Herbal Cigarettes: In recent years, a new trend has emerged among people trying to quit smoking: herbal cigarettes. These cigarettes are called tobacco-free or nicotine-free.

Herbal Cigarettes: Smoking is extremely harmful to health. It is clearly written on every cigarette packet that smoking can cause cancer. Yet, millions of people across the country smoke. Many times, people start smoking due to stress, habit, or to show off, and gradually become addicted to it. This addiction to nicotine is so deep that many people are unable to quit even if they want to. Some people try to quit suddenly, but start smoking again after a few days or weeks.

In the past 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 they are safer or healthier than regular cigarettes, but many are unaware of the potential risks. So, let us tell you today whether herbal cigarettes can cause cancer and how they cause harm.

What are herbal cigarettes?

Herbal cigarettes are cigarettes that do not contain tobacco or nicotine, but instead contain a blend of various herbs and plant ingredients. These often include herbs such as damiana, mullein, ginseng, mint, lavender, thyme, cloves, and colesfoot. They are claimed to be harmless and to help people quit smoking.

Many brands market them as natural, safe, and healthy cigarettes, packaging them in attractive packaging. You can easily purchase them at general stores or online. They're even available in various flavors, such as cherry, vanilla, and menthol. However, any plant or herb burned produces harmful chemicals in its smoke.

Can herbal cigarettes cause cancer?

Many people assume that because herbal cigarettes don't contain nicotine, they're less harmful. However, scientific research suggests otherwise. Studies have shown that herbal cigarette smoke also contains chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, phenolic compounds, aromatic amines, and benzopyrene, which are known cancer-causing compounds. One study even found that the toxicity and mutagenic capacity of herbal cigarette smoke was higher than that of regular cigarettes, meaning it can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.

What are the possible side effects of herbal cigarettes?

1. Lung damage -  Burning any plant produces tar and smoke. These get deposited in the lungs and reduce breathing capacity.

2. Cancer risk – 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 – Smoke from cloves or other aromatic herbs can aggravate diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia.

5. Risk of addiction - Even though these cigarettes don't contain nicotine, the smoking habit persists. Over time, a person may return to real cigarettes.