https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/c0a63117-57ca-4e4c-9a1f-3b42cf71a3a8 Isn’t smoking bad for you? Yes…but the conversation around smokable herbs may be more nuanced than you think. In this episode, I’m joined by herbalist and founder of Puff Herbals, Lian Bruno, for a grounded, thoughtful conversation about smokable herbs—especially mullein (Verbascum spp.). While many herbalists shy away from this topic, Lian approaches it through a lens of harm reduction, compassion, and what she calls “holistic hedonism.” LIan explores why mullein has long been used in smoking blends, how formulation dramatically changes the smoking experience, and why all-or-nothing thinking can make conversations about smoking harder, not safer. This episode isn’t a blanket endorsement of smoking, nor is it a how-to guide. Instead, it’s an invitation into nuance: understanding energetics, honoring ritual, and supporting people exactly where they are. During our conversation, Lian shares her recipe for Lung Lube, a syrup that offers both immediate relief and long-term support for lungs irritated by smoke or sickness. You can download your beautifully-illustrated recipe card from the resource section below. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Four reasons mullein is considered a classic smokable herb ► Why mullein should rarely be smoked alone (and what to pair it with) ► How smokable herbs can serve as a bridge for reducing nicotine or cannabis use ► How to formulate a smoking blend with intention, matching plant energetics to your desired effect ► Eighteen examples of smokable herbs—and the reasons you might include them in a smoking blend ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Lian Bruno is a clinically-trained herbalist, holistic health educator, writer, and founder of Puff Herbals — a brand redefining smoking rituals with tobacco-free, cannabis-free herbal alternatives. With a background in ethnobotany, she blends science, storytelling, and subculture into smoking blends designed for modern rituals. Rooted in harm reduction and what she calls holistic hedonism, Puff Herbals makes herbalism approachable for anyone looking to light up — from the sober-curious and wellness-obsessed to skeptics and smokers looking to quit or cut back. Whether or not you ever work with smokable herbs, I hope this conversation encourages curiosity over judgment and reminds you that herbalism is ultimately about relationship — with plants, with our bodies, and with one another. -- RESOURCES -- ► Get your free, downloadable recipe card, plus herbal goodies every Wednesday when you sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PM1Y9P ► Access the transcript for this episode here: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/smokable-herbs.html ► Lian’s website: https://puffherbals.com/ ► Lian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puff.herbals/ and https://www.instagram.com/liantheherbalist/ ► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Click here to check them out: https://bit.ly/3ms3vQ2. You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: https://bit.ly/3NRQq0U -- DISCLOSURE -- I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary. By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks! -- TIMESTAMPS -- 0:25 - Intro to Lian Bruno + her plant path 05:15 - How Lian became interested in smokable herbs 11:25 - Why smoke herbs? 16:15 - Benefits of mullein for smoking 23:48 - Formulating smoke blends 30:34 - The importance of slowing down and being present 33:38 - Lung Lube: an After-Smoke Syrup recipe 40:02 - Herbs for harm reduction in smoking 44:46 - The making of Puff Herbals 58:10 - Lian’s other herbal projects 1:08:27 - How herbalism has surprised Lian 1:14:25 - Student spotlight 1:15:44 - Herbal tidbit -- SWEATER PATTERN -- Yes, I did knit my sweater! Pattern is: Love Note by Tin Can Knits -- DISCLAIMER -- The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:43:54 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/c0a63117-57ca-4e4c-9a1f-3b42cf71a3a8 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.