Best Natural (Vape) Herbs For Relaxation

Luke Sholl

Veteran Cannabis Journalist & CBD Expert

Luke Sholl

Last updated: July 6, 2023

To enjoy some nice chill time at the end of the day, you don't always need a joint or a glass of wine. There are many herbs that can be used in a vaporizer or brewed into a tea to experience a relaxing and soothing effect. Some of these herbs even induce a mild euphoria that can lift your mood.

TOP 10 NATURAL HERBS FOR RELAXATION

Let us take a look at 10 natural herbs with relaxing properties, along with the recommended ways to take them.

CHAMOMILE

Chamomile has been used as an herbal tea and a topical application since before the rise of ancient Egypt. It is a true all-rounder herb that, thanks to the vast amount of compounds it contains, provides many beneficial effects.

Vaping chamomile is particularly effective as it releases these compounds directly into the bloodstream. The soothing effect of chamomile makes it particularly helpful in high-stress situations. Vaping chamomile stimulates a chemical in the body that relaxes nerves and muscles. It also increases levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which plays a part in promoting relaxation. Vaping chamomile before vaping other herbs is thought to increase the overall effectiveness of both.

Dried chamomile flowers should first be broken down with the fingers prior to a quick grind. The dried flower heads vaporize best between 175–200°C.

Suitable for: Vaping, tea, capsules

HOPS

Those after-work beers are so relaxing partly thanks to hops. But even if you don't drink alcohol, you can still take advantage of this quality by vaporizing dried hops.

Hops contain a plethora of beneficial compounds, including myrcene and humulene, which are the prominent terpenes responsible for the characteristic hops aroma. Moreover, these terpenes are believed to have relaxing properties, and they may even potentiate the effects of cannabis.

When vaping hops, you can immediately sense feelings of drowsiness and mild euphoria take hold. In higher doses, hops may have a hypnotic and slightly psychedelic effect that promotes a deep state of ease.

As the oils of hops are held deep inside the hop cone, grind well to ensure these essential compounds are released. Hops are best vaped at 150–175°C.

Suitable for: Vaping, tea, capsules

BLUE & WHITE LOTUS

Depicted in ancient Egyptian stone carvings and paintings, blue and white lotus have been used as intoxicants for thousands of years. The two flowers are closely related, and both have a relaxing and hypnotic effect.

Users of these herbs report euphoric effects initially comparable to a caffeine or nicotine rush. These effects create a shift in mood to a more positive state, making regular activities more pleasurable and satisfying. Blue lotus has a deeply relaxing mental and physical effect that can wash away the irritations of the day.

To best experience the effects of white and blue lotus, vape the flowers between 100–125°C. Make sure to break them up well before grinding, as they are very stringy.

Suitable for: Vaping, tea, capsules

PASSIONFLOWER

Passionflower has a long history of use in Native American cultures. Known for its relaxing effects, passionflower is grown throughout the American continent.

Vaping dried passionflower liberates a host of beneficial compounds. The terpene chrysin is thought to be responsible for the flower’s effects on the body. Passionflower also contains alkaloids that play a large role in the effect of ayahuasca. In low concentrations, as with passionflower, they promote a general sense of well-being.

Passionflower is quite tough when dried and will need to be ground well before vaping. The flowers may need to be untangled from the grinder blades and given a second round to break them down sufficiently. Adjust your vaporizer to 100–150°C to enjoy the relaxing effects of passionflower.

Suitable for: Vaping, tea, capsules

LAVENDER

Lavender enjoys global renown as a fragrance. It also contains beneficial compounds that can be vaporized for relaxation. Traditionally, inhaling the aroma from sprigs of lavender was used to ease the mind, or they were placed under pillows to promote deep sleep.

The terpene linalool is what gives lavender its distinctive bouquet; it’s also the main active compound. Linalool stimulates several biological systems in humans and is crucial in the production of vitamin E. When you vape lavender or prepare a tea from it, it produces a deep sense of well-being and relaxation.

