Decoding the Safety: What Plants Are Safe to Smoke?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Lung Association, there is no such thing as "safe" smoking, as the combustion of any plant material creates and releases harmful toxins. This critical fact is the foundation for understanding the risks involved when asking what plants are safe to smoke.

Quick Summary

The short answer is that no plant is truly safe to smoke, as the process of combustion releases toxic chemicals and carcinogens, regardless of the plant's origin. While some herbal alternatives to tobacco exist, they still carry inherent respiratory and systemic health risks that should not be overlooked.

Key Points

No Safe Smoking: The combustion of any plant material, including herbs, produces harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide, making all smoking inherently unsafe.
Risks of Herbal Smoking: While often nicotine-free, herbal smoke still contains carcinogens and other irritants that can lead to lung damage, heart disease, and stroke over time.
Avoid Toxic Plants: Some plants, like poison ivy, are highly toxic when burned, and inhaling their smoke can cause severe, potentially fatal respiratory damage.
Smoke ≠ Ingestion: A plant that is safe to eat or drink as a tea is not necessarily safe to smoke, as combustion creates different chemical compounds.
Safer Alternatives: For those seeking therapeutic benefits, brewing teas or using vaporizers are significantly safer alternatives to smoking herbs, though consulting a doctor is always recommended.

The Inherent Dangers of Combustion

All smoking involves combustion, the process of burning organic material. When a plant is burned, it creates a chemical reaction that generates tar, carbon monoxide, and other harmful particulate matter. Inhaling these substances exposes the lungs to damage, irritants, and a variety of carcinogens, which can lead to serious health problems over time. Attributing safety to any smokable plant is inaccurate because the danger stems from the act of inhalation itself, not just the plant being burned. This is why even nicotine-free herbal cigarettes are not harmless and are linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Beyond Nicotine: A Range of Potential Harms

Many people mistakenly believe that avoiding tobacco and nicotine makes smoking herbs safe. However, herbal smoke contains its own mix of problematic compounds, some of which are only created during the burning process. For example, some studies have found that herbal cigarettes contain similar levels of tar and carbon monoxide as regular cigarettes. Furthermore, different herbs possess their own unique set of active constituents that can cause adverse reactions. Smoking is not the same as brewing tea, and a plant that is safe to consume orally can be toxic when burned and inhaled.

Common Herbal Alternatives and Their Associated Risks

For centuries, various plants have been used in ceremonial or medicinal contexts for their properties when smoked. While some people seek out these options, it's crucial to be aware of the associated risks.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Often used for its purported lung-soothing properties, it produces a thick, smooth smoke. However, despite its traditional use for respiratory ailments, inhaling any smoke is still an irritant to the lungs.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): Frequently used as a base for herbal smoking blends, it offers a milder smoke and is often praised as a tobacco substitute. Like all smoked materials, it still creates tar and carbon monoxide.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa): This herb is associated with mild euphoric and aphrodisiac effects. However, chronic use has been linked to liver inflammation.
Lavender (Lavandula): Prized for its calming aroma and relaxing effects, lavender can be smoked, but the resulting smoke can be harsh and irritating to the lungs.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies, it can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in some individuals, and the smoke itself poses respiratory risks.

Comparison of Common Herbal Smokes


Herb	Common Use/Reported Effect	Potential Risks	Additional Notes
Mullein	Lung support, base herb	Inhaling smoke is still an irritant; produces tar and carbon monoxide.	Traditionally used, but safety profile is compromised by combustion.
Raspberry Leaf	Tobacco substitute, mild base	All combustion byproducts present; not truly "safe" to inhale.	Can balance harshness in herbal blends.
Damiana	Mild euphoria, aphrodisiac	Long-term use linked to liver inflammation and other systemic issues.	Psychoactive effects vary depending on the dosage.
Lavender	Calming, relaxing aroma	Harsh smoke can irritate the lungs; combustion byproducts.	Use in aromatherapy (not combustion) is a much safer option.
Clove	Flavoring agent, fragrance	Severe respiratory issues, including pulmonary edema, have been reported.	Very high-risk option for smoking.

Highly Toxic Plants to Avoid Smoking

Some plants are not just unsafe but outright toxic when smoked. For instance, the smoke from burning poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac contains urushiol, the same irritant that causes skin rashes. Inhaling this smoke can cause the rash to appear on the lining of the lungs, leading to extreme pain and potentially fatal respiratory difficulty. Additionally, plants like deadly nightshade or oleander contain highly toxic compounds and should never be smoked or ingested. Always correctly identify any plant before considering its use.

Vaping and Other Alternatives to Smoking

For those interested in the therapeutic properties of herbs, smoking is the riskiest method of delivery. Safer alternatives exist, such as brewing a tea, using a tincture, or employing a dry herb vaporizer. Vaping heats the herb to a temperature that releases its active compounds as a vapor without combustion, significantly reducing the harmful byproducts like tar and carbon monoxide. However, it is not without risks and the long-term health effects are still being studied. For those looking for support in quitting smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other medically-backed options are the safest choices.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Health Over Tradition

Ultimately, the question of what plants are safe to smoke has a clear and medically-supported answer: none. While some herbs may offer traditional or perceived benefits, the process of combustion fundamentally makes their inhalation an unhealthy practice. The presence of tar, carbon monoxide, and other carcinogens is universal to all forms of smoking, whether it is tobacco, cannabis, or herbal blends. Before considering any form of smoking, consult with a healthcare provider to understand the full spectrum of health risks involved. For a deeper understanding of smoking's impact on respiratory health, visit the official American Lung Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, smoking dried lavender is not truly safe. While lavender is known for its calming properties when used in aromatherapy or tea, burning and inhaling it releases harmful combustion byproducts. The smoke can be harsh on the lungs and carries inherent risks associated with all forms of smoking.

Herbal cigarettes are not a safe alternative to tobacco. Despite being nicotine-free, they still contain tar, carbon monoxide, and other carcinogens produced by combustion. Research indicates they can increase the risk of serious health issues, including heart disease and cancer.

Inhaling smoke from burning poison ivy is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The smoke carries urushiol, the toxin that causes the allergic rash. When inhaled, it can cause a severe rash inside the lungs and airways, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially a medical emergency.

Vaping is generally considered a less harmful alternative to smoking, as it heats the herb to produce a vapor without combustion, reducing the production of tar and carbon monoxide. However, it is not risk-free, and the long-term health effects of vaping herbs are still being studied.

While some herbs like Blue Lotus or Damiana are reported to have mild psychoactive or euphoric effects, others like Devil's Trumpet (Datura) are powerful mind-altering and toxic drugs. It is extremely dangerous to smoke unidentified or toxic plants, and even mild ones carry health risks from combustion.

Mullein is often used traditionally for respiratory support, but this is typically in the form of a tea. When mullein is burned, it creates smoke that irritates the lungs, which is counterproductive to its traditional use. The combustion process overrides any potential benefits.

The safest ways to consume herbs for relaxation are non-combustion methods, such as brewing a tea or using a tincture. For example, chamomile tea and lavender aromatherapy are safe, time-tested methods for promoting calm. Always ensure the herb is safe for oral or topical use before consuming.