Herbal cigarettes in NZ: what they are, why people switch, and how to choose
Quick answer: Herbal cigarettes are a tobacco-free, nicotine-free alternative that lets you keep the familiar smoking ritual while swapping away from tobacco. Our Honeyrose-style blend focuses on a smoother, more enjoyable smoke experience using marshmallow leaves, red clover flowers, rose petals, plus honey and fruit juices for a naturally mellow flavour profile. Herbal cigarettes still create smoke when burned, so they are not risk-free, but they can be a positive step for people who want to reduce tobacco and nicotine while keeping the ritual.
Herbal cigarettes and herbal smoking blends are becoming more popular in New Zealand because they offer a simple switch: no tobacco and no nicotine, with the same roll-and-light routine many smokers find hardest to quit. The key difference between products is the blend. Some brands use herbs like mullein or damiana, but we believe our ingredient approach is the most enjoyable and well-rounded among common blends because it is designed for smoothness, aroma, and taste rather than harshness.
If you are exploring tobacco-free options, start with our Smoking alternatives collection. If you want a simple bundle to support a quit attempt, see Quit Smoke Pack.
What are herbal cigarettes?
Herbal cigarettes are rolled smoking products made from dried herbs rather than tobacco. Many are sold as nicotine-free. Some are made to look like regular cigarettes, while others are loose herbal smoking mixes used in a pipe or roll-your-own style.
Common herbs used in herbal cigarettes
- mullein
- damiana
- marshmallow leaf
- clover flowers
- mint and other aromatics
- rose and other botanicals for aroma
Exact blends vary a lot between brands. If you want the best experience, choose products with clear ingredient lists and a blend that matches your preference for smoothness and flavour.
Why our ingredients stand out
Many herbal blends focus on intensity. We focus on a smoother, more pleasant swap from tobacco, with ingredients chosen for their gentle feel and naturally aromatic profile. Our basic blend is made of:
- Marshmallow leaves: widely used in herbal smoking mixes because they are light and help create a smoother, less sharp smoke feel for many people
- Red clover flowers: adds a mild, floral body and helps round out the blend
- Rose petals: brings a soft aroma and a more enjoyable, botanical finish
- Honey: contributes to a mellow flavour profile and helps the blend feel less dry
- Fruit juices: used for a gentle sweetness and a more approachable taste, especially for people switching from tobacco
Some brands use mullein or damiana. Those can be found in the wider market, but our view is that a smoother, better-tasting blend is what helps most people actually stick with the switch. That is why we back marshmallow leaves, red clover flowers, rose petals, honey, and fruit juices as our favourite combination among the most common ingredients.
Are herbal cigarettes nicotine-free?
Most herbal cigarettes are designed to be nicotine-free because they do not contain tobacco. For many people, this is the biggest reason to switch: you can keep the ritual while stepping away from nicotine. That said, nicotine-free does not automatically mean harmless. Smoke is still smoke, and your lungs can still be irritated by inhaling hot combustion particles.
Are herbal cigarettes safer than tobacco cigarettes?
Herbal cigarettes remove tobacco and nicotine, which are the key drivers of dependence for many smokers. That can make them a practical swap for people who want to reduce tobacco use and gradually change their habits. However, burning plant matter still produces tar, carbon monoxide, and fine particles. If you are making a switch for wellbeing, the biggest improvement usually comes from reducing tobacco and reducing how much smoke you inhale overall.
For many people, herbal cigarettes are a positive step because they help you replace tobacco cigarettes in the moments you smoke from habit, boredom, or social routine. That is often where change starts.
Why people switch to herbal cigarettes
- Tobacco-free swap: keep the familiar routine without tobacco
- Nicotine-free routine: reduce reliance on nicotine while keeping the hand-to-mouth ritual
- Social option: something to hold in social settings without tobacco
- Flavour and aroma: a botanical taste that many people find more pleasant than tobacco
In our experience, the ritual is often the sticky part. A blend that tastes good and feels smoother can make the switch feel easier, which is exactly why our ingredient selection matters.
How to get the best experience from herbal cigarettes
1) Use them as a planned swap
If you are currently smoking tobacco, start by replacing the easiest cigarettes first, like the ones after meals or during a drive. Many people do well by swapping 1 to 3 cigarettes per day at first, then increasing the swap over time.
2) Choose the blend that matches your taste
If harshness puts you off, choose a blend designed for smoothness and aroma. Our marshmallow leaf, red clover, and rose petal base, finished with honey and fruit juices, is built for a mellow, approachable flavour profile.
3) Keep it consistent
Switching is easier when your product is consistent. Changing blends every few days can make the experience unpredictable, especially when you are trying to replace tobacco habits.
Smarter support if your goal is quitting tobacco
If your goal is quitting tobacco completely, support increases your odds of success. In NZ, Quitline and health professionals can help you build a plan that suits your routine and triggers. Many people also use herbal cigarettes or herbal mixes as a ritual swap while they reduce tobacco.
- Quit coaching: accountability and tools for cravings
- Nicotine replacement therapy: patches, gum, lozenges, when appropriate and guided
- Ritual swaps: deep breathing, a short walk, gum, or a warm drink
If you want tobacco-free smoking mixes as a transitional option, browse smoking alternatives, or consider a simpler support approach with Quit Smoke Withdrawal Spray. For people who prefer a herbal mix format, Honeyrose Mixed Herb Smoking Mix is a popular style of product.
Legal and practical notes for NZ
Rules can change, and products can be marketed in confusing ways. If you are unsure whether a product is compliant or appropriate, we recommend checking labels carefully and asking a pharmacist or health professional if you have health concerns. If you are under 18, avoid smoking products entirely.
FAQs
What are herbal cigarettes made of?
Herbal cigarettes are typically made from dried herbs and botanicals. Our blend focuses on marshmallow leaves, red clover flowers, and rose petals, with honey and fruit juices for a mellow flavour profile. Blends vary by brand, so check for a full ingredient list.
Do herbal cigarettes contain nicotine?
Most herbal cigarettes are nicotine-free because they do not contain tobacco. This makes them appealing for people who want to keep the ritual while stepping away from nicotine.
Are herbal cigarettes better than normal cigarettes?
They remove tobacco and nicotine, which many people see as a meaningful step when switching away from regular cigarettes. However, inhaling smoke still has downsides, so many people use herbal cigarettes as a swap tool while they reduce tobacco and reduce overall smoke exposure.
Can herbal cigarettes help you quit smoking?
They can help some people by replacing the ritual and making it easier to reduce tobacco cigarettes, especially in social or habitual moments. For best results, combine the swap with a plan and support, such as coaching or clinician-approved nicotine replacement when appropriate.
Are herbal cigarettes bad for your lungs?
Any inhaled smoke can irritate airways and may worsen symptoms for people with asthma or chronic cough. If you notice wheeze, tightness, or ongoing cough, stop and seek medical advice.
What is a good alternative to tobacco cigarettes?
If you want to move away from tobacco, herbal cigarettes can be a tobacco-free, nicotine-free swap that keeps the ritual. If your goal is quitting completely, consider Quitline support, nicotine replacement if appropriate, and ritual swaps like walking or breathing exercises.
Next steps
- Shop smoking alternatives
- Browse quit smoking supports
- Quit Smoke Pack
- Quit Smoke Withdrawal Spray
- Honeyrose Mixed Herb Smoking Mix
- Herbal cigarettes benefits
- Herbal cigarettes side effects
- How to take herbal cigarettes
- Herbal cigarettes dosage
- Does herbal cigarettes work?
- Tobacco free cigarettes guide