Blende Deux.

Initial blend two was: Lobelia, mullein, skullcap, coltsfoot, blue lotus. As it broke apart and I didnt write anything about it, I'll skip it for today's blend.

About 2 or so Blue Lotus flowers (I'm estimating as these are dried petals) and a good pinch of scullcap and small pinch of damiana. I put these in my spice grinder and ground as fine as they were going to go and then mixed in about two drops of honey. One didn't seem like enough but I think two was too much. I will put more effort into the mixing with one drop next time. Why honey? You need moisture to help the herbs stick together and it also keeps the herbs from burning down too fast. I think I could add honey to some powdered herbs and mix it well so it forms a paste that could be some kick ass charcoal incense.

I think I'm going to have to invest in some Elements papers or something, because I'm currently using Juicy brand Peaches and Cream and they are not holding up at all for this. I also will be purchasing a cheap cigarette roller.

I'm kind of just taking this step by step and finding out what works as I go along.

I would like to note here that the purpose of this venture is not to find a legal "high". I deal with a LOT of anxiety (panic disorder, socialphobia, agoraphobia, PTSD) and sometimes after working hard at managing this anxiety, I just want to be able to relax naturally. Take the edge off. I also know how difficult it is to quit smoking tobacco. How stressful. I think the right combo of herbs can take the stress out of cutting out tobacco, while giving the satisfaction of having a smoke. These blends are not meant for everyday usage. And I am giving no medical advice here.

As a matter of fact, it is not advised that anyone out there try these blends. You should never take new supplements or herbs without speaking to your medical provider. If you proceed with trying a blend mentioned in my blog, you do so at your own risk. I assume no responsibility.

Back to aforementioned blend - even without a base, this was immediately calming, with a very pleasant smoke. I think I would use this again if I am having a particularly stressfull day.

First Blend.

My herbs arrived today! First of all, this is not K2 or Spice or Incense or anything like that. I have chosen ONLY organic dried herbs by small business herbalists. I started with a big pinch of Mullein which I hand rubbed to fluff. Mullein is good for lung health, an easy smoke and it is fluffy which makes it a great base. Then I added a small pinch of scullcap, a tiny bit of clove flavored damiana and about 1-2 hand crushed blue lotus flowers. I added to this two drops of honey, and mixed it together thoroughly with a knife. I actually think a popsicle stick, or a bamboo skewer might be the best for mixing but I'm experimenting and I'll figure it out. 

This blend is very pretty pre honey mix. This I rolled this into a cigarette. The smoke is pleasant, light and just a tiny bit spicy. I had about 10-15 puffs total and the mild calming effects were pretty instant. I think that next I will try half Mullein, half Lobelia for the base. Lobelia has long been used as a tobacco alternative and actually has a chemical in it called "lobeline" which is the same shape as "nicotine" without the addictive properties. So, it can work as an awesome tobacco cessation smoke because your body thinks it is getting nicotine. 

Will upload photo soon.