Health Watch (Herbal Cigarettes)

  Herbal Fags or Traditional Tobacco — Just Kick the Butt!

World No Tobacco Day was observed last Saturday, May 31. Though herbal cigarettes are considered a healthier option against tobacco-infused fags with high nicotine content, lung experts debunk this misconception.

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BY PRAMITA BOSE

Did you say no to smoking on the recently commemorated Anti-Tobacco Day? At a time when pure air is scarcely available to inhale oxygen, thanks to environmental pollution, addiction to smoking is like then dealing a double blow to one’s health and longevity. Whichever way cloudy fumes of toxic smoke enter our lung passages or airways, the same could cause harm and sometimes irreversible damage. So, kicking the butt seems the only safe solution.

Toxic Outflow

It is alleged that herbal cigarettes despite claiming to be natural and organic produce harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide when smoked, which in turn, could jeopardise human health. “These chemicals can build up in your body, inducing breathing difficulties, inflammation and an increased risk of serious health problems down the line,” warns Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru, head and senior consultant, pulmonology and sleep medicine, Artemis Hospitals.

Noxious Content

As per statutory alert, smoking is injurious to health and can even cause cancer. That’s why many ask if huffing a puff of herbal cigarette smoke can also result in cancer or not.

Admitting that smoke from herbal cigarettes does induce cancer, pulmonologist Dr Jeenam Shah of Wockhardt Hospital from Mumbai Central, deduces that “combustion of any organic material radiates carcinogenic chemicals, such as PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), formaldehyde, benzene, etc. These chemicals are capable of promoting cancer cells, particularly in the lungs, throat and the mouth.”

Organic Matter

Herbal cigarettes comprise herbs, flowers and other plant-based components. They are crafted out of a blend of dried greens and blossoms, such as mint, rose petals, mullein, damiana, clover, clove, lotus, lavender, lemongrass, licorice root, marshmallow root and even tea leaves. “These are packaged as natural or therapeutic but that does not mean they are safe to burn and draw in,” cautions Dr Shah.

“Some variations might also include sage, chamomile or jasmine. These ingredients are typically mixed together and rolled in paper, much like traditional cigarettes. While they are marketed as natural, it’s important to remember that they still produce smoke when flamed,” informs Dr. Kotaru.


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