The Dangers of Herbal & "Natural" Cigarettes - Are They Really Safer?

The Risks of "Natural" and Herbal Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking carries immense health risks, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In fact, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year.

In an effort to mitigate the dangers of traditional cigarettes, many smokers have turned to so-called "natural" and herbal cigarettes, believing them to be safer alternatives. However, the science shows that these products carry many of the same risks as regular cigarettes.

What Are Herbal and "Natural" Cigarettes?

Herbal cigarettes, also sometimes called tobacco-free cigarettes, contain a blend of herbs, spices, and other plant materials. Some common ingredients include:

• Sage
• Mint
• Rose petals
• Lavender
• Clove
• Vervain
• Coltsfoot
• Comfrey leaf
• Eucalyptus

Meanwhile, so-called "natural" cigarettes are made with organic tobacco or tobacco free of chemical additives. However, make no mistake - they still contain nicotine and all the other harmful components found in regular cigarettes.

The Dangers of Smoking Herbal Cigarettes

Just because herbal cigarettes don't contain tobacco doesn't mean they're safe. When burned, the plant materials release toxic chemicals similar to tobacco smoke. According to the American Lung Association, herbal cigarettes produce carcinogens and tar, just like tobacco cigarettes.

Specifically, smoking herbal cigarettes delivers carbon monoxide, nitrosamines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, nitrosamines are linked to cancer, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contain carcinogenic compounds.

One study found clove cigarettes deliver more nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide than conventional cigarettes brands. Additionally, smoking any combusted plant matter delivers particle pollution deep into the lungs.

The Hazards of "Natural" Cigarettes

Organic, additive-free tobacco may sound safer, but make no mistake - the tobacco leaf itself contains numerous toxic, addictive, and carcinogenic compounds.

For example, tobacco naturally contains high levels of cadmium, a heavy metal linked to kidney, bone, and lung disease. It also contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. And when burned, tobacco produces tar, a sticky substance that damages lung tissue and contains cancer-causing chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde.

Even if the tobacco is organic and free of chemical additives, these hazardous compounds remain. Smoking "natural" cigarettes delivers the same toxins as regular cigarettes.

No Proof They Help Smokers Quit

Many people turn to herbal and natural cigarettes to cut down tobacco use or quit smoking. However, there is no scientific evidence that these products are effective for smoking cessation.

Because herbal cigarettes contain no nicotine, smokers may use them in addition to regular cigarettes rather than replacing tobacco use. And for people who smoke natural cigarettes, the nicotine addiction remains unchanged.

For these reasons, health professionals do not recommend herbal or natural cigarettes as quit smoking aids. Instead, they suggest safer nicotine replacement options like patches, gum, and lozenges.

The Bottom Line

Marketed as "safe" alternatives, herbal and natural cigarettes may seem innocuous compared to regular smoking. However, make no mistake: all cigarettes are hazardous to your health.

Rather than substituting one cigarette for another, seek help from your doctor to develop a smoking cessation plan that really works. This may include counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, prescription non-nicotine medications, hypnosis, acupuncture, or support groups.

Quitting smoking remains the single best thing you can do for your health. Break the addiction once and for all rather than putting stock in false solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are herbal cigarettes addictive?

Herbal cigarettes do not contain nicotine, so they do not cause nicotine addiction. However, the act of smoking them can be habit-forming psychologically. Many people who smoke herbal cigarettes continue using tobacco cigarettes as well.

Do herbal cigarettes have tar?

Yes, herbal cigarettes still produce tar when smoked. Tar is released from combusting any plant matter, not just tobacco. Inhaling tar can cause lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis, and other diseases.

What are the worst herbal cigarettes?

Clove cigarettes are among the most dangerous herbal cigarette option. Studies show they deliver more toxic chemicals than regular cigarette brands. Other hazardous choices include strawberry, mint, and coltsfoot cigarettes.

Are caffeine cigarettes bad for you?

Caffeine is sometimes added to herbal cigarettes. Like nicotine, caffeine is an addictive drug that can lead to dependence. Additionally, inhaling caffeine via smoke carries lung risks. Avoid caffeinated herbal cigarettes.

Can you get cancer from smoking herbal cigarettes?

Yes, herbal cigarettes can cause cancer just like tobacco cigarettes. When burned, the plant materials release carcinogenic chemicals that damage lung tissue and cause genetic mutations. All smoked products are hazardous.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.