People have been using a wide variety of herbs for centuries to improve their health and enjoy a more relaxing experience. Chamomile is an herb commonly consumed as a tea due to its sleep-enhancing, anxiety-reducing, and antispasmodic properties. Recently, a new trend has emerged that involves smoking chamomile for a relaxation experience. While chamomile is safe to smoke as long as it’s organic, the practice has not been extensively researched and may pose some potential risks.
While chamomile is generally considered safe, those with sensitive immune systems should avoid consuming it. It’s also possible for some people to develop an allergic reaction to chamomile when smoked. The vapors that are produced during the combustion of the herb can also lead to respiratory irritation, including coughing and wheezing.
Chamomile is a great addition to any herbal smoke blend because it calms the nerves and relaxes the mind. It also soothes the digestive tract, eliminating symptoms like indigestion and menstrual cramps. Chamomile has a special affinity for the pit of the stomach, where feelings of worry and nervousness can manifest as a “knot in the gut.” The calming action can untie these knots to alleviate emotional upset.
The positives of chamomile smoke are that it is organic and free from any additives or chemicals. It can also be a more effective method of absorbing the herb’s therapeutic properties because it enters the body more quickly than drinking the herbal tea. The negatives are that inhaling smoke from any burning substance is harmful to the lungs. Smoking causes small particles to stick in the lungs, which over time will cause scarring and deteriorate lung function.