On 31st May every year, World No Tobacco Day is observed all across the globe in order to spread awareness about the hazardous effects of tobacco on health. The day first came into existence in the year 1988 and was created by the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO). The global COVID-19 pandemic that we have been victims of for more than a year now, but on the brighter side, has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. Therefore, this year the theme is based on the same thought- “Commit to quit”. You can even visit the WHO website and pledge to quit.
“Smokers have up to a 50% higher risk of developing severe disease and death from COVID-19, so quitting is the best thing smokers can do to lower their risk from this coronavirus, as well as the risk of developing cancers, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General. “We urge all countries to play their part by joining the WHO campaign and creating tobacco-free environments that give people the information, support, and tools they need to quit and quit for good.”
If tobacco is consumed regularly and in higher quantities, it can have many harmful and severe effects on one's health. But in Ayurveda, and some other traditional medicinal practices, tobacco in very little quantity can help treat and manage certain diseases and conditions. In the same regard, here is what Dr. Rajyalakshmi Madhavam, MD Ayurveda, Professor at AMD Ayurvedic Medical College, Hyderabad, informed ETV Bharat Sukhibhava.
Can Tobacco Serve As A Medicine?
Tobacco is the most widely produced non-food crop. In Ayurveda (in Sanskrit), tobacco is known as Tamraparna. Dr. Rajyalakshmi explains that tobacco has not been mentioned in the Ayurveda classics and was added later. If taken in a very small amount, it acts as a medicine in Ayurveda. Generally, we use its dried leaves powder in various ways to treat a condition. Our expert explains some of the conditions in which it is used and how:
- Powder of dried leaves of tobacco if heated and applied on the joints, helps in reducing pain and swelling or inflammation of the joints.
- If the fumes of the burnt powder is inhaled, it can help in controlling dry cough.
- This powder can also help in dealing with certain mental conditions like depression
- If there is a snake bite, the powder can be applied to the site to cut out poison.
- It is also used for dental care. Powder applied to an aching tooth can provide great relief.
- Dried leaf powder is placed in the inner part of the nostrils to alleviate headache and sinusitis.
These are some of the common uses of tobacco to treat medical conditions. However, remember that the quantity of tobacco used is very little and treatment using it should be done under medical supervision only. Do Not experiment with it by yourself as it can be harmful.
Health Hazards Of Tobacco
If tobacco is consumed regularly, in excess quantity, in an uncontrolled manner and is addicted to it, it can be very harmful to health. Smoking tobacco reduces the lung capacity of a person. Thus, especially in the current times of COVID-19, which is a very virulent respiratory infection, smoking any kind of tobacco can lead to severe infection and even prove fatal. Some other conditions it can lead to include:
- Oral cancer
- Lung cancer
- Heart diseases
- Lung disorder
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders, etc.
De-addiction
Smoking tobacco regularly can be addictive and it can become challenging when one is willing to quit. He/she may have withdrawal symptoms and they may crave it. Therefore, in Ayurveda, Dr. Rajyalakshmi explains that there are many herbs that can help in de-addiction. They are:
- Vacha
- Shankhpushpi
- Amalaki
- Jatamansi
- Mandukaparni
- Ashwagandha
Besides this, one should not quit all at once. he/she should do it gradually and set a deadline. Quitting it suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the quantity in which they are smoking should be decreased a little every day. If one is craving tobacco, he/she can be asked to chew on some pieces of dry ginger or raw ajwain. You can soak the pieces of dry ginger in lemon and pepper and chew them when you crave tobacco. Instead of tobacco, switch to some herbal teas and healthy food items.
Consult an ayurvedic doctor to know more about de-addiction. Tobacco is extremely harmful to health, as we have been repeatedly saying. And so, on World No Tobacco Day, take a brave step and pledge to quit tobacco consumption today for a healthier future. It will not be just a gift for yourself, but for your family too.
