Herbal cigarettes are similar to standard cigarettes with the exception that they do not contain tobacco or nicotine. Alternatively, they have been blended with flavored herbs to meet the tastes of individual smokers. Herbals cigarettes are very useful for smokers who are trying to quit. In fact, they offer a much better means of quitting compared to patches and use of mint.

Type

There are quite a number of smokable herbs available in the market today. These include lemon-grass, mint, cinnamon, rose and cornsilk, just to name a few. Some of them contain legal psychoactive substances while others have inactive ones.

Health

There have been a lot of questions about the health risks associated with herbal cigarettes. It is important to note that smoking in general has damaging effect to the smoker since it means inhaling carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, tar and ash, all of which are harmful to the lungs. However, there are a few herbal cigarettes such as mullein, which does not pose any danger to the smoker's health, but instead has a healing effect on the lungs previously affected by smoking.

Uses

Herbal cigarettes can be used in a variety of ways. Some people use them as an alternative to help them quitting tobacco. They are also very helpful to those who love smoking but don't wish to get addicted to nicotine. Some simply prefer to use herbal cigarettes for the supposed health benefits.

Due to the negative side effects associated with nicotine and tobacco, herbal cigarettes have become quite popular. Federal Trade Commission however warns users that these types of cigarettes also release carbon monoxide and tar into your lungs. However, if you are using nicotine and tobacco free herbal cigarettes as part of smoking sensation program, ensure you check out the ingredients making up the herbal cigarette you are using.

Ingredients in Herbal Cigarettes

Tobacco is the most common cigarette filler in usual cigarettes. However, for health conscious smokers, there are other types of fillers of herbal cigarettes that can be used by people trying to quit smoking. It can contain one, or a mixture of several herbs.

Marshmallow

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Marshmallow, which is scientifically known as Althaea officinalis has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine, especially its leaves and roots. The plant is believed to have healing powers that are very beneficial in cases of asthma, bronchitis and inflammatory bowel diseases. The leaves and roots of marshmallows contain mucilage, a gum like substance that coats the stomach preventing digestive problems. For this reason, marshmallow is used in herbal cigarettes as a binding substance. However, only a few scientific studies have been done on marshmallows and you should therefore tread cautiously.

Ginseng

Asian cultures have been using ginseng for centuries as a blood tonic, immune stimulant and antiviral cure. Western medicine on the other hand uses ginseng as a stress reliever and immune stimulant. It is also known by the name adaptogen, which basically means that it has the ability to increase resistance to physical, emotional and biological stress. In fact, this is the main reason you find it being sold to jocks as physical performance formulas. Various studies carried out on ginseng showed marginal improvements on placebos, something that led to the herb being added to erectile dysfunctional formulas. In herbal cigarettes, ginseng is usually used as a flavor enhancer. However it is advisable that you use it with caution as it can cause interference in blood thinners as well as certain heart medications.

Cloves

Dried flower buds from clove trees have been used for medication purposes for centuries. They are a strong antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial cure. In fact, cloves are used as aphrodisiac in China and certain parts of Persia. In Asia, they were originally used as anesthetic; today some Asian cultures still use cloves as toothache treatment. In herbal cigarettes, cloves are used to add an exotic and spicy aroma to the cigarettes.

Mint

Menthe is the scientific name for mint and it has a variety of medicinal properties. Organic reports highly recommend mint as a breath freshener. The mint aroma has the power to activate our salivary glands which in turn release digesting enzymes in plenty, hence improving digestion. It is also very useful when it comes to unblocking the respiratory system as well as helping deal with nausea. In addition, its menthol like taste is very helpful for smokers who prefer menthol flavored tobacco.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is commonly used as a cooking ingredient in Thailand and Indonesia. This is due to its citrus fragrance and rose aroma. It is very effective in controlling nausea, fever and diuretic. It is also used in making citronella candles due to its strong power of repelling insects. It has a great taste and pleasant aftertaste which makes it a common ingredient in herbal cigarettes.

How to Buy Nicotine Free Cigarettes

Herbal cigarettes are nicotine free and are very useful to people who wish to quit using tobacco. Most people agree that they are an effective alternative to tobacco.

Retailers

There are several online retailers selling herbal cigarettes such as Nicotine Free Cigarettes. However, things are changing and many other tobacconists and health food stores have started carrying at least one or two brands of herbal cigarettes. Buying the product online is cheaper but you will have to give your credit card details, which might expose you to online scams. Buying in person on the other hand protects you from such risks, but tends to be more expensive.

Price

Compared to regular cigarettes, nicotine free cigarettes are cheaper. However, the price varies by states depending on tax levied on tobacco products. Generally, in 2015, the price per packet is expected to be $7.