By Admin 
Herbal Cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes is very bad for health. It is clearly written on every cigarette packet that smoking can cause cancer. Still, millions of people across the country smoke. Many times people start smoking cigarettes due to stress, habit or show off and gradually become addicted to it. This addiction to nicotine is so deep that many people are unable to leave it even if they want to. Some people try to quit suddenly, but start smoking again after a few days or weeks.
In the last few years, herbal cigarettes have become a new trend among people trying to quit smoking. These cigarettes are called tobacco-free or nicotine-free. People adopt them thinking that they are safer or better for health than normal cigarettes, but many people are not fully aware about it. So let us tell you today whether herbal cigarettes can also cause cancer and how it causes harm.
What are herbal cigarettes?
Herbal cigarettes are cigarettes that do not contain tobacco or nicotine, but instead contain a mixture of various herbal and plant ingredients. Herbs like damiana, mullein, ginseng, mint, lavender, thyme, clove, colts foot are often added to these. They claim that they do not harm the body and help in quitting smoking.
Many brands pack them in attractive packets and sell them as natural, safe and healthy cigarettes. You can easily buy these from normal shops or online also. Even these are found in many flavors like cherry, vanilla, menthol, but when any plant or herb is burnt, its smoke also produces harmful chemicals.
Can herbal cigarettes also cause cancer?
Many people think that because herbal cigarettes do not contain nicotine, they are less harmful. But scientific research says something else. Studies have shown that chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, phenolic substances, aromatic amines and benzopyrene are also found in the smoke of herbal cigarettes which are counted among the cancer causing elements. Even one study found that the poisoning and mutagenic capacity of herbal cigarette smoke was higher than that of ordinary cigarettes, meaning it has the potential to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.
What are the side effects of herbal cigarettes?
1. Damage to lungs – Burning any plant produces tar and smoke. These settle in the lungs and reduce the ability to breathe.
2. Risk of cancer – Herbal cigarettes also contain many carcinogenic chemicals that can cause lung, mouth, and throat cancer over time.
3. Heart and blood pressure problems – Carbon monoxide present in smoke reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can cause heart diseases.
4. Bronchitis and respiratory diseases – The smoke of cloves or other aromatic herbs can aggravate diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia.
5. Risk of addiction – Even though these cigarettes do not contain nicotine, the habit of smoking persists. Gradually the person can return to real cigarettes again.
Read also Don’t brush before sleeping? Mouth infection may increase and this may cause damage to teeth.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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