If you do any reading on addictions other than tobacco, it quickly becomes clear that there is indeed a strong genetic component to addictive neurochemistry and behavior. The cluster of genes responsible for a predisposition to alcoholism were identified years ago.
In a strange twist of fate, addictions got transferred between ethnic groups, too. European settlers to North America introduced alcohol to the natives, while the natives introduced the settlers to tobacco, a trade-off that clobbered both groups in their respective genetic weaknesses.
What fascinates me most about @Juxtaposer 's statement is could tobacco ever be respected by the medical community. Is there anything corporate cigarette companies could do, to not be so hated? What can be done to shift the concept that tobacco is only cigarettes? What can be done to shift the view that tobacco is only harmful? Can we get to a place where we, as a species, stop being in fear of it? No one is forcing anyone to use it.
What is most harmful I believe, is not tobacco, not nicotine, but the inhalation of the smoke during the process of smoking. This would be true if we all decided to smoke carrot tops for example. Smoke and lungs are not terribly good friends, ever…but each person should have the choice to use tobacco as they see fit and I certainly don’t pass any judgement myself. I enjoyed smoking when I did.
As an ex-smoker I know first hand how hard it was on my lungs. I would try and fall asleep but was kept awake by my own wheezing. I had to force myself to breathe shallower just to stop the squeaking in my lungs. I very quickly put the cigarettes down after 10 years, I moved on to Swedish snus for 5 years…and now I have put that down and am using snuff for the past two years. I love tobacco well beyond the fact that it contains nicotine. I enjoy the history, the cultivation, the harvest, storage and production of it. It has so much breadth. I would like to continue to use tobacco throughout my life as long as I continue to enjoy it .
Having health concerns about tobacco usage is responsible in my opinion. It means you have awareness and can make your own decision about it.
medical science is finaly catching up with the truth about the tobacco plant. It’s not there yet but there are a steadily increasing number of studies that find significant benefits. As well as realizing that certain tobaccos are diffrent then others as far as the negatives.
@Thorgrimnr smoking mullein herb Mullein helps to thin mucus and reduce chest congestion. It helps to make coughs more productive. and coltsfoot herb; smoking dried coltsfoot leaves was recommended treatment for coughs.bronchitis and emphysema systems.
Lobelia herb; lobelia is most often used as part of a smoking cessation program.The combination of lobeline to reduce the craving for nicotine and the expectorant action of the tea makes it a powerful aid for those who want to quit smoking .Lobelia is also an emetic,and one of the fastest knowing antispasmodics known.It has been giving to relax bronchial spasms during an asthma attack.
These three herbs combined make up the mixture to stop smoking. The lobeline is similar to nicotine and should be reduced weekly until none is added to the blend.
So there are some herbs that are good for the lungs but best taken as a tea,Smoking these in public has that familiar 60 tys herb smell to it.
@basement_shaman - thank you for the plant wisdom. I have used Mullein in the past just as you’ve mentioned here. I also try and drink an organic licorice root tea now and again to help clear my lungs. Traditional Medicinal’s makes an excellent one, but I have to be sure not to drink it too often as too much of the glycyrrhizic acid can be hard on my body. My adrenals are not what they used to be.
@basement_shaman I am very impressed. You certainly live up to your name. I can never remember that stuff off the top of my head and always have to go to my notes (or my wife) when I need an herbal medicine.
I wouldn’t be too worried about to much liquorice root, I mean people commonly chew on the roots when trying to give up cigs, and the Chinese liquorice is actually the main detoxifier and used in most formulas. I mean it’s good to consult a professional about taking new herbs etc, but as long as you don’t have high blood pressure or certain kidney/adrenal conditions, it’s unlikely to hurt you- it’s even used in cooking. If your taking less than 10 grams a day I bet any risk is very, very low. They actually use it to counteract a mutltitude of toxins. But of course this is a laymans and former student’s opinion.
Both my parents used to smoke, my mum managed to quit a few years ago, but I think my dad is still at it.
I’m pretty sure that if I hadn’t started snuffing, I would’ve probably ended up smoking instead. My brother took up smoking pipes and cigars around the same time I picked up snuff.
I’m rather inclined to agree that this addiction may run in the family.