Hemp flower has a versatile collection of uses for physical and mental health. But did you know you can make it even better by adding other natural herbs to make an herbal smoking blend?
Here are some tips on how hemp can help you on its own and what organic herbs to pair it with for an enhanced experience.
Consuming hemp flower on its own
There are many ways to consume cannabis plant materials. Each new experience with this herb will provide all of the physical and psychological advantages the species is known for, albeit to varying extents and over different periods.
However, not all cannabis plants share the same effects. For example, hemp primarily contains the cannabinoid known as “cannabidiol,” or CBD. CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive influences that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does, which is why it doesn’t face the same extent of legal restriction as marijuana (plants with more than 0.3% of delta-9 THC).
Still, hemp flower offers quite a gratifying experience when consumed, whether it’s infused into a soothing beverage or inhaled in an herbal smoking blend. When taken orally, some of the most well-known conditions that hemp can help include those discussed below.
Epilepsy
The most substantial evidence for hemp’s health benefits pertains to treating and preventing severe symptoms of epilepsy in children, such as Dravet syndrome. The research is so compelling that Epidiolex, the first-ever cannabis-derived federally approved medication, was approved in 2018.
However, it is essential to note that Epidiolex isn’t derived from the same CBD you can buy from a dispensary. The hemp the manufacturers use is held to stricter pharmaceutical standards. To improve your chances of experiencing the positive side of CBD without uncomfortable side effects, make sure your hemp flower is high-quality, too.
Neuroinflammatory problems
CBD has neuroprotective properties, fighting excessive neuroinflammation, which is an inflammatory response to a central nervous system stimulus.
Symptoms include:
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Cognitive impairment
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Traumatic injuries to the CNS
Excessive neuroinflammation is responsible for the negative impacts, which CBD can help soothe.
Chronic pain
Scientists have conducted numerous studies since the early 2000s, many of them demonstrating that hemp-derived CBD can help resolve pain from:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal cord injury
- Post-surgery symptoms
In many cases, it lowered patients’ pain by as much as 30%, significantly outperforming the trial’s placebo.
6 herbs for your hemp herbal smoking blend
Now that you know some of the perks hemp flower can give you on its own, you can pair it with other herbs in various smoking blends for a more well-rounded experience. Here are six of the best herbs you can consume alongside hemp flower.
Mugwort
This herb has been used in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in a practice known as “moxibustion” in China. Moxibustion is used during acupuncture to release energy, and a past study demonstrated its benefits on the autonomic nervous system, creating a relaxing effect.
In Europe and America, mugwort is used for treating various gastrointestinal issues. It’s also excellent for relieving discomfort and pain from headaches, nosebleeds, fever, and nerve problems.
So, if you want mental and physical relaxation, a mugwort and hemp smoking blend might be perfect for you.
Lavender
Lavender is traditionally believed to have a variety of healing properties for physical and mental wellbeing. Its applications range from a calming effect to treating various physical injuries, including parasitic infections and burns.
Lavender might also have antibacterial and antifungal qualities, making this ideal for anyone looking for a supplemental health boost combined with stress relief.
Damiana
Historically, damiana was thought to be an aphrodisiac. Yet, that’s not all the herb was used for. When the ancestors weren’t gettin’ it on, damiana’s traditional applications included treating bladder and urinary problems.
Studies show that its most reliable use is for calming anxiety. Many people smoke damiana in herbal smoking blends; however, it can also be steeped in hot water for tea.
CBG (Cannabigerol) flower
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is non-psychotropic (it doesn’t affect your mental state) and can be found in relatively high concentrations in some hemp strains. In fact, certain hemp strains feature CBG and CBGA as the primary cannabinoid instead of CBD.
The way CBG interacts with the cannabinoid receptors mimics both THC and CBD. Because of this, it might be effective in the treatment of neurological disorders like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and MS), and inflammatory bowel disease.
CBG also has antibacterial properties, which may be supportive of your physical health when used in herbal smoking blends.
Red Raspberry
Red raspberry herbal smoking blends can help with many things; however, several of its believed applications are not yet supported by much research. Still, the leaves can be helpful in soothing sore throats, thanks to the tannins.
(Tannins are chemical compounds in plant material that can shrink proteins. These are why your mouth feels dry after drinking wine.)
Indigenous North Americans would use this herb to resolve acute diarrhea, among many other digestive system discomforts. Mothers, in particular, appreciate red raspberry leaves because of their abundance of vitamins and minerals (especially iron).
Mullein
Interestingly, one of the main advantages of mullein is its ability to relieve pain. So, this makes mullein and hemp a great herbal smoking blend for anyone seeking a natural resolution to aches and pains.
Other uses of mullein include:
- Managing coughing
- Clearing congestion
- Soothing symptoms of bronchitis
- Helping with asthma
- Relieving constipation
- Calming inflammation
- Healing migraines
- Improving sleep
Cannabis and Dry Herbs? The conclusion.
Hemp is an incredible herb full of advantages for your physical and mental wellbeing, especially when integrated into herbal smoking blends. Although the effects may vary from person to person, rest assured that this member of the cannabis family has lots to offer you.
To enhance your experience even further, pair your CBD-rich hemp flower with any of the herbs listed here. For more tips on how to use hemp, follow Hemp.inc.
