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Everything You Need To Know About Herbal Cigarettes

Hello FlokqSeptember 13, 2021

What comes to your mind when you first hear herbal cigarettes? Surely you assume that these cigarettes contain natural ingredients and are safe for the body. But, don’t jump to conclusions like that, okay? There is a word “herbal” that is not necessarily healthy. It’s good, to dig deeper information before deciding to try herbal cigarettes.

Read also: 4 Alternative Products to Smokeless Cigarettes

So, do you think herbal cigarettes are better than cigarettes in general? Let’s find out together through more info below!

What is herbal cigarettes?

This type of cigarette contains a mixture of flowers, herbs, and other natural ingredients. When smoked, they make many of the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide. There is no official regulation in Indonesia regarding cigarettes made from this natural ingredient. Even so, don’t consume this cigarette. Because basically, smoking is not good for the health of the body.

The differences between herbal cigars and tobacco cigars

At first glance, these cigarettes look like ordinary cigarettes. The difference is, this cigarette does not contain tobacco or nicotine like cigarettes in general. Therefore, these cigarettes usually do not cause nicotine addiction, like tobacco cigarettes or vaping. In addition, this shop is marketed because it has no added chemicals or additives and is rolled with 100 percent cotton filters.

Materials in herbal cigars

Different from other types of cigarettes in general, this one does not use tobacco. Ingredients other than herbal plants commonly used as ingredients in herbal cigarettes include clove leaves, rosebuds, bagasse, lotus leaves, dried lettuce, ginseng, jasmine, and so on.

According to Hello Sehat, damiana is also on the list of plants that are often used as stuffing for cigarettes. Damiana is a type of herbal plant that is beneficial for body health, from treating headaches, bedwetting, depression, to constipation.

The leaves and stems are often used to make medicine to cure a number of diseases. Basically, the use of damiana leaves does not cause side effects, as long as it is used in the right way. However, damiana leaves can cause health problems if used carelessly, such as making herbal cigarettes.

Are these cigarettes healthier?

Lung Specialist dr. Sita Laksmi Andriani Sp.P(K), Ph.D. stated that the risk of lung cancer is the same for all types of cigarettes, whether electric, conventional, to herbal, as reported by Suara.com. He likens smoking to the activity of burning satay, or cooking using firewood. Both produce carcinogens, which are harmful to lung health.

The risk for lung cancer is still there because the carcinogenic substance will not disappear. The doctor who practices at MRCC Siloam Hospital Semanggi added that carcinogens trigger the production of cancer’s growth from smoking habits.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that these cigarettes are any healthier or safer than other cigarettes. A medical journal issued by the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, states that the smoke from all cigarettes, whether herbal, e-cigarettes or vapes, or shisha contains a lot of cancer-causing chemicals.

Can it be an alternative to regular cigars?

Herbal cigarettes are currently quite popular because smokers think it’s safe and can be a drug to help someone quit smoking. Often, smokers consider these cigarettes are safe because they do not contain nicotine which can make a person addicted.

In fact, it is true that herbal cigarettes will not make a person addicted and do not contain tobacco. However, don’t be happy just yet.

Although they do not contain nicotine and tobacco, herbal cigarettes contain plants or vegetables which, when burned, will produce carbon dioxide, tar, and even a series of other toxins. As a result, a variety of harmful toxins can threaten the lungs of active and passive smokers.

Read also: Buying Cigarettes in Jakarta

The fine particles produced from cigarettes can enter the deepest lungs and irritate the respiratory tract. Therefore, this natural cigarette cannot be used as an alternative to regular cigarettes. Or, for someone who wants to quit smoking. Supposedly, substitutes for tobacco-type cigarettes do not have the same or even worse risks than regular cigarettes.

Well, those are the things you need to know about herbal cigarettes. Think wisely before deciding to use these cigarettes. Always prioritize your health first and be productive.