Mixing herbs with cannabis is an ancient practice that has been gaining a new interpretation over time. According to the El Planteo website, by creating synergy between plants, the idea is to enhance benefits or modulate the effects of cannabis, without forgetting that any type of smoking involves health risks. 

But of course, the notion of "respecting the power of plants" goes beyond a trend, it is supported by the science of botanical synergy. A review article from the Society of Cannabis Clinicians on combining cannabis with other herbs shows that the effectiveness of many plant preparations does not depend on a single compound, but on the interaction between their various components.

According to the study, "some secondary metabolites of a plant extract can interact synergistically, enhancing their bioactivities." This is the central principle of the so-called "ancestral look": the idea that the total effect of a plant results from the interaction between its compounds — such as cannabinoids and terpenes — and that this synergy can be enhanced by combining it with other species with complementary profiles. Below is a list of herbs that interact with cannabis. 

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Effect: calming, relaxing, and mildly sedative.
Why it combines: it contains linalool, the same terpene present in some cannabis varieties, promoting a floral aroma and a feeling of tranquility.
Cautions: avoid excess, the flavor is strong and can cause drowsiness.

2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Effect: soothes tension and aids digestion.
Why it combines: it is a herb of "well-being," which harmonizes with more stimulating strains, balancing the experience.
Cautions: individuals allergic to the daisy family should avoid use.

3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Effect: antispasmodic, stress reducer, and cortisol regulator.
Why it combines: its sweet and mentholated flavor brings freshness to the mix and helps clear the airways.
Cautions: use well-dried leaves; excess essential oil can irritate mucous membranes.

4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Effect: adaptogenic, helps the body deal with stress and fatigue.
Why it combines: it softens the mental agitation caused by some more potent strains.
Cautions: not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with hyperthyroidism.

5. Blue Lotus Flower (Nymphaea caerulea)
Effect: relaxing and mildly euphoric.
Why it combines: it adds a mystical touch to the mix, amplifying the sensation of lightness and introspection.
Cautions: effects vary greatly, it is ideal to start with small amounts.

6. Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Effect: aphrodisiac, anxiolytic, and natural antidepressant.
Why it combines: it adds a sweet and earthy tone, with a looser body sensation.
Cautions: may interact with diabetes and blood pressure medications.

7. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Effect: refreshing and mildly stimulating.
Why it combines: it softens the intense taste of cannabis and facilitates breathing.
Cautions: menthol can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

8. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Effect: natural anxiolytic.
Why it combines: it helps induce a state of calm without heavy drowsiness, ideal for balancing sativa strains.
Cautions: may enhance the effects of sedative medications.

9. Rose (Rosa spp.)
Effect: harmonizing and emotionally comforting.
Why it combines: it provides a soft and floral aroma, reducing the bitterness of cannabis.
Cautions: prefer organic petals, free of pesticides.

10. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Effect: energizing, anti-inflammatory, and digestive.
Why it combines: it adds spiciness and can alleviate any nausea caused by smoking.
Cautions: in excess, it can irritate the throat.

According to the El Planteo website, each combination should be made consciously, gradually testing the proportion between the herbs. The ideal is to start with 75% cannabis and 25% of the complementary herb, observing the effects on the body and mood.
More than a trend, this practice carries an ancestral perspective: that of respecting the power of plants and the body itself.
 

With information from El.Planteo.