Vaping lavender is a delicious experience, with an immediate onset of effects. Lavender is best vaporized between 125–150°C.

Suitable for: Vaping, tea

WILD LETTUCE

In the past, wild lettuce was used when opium wasn't available. This might give you an idea about the relaxing properties of this plant, which is indeed related to common lettuce.

The volatile compounds in wild lettuce are members of the opiate family. When vaped, wild lettuce has a powerful relaxing effect and promotes a deep sense of comfort. Consumed in large quantities, wild lettuce has a psychedelic effect. The soothing properties can be felt immediately as a subtle wave of relaxation eases your mind and body.

A vaping temperature of 125–150°C is all that’s needed to appreciate the relaxing benefits. It easily breaks apart and only requires a mild grind (to avoid powdering).

Suitable for: Vaping, tea, capsules

CATNIP

Catnip, or catmint, may make our feline friends do backflips, but it makes humans slough off the worries of the day and fully relax. In fact, catnip is well-known as a beneficial herb for humans.

What attracts your cat to catnip is an aromatic substance in its essential oil called nepetalactone. In humans, this compound is thought to be responsible for the relaxing effects. Although catnip will most likely help you chill out and find a good night’s rest, it can also produce a mild euphoria when taken in higher doses.

Catnip can be taken via tincture, juice, and tea; it’s sometimes even vaped. Vaporizing works faster than oral consumption. Catnip grinds easily and should be vaporized at 100–150°C.

Suitable for: Vaping, tea, capsules

KRATOM

Kratom is a popular herb with both energising and relaxing effects, depending on the dose and the type of leaf you get. In some parts of the world, it is often used by workers in laborious or monotonous professions. In low doses, it makes one feel alert, social, happy, and upbeat. When taken in higher doses, kratom has the exact opposite effect—it puts you in a deeply relaxing, dreamlike state.

Although it is possible to vape kratom, it is thought to be much more effective when ingested. The easiest way to take it is to get kratom in powder form and make a tea from it. A starting point is to use 1–2 grams for a mild dose and 6–9 grams for a strong dose. You can also consume kratom the traditional way, by chewing on kratom leaves. If you want to vape kratom make sure to use the leaves or extract powder. The recommended temperature is between 175–200°C.

Suitable for: Tea, chewing (leaves), vaping

MULUNGU

Mulungu originates from the rainforests of Brazil and Peru. Extracts from the bark of the mulungu tree have been used for centuries for their soothing properties. Mulungu also contains natural antioxidants that provide a host of other benefits.

Mulungu isn’t thought to be that effective when vaporized, but you can make a tea from it or consume it in powder or capsule form. To make a mulungu tea, put two heaping teaspoons of mulungu into 250ml of boiling water. Cover and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Afterwards, let the mix cool down, strain, and enjoy!

If you decide to vape mulungu anyway, you won't need as much material as for the tea. Keep in mind that the effects can differ from the consumption method above. The ideal vaping temperature for mulungu would be between 175–200°C.

Suitable for: Tea, capsules, vaping

SKULLCAP

Skullcap got its name from its unique skull-shaped flowers. The plant has been used for over 200 years as a natural way to chill the nerves. In addition to its relaxing effect, skullcap also produces a mild high when consumed.

Skullcap is available in many forms. You can find skullcap leaf powder, tinctures, capsules, and more. Although you could vaporize skullcap, it is more effective when made into a tea. Add about one teaspoon (2g) of ground skullcap leaf into a cup and brew with boiling water. Cover, let steep for about 10–30 minutes, then strain before drinking.

Suitable for: Tea, capsules

VAPING HERBS FOR RELAXATION — CONCLUSION

Vaping organic herbs for relaxation complements your mental and physical well-being. You don’t need to turn to synthetic substances to kick back and relax at the end of the day; Mother Nature has you covered with a bounty of options!