Episode 219: Mullein, Smoke, and Harm Reduction with Lian Bruno

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Would you prefer watching or reading this episode? If so, click here for the Smokable Herbs video and transcript.

Episode Summary

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 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.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Lian Bruno + her plant path
• [5:44] How Lian became interested in smokable herbs
• [11:35] Why smoke herbs?
• [16:13] Benefits of mullein for smoking
• [23:32] Formulating smoke blends
• [29:57] The importance of slowing down and being present
• [32:55] Lung Lube: an After-Smoke Syrup recipe
• [38:57] Herbs for harm reduction in smoking
• [43:32] The making of Puff Herbals
• [56:15] Lian’s other herbal projects
• [1:05:46] How herbalism has surprised Lian
• [1:11:37] Student spotlight
• [1:12:57] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe!

Lung Lube is a cooling, moistening syrup created to soothe and restore the respiratory system after smoking. Formulated to counter the hot, drying nature of smoke, it offers both immediate relief and long-term support for lungs irritated by smoke or sickness.

Ingredients:

• 7 grams dried mullein leaf
• 7 grams dried marshmallow leaf
• 7 grams dried peppermint leaf & flower
• 7 grams dried thyme leaf & flower
• 7 grams dried calendula flower
• 7 grams dried plantain leaf
• About 3/4 cup raw honey
• 3 cups water
• 2 eight-ounce glass bottles, or 4 four-ounce bottles

Directions:

1. Combine all herbs and water in a sauce pot.
2. Brew a strong infusion/decoction by slowly simmering the herbs in the water until the water content reduces by about half, which may take an hour or more. Stir occasionally and prevent herbs from sticking to the sides of the pot as the water reduces. Keep an eye on it and make sure the water doesn't evaporate too much - if it does, add more water.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. While still warm, strain herbs through cheesecloth, fine sieve, or coffee filter into another pot or heat-safe container. Discard herbs.
4. Measure the remaining liquid and add an equal volume of raw honey. Add more honey if you want a thicker, sweeter syrup.
5. Stir until fully dissolved. If the mixture has become too cool for the honey to dissolve, cook on very low heat until honey is just combined.
6. Let cool and pour into a clean glass bottles. Label, date, and refrigerate.

Connect with Lian:

• Website | PuffHerbals.com
• Instagram | @puff.herbals and @liantheherbalist

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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