Herbal smoke is produced when herbs of any type are burned. The burning can be accomplished by placing herbs in a container that is safe for burning and lighting them with a match or other flame source.

Containers that can be used for producing herbal smoke include incense burners, water pipes, and regular tobacco smoking pipes, shallow containers that are meant to be used for burning substances or anything that will allow for safe combustion of the herbs and will let the smoke escape or be directed in a specific direction.

Again, any type of herb, when burned, can produce herbal smoke. However, for the purpose of this article, "herbal smoke" will pertain to that which is produced by burning herbs such as K2 smoke incense, Salvia Divinorum, Kratom, Entheogens or similar substances; in other words, "legal" herbs.

When used in this article, "legal" will mean those herbs that do not contain chemicals or ingredients that are considered by law enforcement agencies or legal authorities as falling into the category of "controlled substances". It does not mean that it is not against the law to use those herbs that were listed or similar herbs that do not contain controlled substances. Local and state laws differ; therefore, some areas may consider these as illicit or illegal substances. You will need to determine the legality of using such substances in your location before creating any type of herbal smoke.

Herbal smoke is but one way that the ingredients and chemicals in K2 incense, Salvia Divinorum, Kratom, Entheogens or similar substances that can produce herbal benefits are released. When the aromatic smoke is enjoyed, these ingredients and chemicals are taken into your body, and you experience different things depending on how your brain reacts to the herbal smoke.

Herbal smoke can be taken in through water pipes or "hookahs". These are devices that actually carry the smoke through water. When this occurs, the smoke is not as harsh on your throat, nose, and mucous membranes. Further, your mucous membranes remain moist, which can keep them from becoming irritated or feeling uncomfortable. All this makes for a more pleasurable smoking experience.

You can also take in herbal incense smoke through ordinary tobacco-smoking pipes. Some of these are made of certain types of wood which actually adds its own unique taste to the herbal smoke. Others have filters or other devices which again make taking in the smoke more pleasurable.

You can also make your own cigarettes by rolling the herbs in specially designed paper holders, commonly known as "cigarette papers". Some of these papers are "flavored"; that is, they are permeated with a mint, fruit, or spice extract. This adds additional flavor and a unique aroma to the herbal smoke.

You can also take pre-rolled cigarettes or small cigars, and either empty the existing tobacco or mix it with the herbs. Either way, the herbal smoke will still be created for your enjoyment.

Incense burners and braziers are also excellent ways of creating herbal smoke. When these are used, the smoke may be dissipated over a wider area, but you can prevent or diminish that by placing small barriers around the containers, but far enough away that they will not cause a fire hazard, so that the smoke is more confined. Some incense burners and braziers actually have smaller openings that allow the smoke to escape, but to a lesser extent so that it remains contained in or around one specific area.

A couple of cautionary statements need to be made here. The first one is to remember that producing or creating herbal smoke means that some of the tars and other chemicals that can be found in ordinary tobacco products may also be present, and you will be exposed to them through the herbal smoke.

Also remember to take care not to start a fire when burning herbal smoke. Make sure the area around the container being used is clear and the container itself is designed for burning purposes. Do not fall asleep while smoking cigarettes, cigars, or small pipes. Make sure that water pipes cannot be overturned, and make sure that all herbal substances being burned have been completely extinguished before leaving the smoking area.