Harmful Effects Of Hookah: Liquorice, turmeric, celery and mustard… on hearing these names, most of the people think of home remedies and health. But wait! If these things are burnt and sent to the lungs in the form of smoke, will they remain as safe? This question is being discussed these days regarding ‘herbal’ or desi hookah. Some people use these natural things and native camphor instead of tobacco and consider it a safe alternative. One such video is going viral on social media, in which yoga guru Baba Ramdev is advising a woman to smoke this hookah. Such a question arises that if something is natural, is it safe to burn it and inhale it? Why should one be careful about native camphor? Let us know about this-

The nature of things changes after burning

Dr. Naresh Kumar, Head of Pulmonology Department, LNJP Hospital, New Delhi, says that liquorice, turmeric, mustard and celery are used in different ways in food or traditional home remedies. But, when they are burnt, the smoke emanating from them does not enter the body in the same form in which they are eaten. In fact, burning any vegetable or spice can produce microscopic particles and many types of chemical substances in the smoke. When this smoke is repeatedly inhaled, it can cause problems like irritation and swelling in the respiratory system.

Caution is also necessary regarding native camphor

Native camphor is generally used in worship and for fragrance. Burning it produces smoke, but taking that smoke into the lungs with deep breaths through hookah is completely different from normal use. The smoke can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat in sensitive people. People with asthma or other respiratory problems may face special problems due to smoke.

Water from hookah does not completely clear the smoke

Many people think that because the smoke of hookah passes through water, its harmful elements are eliminated. This assumption is not correct. Water does not completely filter out all the harmful substances in smoke. Apart from this, while smoking hookah, the smoke is usually inhaled deeply and for a long time. In such a situation, it is not right to assume that it is safe for the lungs by saying ‘it is not tobacco’.

It is better to protect the lungs from smoke

If after using such hookah, you feel persistent cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty in breathing, then do not ignore it. If symptoms persist, it is important to consult a doctor.