Additionally, red raspberry leaf tea may not be suitable for all pregnant people. In a 2016 case study, a pregnant person with gestational diabetes became hypoglycemic after consuming the tea. Although this was a single case, it highlights the need for more robust research. Other evidence also suggests the tea may not be suitable for: Zhang X, Sandhu A, Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B. An exploratory study of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) (poly)phenols/metabolites in human biological samples. Food Funct 2018;9(2):806-18. doi: 10.1039/c7fo00893g. View abstract. This same fast-acting mechanism is also appreciated when you’re smoking herbs which are valued for their calming properties. Smoking hand-rolled peppermint or lemon balm cigarettes is a relaxing experience because of the herbs themselves, and the act of breathing in pleasantly aromatic smoke is soothing in its way.

Nordeng, Hedvig, Karen Bayne, Gro Cecilie Havnen, and Berit Smestad Paulsen. “Use of Herbal Drugs During Pregnancy Among 600 Norwegian Women in Relation to Concurrent Use of Conventional Drugs and Pregnancy Outcome.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 17, no. 3 (2011): 147-51. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.09.002. Marshmallow smoke is known for its distinctive sweetness, and is also enjoyed for its calming effects. Marshmallow leaf is an ideal choice for a base herb when making your own blends and can even be mixed with tobacco if you’re in the process of trying to ween yourself off tobacco. MintNohynek, L. J., Alakomi, H. L., Kahkonen, M. P., Heinonen, M., Helander, I. M., Oksman-Caldentey, K. M., and Puupponen-Pimia, R. H. Berry phenolics: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action against severe human pathogens. Nutr Cancer 2006;54(1):18-32. View abstract. Heart Health : Improve heart health by improving cholesterol levels, thus reducing high blood pressure. 11) ”The Various Health Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea.” Mercola.com. Accessed March 02, 2019. https://articles.mercola.com/teas/red-raspberry-leaf-tea.aspx. Taking herbs via smoke inhalation can also be a practical application if someone is unable to keep food down. Certain herbs, like raspberry leaf, will help alleviate feelings of nausea naturally when smoked. Are Herbal Cigarettes Legal? Herbal smoking blends or herbal smoking mixes are those made from a mixture of different herbs that are suitable for smoking. Usually, herbs used in them are those that exhibit specific aroma whenever dried and burned.

Cheang, K. I., et al. (2016). Raspberry leaf and hypoglycemia in gestational diabetes mellitus [Abstract]. Uterine Tonic : Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and muscles of the pelvic region, thus assisting in postpartum recovery. Its astringent nature also helps to minimize bleeding during menstruation. This effect is thought to be due to the active principle fragrine. 4) Gruber, Christian, and Margaret Obrien. “Uterotonic Plants and Their Bioactive Constituents.” Planta Medica 77, no. 03 (2010): 207-20. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1250317./ This herb is also believed to combat symptoms of stress, improve mood and induce relaxation. Research carried out in 2004 discovered that taking lemon balm soothed the negative mood caused by lab-induced psychological stress. Those who participated in the study consumed lemon balm and later reported improved calmness and lower levels of agitation. Bagchi, D., Roy, S., Patel, V., He, G., Khanna, S., Ojha, N., Phillips, C., Ghosh, S., Bagchi, M., and Sen, C. K. Safety and whole-body antioxidant potential of a novel anthocyanin-rich formulation of edible berries. Mol.Cell Biochem. 2006;281(1-2):197-209. View abstract.If you want to avoid smoking paper, you can also use a small hand pipe — I’m currently loving the gorgeous pieces sold by Sacred Smoke Herbals. Smokable Herbs Mullein, also called a velvet or wooly plant, was first brought over to North America by early European settlers. Mullein is an expectorant, which means it breaks down phlegm in the lungs and induces productive coughing. Aside from its fruit, red raspberry leaf might also have a significant impact on healthcare. Just like the fruit, raspberry leaf has a lot of antioxidants and other essential vitamins that your body needs. Smoking raspberry leaf neutralizes nicotine present in the blood, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces pain during childbirth, and may even be useful for couples struggling to have kids. Blue Skullcap

Lemon balm is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they help protect your cells from damage. They can also help improve your overall health. Morimoto C, Satoh Y, Hara M, et al. Anti-obese action of raspberry ketone. Life Sci 2005;77:194-204. . View abstract. Red raspberry’s scientific name, Rubus idaeus,comes from the Latin word rubus meaning red and the species name ideaus,which refers to its occurrence on Mount Ida, near Troy in northwest Turkey. Benefits This long steep time is vitally important for extracting the minerals from our herbs. It has been found that a cup of nettle tea has 5-10 mg of calcium, but a nourishing herbal infusion of nettle can contain between 200-250 mg of calcium. 20) ”3 Raspberry Leaf Benefits For Women – Herbal Academy.” Herbal Academy. January 25, 2018. Accessed March 02, 2019. https://theherbalacademy.com/3-raspberry-leaf-benefits-for-women/.Hakkinen, S. H., Karenlampi, S. O., Mykkanen, H. M., and Torronen, A. R. Influence of domestic processing and storage on flavonol contents in berries. J Agric.Food Chem 2000;48(7):2960-2965. View abstract. Current research reveres mullein as a potent medicinal herb with a multitude of potential benefits, but most significantly, smoking mullein is associated with improved lung health, possibly making it a good alternative to cigarettes. Some reports suggest that it can help to soothe a cough, even if it sounds a bit counterintuitive. Mullein produces a light smoke that's easy on the lungs and nearly flavorless, which makes it a good base for building a flavorful smoke blend. Coltsfoot Korean ginseng has been used medicinally for centuries for supporting energy and mental function, but its potential benefits for the lungs are not as well known. According to some research, it may help to dilate blood vessels in the lungs to support deeper breathing. Other reports suggest that it cleanses the lungs and adrenals and acts as an adaptogen to support a healthy stress response. Skullcap is technically a member of the mint family, but it's not minty at all. It has a bitter, earthy taste that's great for adding depth to smoking blends. How to Blend Smoking Herbs As a smoking herb, it’s mildly flavored and fluffy, producing a light smoke. It may be useful as a base for creating a blend with more flavorful herbs. Herbs for Calming Nerves Hemp