The fact is that herbal cigarettes are no less dangerous than tobacco

There are many ways to keep smoking, one of which is by looking for healthier product alternatives. Herbal cigarettes are one of the products that are often considered healthier and a choice when you want to quit smoking. In fact, making herbal cigarettes an alternative way to quit smoking tobacco is a wrong decision. Why so?

What are herbal cigarettes?

Reporting from the National Cancer Institute, herbal cigarettes are a type of cigarette that contains a mixture of flowers, plants and other natural ingredients. At first glance this cigarette looks like an ordinary cigarette. The difference is, these cigarettes do not contain tobacco or nicotine like cigarettes in general.

Therefore, herbal cigarettes do not usually cause nicotine addiction like tobacco cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

Because there are natural frills, there are no official regulations on cigarettes made from this natural ingredient. But keep in mind that not because you carry herbal or natural names, the sign is that cigarettes are safe for the body.

Types of herbs that are commonly used as cigarettes

There are many plants that are often used as stuffing for cigarettes, the following are:

• Lotus leaf
• Licorice root
• Jasmine
• Rose petals
• Red clover
• Ginseng

Apart from the various herbs that have been mentioned, damiana is one of them. Damiana is a type of herbal plant that is beneficial for the health of the body. Starting from treating headaches, bedwetting, depression, to constipation.

Basically, the use of damiana leaves does not cause side effects as long as they are used in the right way. However, damiana leaves can cause health problems if used carelessly, such as used as herbal cigarettes.

Damiana, with the Latin name Turnera diffusa, is an herbal plant commonly found in the states of South America. The leaves and stems are often used to make medicine to cure a number of ailments.

This also applies if you smoke damiana in the form of cigarettes on the pretext of getting its benefits in an easy way. Instead of getting benefits, these cigarettes actually provide dangerous side effects that are not much different from other types of cigarettes.

Herbal plants are not always safe for consumption, especially if you do not consult a doctor to ensure their safety in your body.

What are the dangers of herbal cigarettes for the body?

Reporting from the Livestrong page, Damiana cigarettes as one of the herbal cigarettes are said to create a relaxed sensation and light euphoria for the audience. In fact, there is little scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of damiana cigarettes.

The effect of this one cigarette is actually the same as tobacco cigarettes or other types of cigarettes in general. In fact, the side effects of damiana cigarettes can exceed the effects of other cigarettes when used for a long time.

Here are the various effects that arise from herbal cigarettes, especially damiana:

1. Toxic

The damiana plant contains a number of chemical compounds called cyanogenetic glycosides. This chemical compound can release hydrogen cyanide, which is a poisonous substance that can damage the body. This compound also affects the performance of the brain and nervous system of damiana smokers in the long term.

In cigarette smoke, hydrogen cyanide can cause various problems with the central nervous system. Problems that will arise include muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.

Meanwhile, for heavy herbal smokers, exposure to hydrogen cyanide can make the heart palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling, fainting and thyroid problems.

Hydrogen cyanide in cigarette smoke will not cause poisoning or death in a short time. However, the toxins that accumulate in every cigarette puff will damage the body slowly.

2. Lung cancer and a number of other serious diseases

Although these herbal leaves do not contain tobacco or nicotine like other types of cigarettes, herbal cigarettes still have harmful effects on the body. Just like tobacco cigarettes, these natural cigarettes produce tar, ash and carbon monoxide which, if they continue to accumulate, can cause lung cancer.

Normal people are not recommended to smoke herbs, especially for those of you who have blood sugar problems and are regularly taking medication. Disease complications can also occur if you have Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease and choose to smoke this one cigarette.

3. Allergies

Some people may experience excessive allergic reactions to cigarette smoke, damiana and other herbs. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face or mouth.

If this happens, consult a doctor immediately for emergency medical care. Allergic reactions to some herbal products can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock. The reason is, this condition can reduce blood pressure and breathing suddenly.

Are herbal cigarettes a good alternative to smoking cessation?

Herbal cigarettes are said to be healthier because all of their ingredients are considered natural. These cigarettes are marketed because they have no added chemicals or additives and are rolled with a 100 percent cotton filter.

It is true that this type of cigarette does not contain nicotine and a number of other chemicals. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that herbal cigarettes are healthier or safer than other cigarettes. The smoke from all cigarettes, whether herbal or not, contains a large number of cancer-causing chemicals.

Herbal cigarettes without smoked tobacco still emit tar, fine particles, and carbon monoxide harmful to health. The fine particles from these cigarettes can get into the innermost lungs and irritate the respiratory tract.

Therefore, this natural cigarette cannot be used as an alternative for those of you who quit smoking. The reason is, tobacco cigarette substitutes should not have the same or even worse risks than cigarettes.

Instead of dropping the choice of herbal cigarettes which are of course wrong, it's better to do other healthier ways to quit smoking.