When we hear the word “herb,” many folks often think of hemp and cannabis by default. However, even heavy consumers are often unaware that there is a wide world of herbal smoking options beyond Mary Jane that a number of smokers embrace alongside their cannabis and hemp use.
These herbs carry their own terpene profiles and a host of potential benefits. Among these herbal alternatives is rosemary, a distinct offering known for its fragrant lavender, chamomile and piney attributes.
But can you smoke rosemary? If you’re thinking about expanding your smoking experience, we’ve got everything you need to know about the acclaimed herb right here.
Key Takeaways
- Rosemary has been embraced throughout history for its robust flavor profile and host of potential benefits.
- Rosemary is generally safe to smoke but should be used in moderation, like any other smokable herb or substance.
- Research is still limited, but available studies and anecdotal evidence show that rosemary carries a number of unique potential benefits, likely tied to its plentiful terpenes and compounds.
- Many consumers embrace rosemary by itself, though it can also be added to other herbs as part of a blend or to cannabis or hemp.
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary comes from the Mediterranean and shares the same plant family as mint and sage. It has a distinct flavor profile, with hints of pine, pepper, mint, lemon and wood, which has made it a kitchen staple for decades — not to mention that it’s a great source of iron, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants.
Historically, rosemary has also been embraced to combat indigestion and improve mood, immunity, and memory.
Is Smoking Rosemary Bad For You?
There are still limited studies surrounding the smoking of herbs like rosemary, but folks around the globe have already taken a liking to the plant as a smokable option.
Generally, it’s safe to smoke rosemary, but like anything else, it’s important to avoid overdoing it. But smoking the herb is pretty on par with smoking cannabis or hemp.
Like cannabis, or any other product, sourcing is important. Namely, consumers should ensure that rosemary, and any other smokable herbs, are sourced from reliable distributors and free of pesticides and other toxins. Buying organic, food-grade herbs from safe and quality sellers is always the best bet.
Benefits of Smoking Rosemary
As herbal options are often brought up in conjunction with cannabis and hemp, it may prompt the question, “Does rosemary get you high?” Unlike THC, the common compound found in cannabis, rosemary is not psychoactive. So no, it will not get you high.
But that’s not to say that rosemary doesn’t have a number of its own potential benefits. There is still limited evidence for us to truly understand what rosemary has to offer in smokable form, though anecdotal evidence from users helps to paint a picture. Many rosemary smokers claim that it helps them to feel relaxed and uplifted.
Though many of the potential benefits of rosemary likely stem from the herb’s diverse terpene profile. Of course, the flavor alone is a benefit, but terpenes have been shown to offer a number of specific effects on their own alongside some of the herb’s other compounds.
Effects Of Smoking Rosemary
Memory Enhancement
Rosemary is sometimes dubbed the “remembrance herb,” tied to spiritual practices, but the name doesn’t lie. Research has found that the herb’s aroma is associated with improved concentration, speed, and accuracy of thinking.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Rosemary is high in beta-caryophyllene, known for its anti-inflammatory effects. So rosemary may in fact help your body to improve blood circulation and minimize pain perceptions.
Neurological Protection
Research has also found that rosemary may have a number of neurological benefits. The herb contains carnosic acid, which has the potential to fight free radicals in the brain and could also aid in recovery.
Promoting Eye Health
Carnosic acid can also help to promote eye health, and research has found that rosemary may help treat diseases associated with the outer retina.
How to Smoke Rosemary at Home
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are a few things to consider before lighting up some rosemary:
- Fresh rosemary won’t cut it. Only dry herbs should be smoked. If you’re working with fresh rosemary, tie the sprigs into a bundle and hand them upside-down in a ventilated area. You’ll have to plan ahead, as the herb can take up to two to four weeks to completely dry. Smoking rosemary that has yet to properly dry will ultimately lead to a harsh, uneven smoke.
- Once you have dry rosemary, you should grind it up just as you do with weed or hemp flower — not powdery, just consistently ground up to burn slowly and evenly.
- You can smoke rosemary by itself, but many consumers like to mix it with a blend of other herbs, like mullein, rose, lavender, chamomile, and sage.
- Whether it be with a pipe, joint, or even a dry vaporizer, you can now get to smoking! If you’re brand new to smoking rosemary, like anything else you should start slow and see how you feel. This is especially relevant when adding it to cannabis, as some users find it slightly alters the effects.
Can You Smoke Rosemary with Weed?
Yes! And many consumers do.
Rosemary, and other smokable herbs, often add a nice, refreshing flavor profile to whatever strain you’re smoking and can also help to create a more well-rounded smoking experience — combining the potential benefits of all herbs (psychoactive or otherwise).
Smoking Rosemary Leaves: Final Thoughts
Herbs can be a great way to amp up your typical smoking routine, or even a great substitute for some folks looking to step back from smoking tobacco or cannabis. Rosemary has been enjoyed throughout history and is a great place to start for anyone looking to expand their repertoire!
References
Compound found in rosemary protects against macular degeneration in laboratory model. November 27, 2012. EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/831584
Moss, M., & Oliver, L. (2012). Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2(3), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125312436573
Seyedemadi, P., Rahnema, M., Bigdeli, M. R., Oryan, S., & Rafati, H. (2016). The Neuroprotective Effect of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Hydro-alcoholic Extract on Cerebral Ischemic Tolerance in Experimental Stroke. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 15(4), 875–883. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28243285/
Varga, Z. V., Matyas, C., Erdelyi, K., Cinar, R., Nieri, D., Chicca, A., Nemeth, B. T., Paloczi, J., Lajtos, T., Corey, L., Hasko, G., Gao, B., Kunos, G., Gertsch, J., & Pacher, P. (2017). β-Caryophyllene protects against alcoholic steatohepatitis by attenuating inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in mice. British Journal of Pharmacology, 175(2), 320–334. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13722
The information provided in this blog and by this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be professional medical advice, a medical diagnosis, or medical treatment. Please consult your health practitioner with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.