Petal smoking
History
For the longest time smoking the dried paste of incense flowers were smoked as a medicine. It is an effective painkiller and relaxant that is used to treat cramping, migraines and chest problems. Smoking it as recreation only came naturally as a means of taking the edge off. Incense smoking has become a time honoured tradition of the Cruthi. The substance brings feelings of relief and calm to the person who smokes it. Thus it is highly valued in the harsh, dangerous land of Chiora.
Execution
Incense paste is packed loosely into the pipe and dusted with powdered incense to help the fire spread. The wooden stick is lit from the hearth which is then used to light the incense by opening a small latch to a hole at the bottom and hovering the flame beneath it until it catches light. The latch is closed and is left until smoke is seen coming out of the pipe chamber before the person starts inhaling.
Components and tools
All you need is a pipe, some ismoking paste and a thin wooden stick to take fire from the hearth which is where the fire should come from.
Observance
It is still used as a medicine but most Cruthi have personal incense pipes in the home and smoking it before bed is quite common. It is traditionally smoked by a Shaman after a ritual of possession in order to soothe the body post possession. The drug is also smoked after a funeral to help the berived remember the good times they had with the dead. One of the more interesting ways it is used is to avoid disputes from turning violent. Oft times if it looks as though fists will start flying those responsible will bw pulled aside to inhale the smoke and have a breather with the hope of the brawl being avoided. However it is widely enjoyed at celibrations too. More expensive incense pastes and pipes are tradittionally given as gifts to newly-weds and is smoked at feasts and festivals to loosen one up.
Nice touch that it is used to prevent fighting!