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.
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