A depressant (or sedative) is a psychoactive substance that reduces the activity of a certain part of the brain or body. Basically, like alcohol, it slows your reaction speed and lowers your attention. It can also produces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria.
Dried dagga flower is euphoric and slightly psychedelic. It gives its users a pleasant lightheaded high and relaxing calm feeling. It’s used frequently in herbal alternatives to marijuana because of the way that it causes users’ stomach and head to tingle.
Wild lettuce, also called ‘opium lettuce,’ is a painkiller and sedative similar to poppy, but with no risk of addiction. Teas made with wild lettuce relieves pain, cures cough, helps with asthma, alleviates headache, and helps with insomnia. It’s traditionally brewed into a thick, sweet tea that’s made with lemon juice and sugar — both ingredients which help to mask the bitter taste.
The dried leaves of white sage are typically used in smoking blends to improve mood. White sage promotes feelings of relaxation and also boosts memory. When smoked alone the flavor can be intense, so it is often mixed with mullein. White sage also helps to clear the throat, lungs, and sinuses of congestion.
Mullein is mildly relaxing, helps to promote calm feelings, and fights against anxiety. Typically mullein is added to smoking blends to reduce harshness. It burns slowly and steadily, with thick plumes of white smoke that’s soothing to the throat. Mullein can also be taken as a tea that promotes healthy digestion and reduces stomach discomfort.
The dried flowers and leaves of the damiana plant are commonly smoked as an aphrodisiac. It’s also a popular addition to smoking blends, since it has a flavor similar to marijuana. Native Americans traditionally brewed a relaxing tea with damiana, which also had powerful aphrodisiac effects.