Pipe Smoke

[Hanshi]

I know that tobacco is a native American product and was used to smoke by at least the nations who grew it.  But what about others such as the plains tribes?  What else was used in peace pipes besides tobacco?

[cb]

In the west the inner bark of red willow (red dogwood osier) was/is a common additive.

[Riley/MN]

Crushed dried sumac leaves, bearberry - google kinnikinnick

[Hanshi]

Thanks for the info.  I knew it wouldn't all be Cherry Blend or Lamplighter as the plains aren't famous for tobacco growing.  Any other info is appreciated.

[cb]

Actually there was tobacco grown in the west in several areas by various tribes such as the Crow - one type is local to the Rocky Mtns and foothills and is known in the SW as punche..in fact I've got some seeds of a couple different types grown in the west and Great Lakes area, courtesy of a friend, that I will be planting this year...

[Hanshi]

Now that's interesting information.  Wonder if they ever got around to cultivating hemp for fiber or smoke?

[cb]

Hemp is an imported plant originally from the Middle East and as far as I know does not show up in the west until the late 1800's. Nettles and other plant fibers were in use out here though even before the arrival of the Euros..

[hawkthrower]

Hanshi,

look up nicotinia - there are spices all over the continent and most were used in the areas where they were native. Most were also blended to the taste of the local with other things.