smoking herbs
- Smoke is still smoke: All burned plant matter releases carbon monoxide and particulates. Even smooth herbs can irritate the lungs with repeated use.
- Shorter duration, inconsistent effects: Smoking brings quick results, but they may fade faster compared to tea or tincture.
- Risk of irritation or allergic response: Some herbs can cause coughing or sensitivity when smoked, even if gentle in other forms.
- Energetic consequences: Fire stirs and activates. Smoking can scatter energy, which isn’t always ideal for grounding or dreamwork.
- Not suitable for everyone: Anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular concerns should avoid smoking herbs entirely.
Potential benefits of using herbs as tea
- Gentle on the body: Tea avoids irritation to the lungs and supports overall nourishment.
- Nourishing for the nervous system: Herbs like Damiana and Blue Lotus offer long-lasting support through digestion and the bloodstream.
- Encourages mindfulness and ritual: The process of steeping and sipping tea can become a grounding, sacred act.
- Hydration and grounding: Tea hydrates and supports the body in ways smoke cannot, which is key in spiritual work.
- Safer for long-term use: Tea builds relationship with the plant and supports regular, balanced use.
Herbs We Love & Use
At Sacred Lotus, we work with plants not just as remedies—but as allies. These herbs are chosen for their energetic clarity, traditional use, and gentle strength. Each can be brewed or smoked, depending on intention, sensitivity, and ritual style.
Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)
- As a tea: Gently euphoric, heart-opening, and meditative. Often used before sleep or ceremony.
- As a smoke: Brings a soft relaxation and dreamy mood, but may irritate lungs when used frequently.
- Best for: Lucid dreaming, emotional softness, opening the heart, and sensual rituals.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
- As a tea: Uplifting and balancing for the nervous and reproductive systems.
- As a smoke: Warming, arousing, and mentally clarifying—but can be harsh for some lungs.
- Best for: Aphrodisiac blends, heart-based practices, creative or intimate rituals—and for softening mental tension before sleep or dreamwork, especially when blended with other dream herbs.
Klip Dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia)
- As a tea: Supportive for the respiratory system, tension, and emotional rest.
- As a smoke: Used ceremonially for its mellowing effects and ability to slow the mind.
- Best for: Calming the nervous system, full moon rituals, or transitions into rest.
Conclusion
Whether sipped slowly in a cup of tea or offered to the fire as sacred smoke, herbs have always been more than just remedies. They are bridges—between body and spirit, between intention and sensation. Each method of use brings its own energy, timing, and risks. At Sacred Lotus, we encourage informed, respectful relationships with plant allies, guided by curiosity, sensitivity, and care.
Legal Disclaimer
In accordance with EU law, our Blue Lotus and Klip Dagga products are not sold for use as food, tea, or smoking blends. This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. We do not make any medical claims or suggest any specific use.