Tobacco has a special role in numerous indigenous communities. This makes it important for a person to differentiate between its sacred use and commercial use. Native tobacco has been used in many world communities for centuries. You will find fewer health conditions related to tobacco use in Indigenous communities because they consume pure and safe tobacco without additives. Native tobacco poses less health threats than commercial tobacco because it is made naturally using traditional production methods. Let’s look at some of the reasons why a smoker should consider native tobacco over commercial tobacco.
Traditional vs. Commercial Tobacco
These two types of tobacco have major differences in the way they are planted and grown, harvested, prepared, and even used. Traditional tobacco has been considered a sacred plant for many years and has been used in many sacred ways in American Indian nations. Although its use differs in tribes, it has been used for different community benefits. Many believers use it to carry out prayers to the spirit world. It has also been used as medicine as it contains many healing properties. It can be given as a gift to elders or Mother Earth, among other things.
On the other hand, commercial tobacco is mostly produced for recreational use by companies. It has chemical additives harmful to human health. It has also been linked to the risk of various diseases and deaths. However, indigenous communities have sometimes used it in place of traditional tobacco during ceremonies. Most governments and outreach groups are sensitizing Indigenous communities about the health risks of using commercial tobacco and ways they can quit smoking.
Historical Medicinal Uses of Native Tobacco
Tobacco has numerous chemicals, one of the main ones being nicotine. Although nicotine can increase heart rates and blood pressure, it is sometimes used to help smokers quit smoking as it spares them many harmful contents, like benzene and acetic acid. Traditionalists used tobacco to disinfect some diseases and fatigue. They believed that the loss of consciousness that came with sniffing tobacco enabled them to rest and get rid of fatigue. It was also used as an anesthetic element for trepanning operations, which was popular at that time.
A mixture of tobacco, lime, and chalk was popularly used as toothpaste among Native American populations. They believed it was effective in whitening the teeth. The tradition is still practiced today among some Indian nations, where tobacco is rubbed on the teeth for the same purpose.
During 1500, native tobacco was used as a panacea to treat ulcerated abscesses, sore, and fistulas, among other diseases. It was even referred as holy herb due to its powerful virtue in desperate cases. Tobacco was also used to relieve persistent headaches. The odor of the fresh leaves of the plant could eliminate consistent headaches among indigenous communities. Green or powered leaves could be rubbed inside the mouth to relieve catarrh and colds. Neck diseases could also be treated using the root of tobacco mixed with salt.
In conclusion, there is no amount or type of tobacco that is safe for your health. However, if you must smoke, it would be wise to choose the best. Native tobacco is considered to be safer than commercial tobacco due to the method used in growing and preparing it. For smoke lovers, they can get native smoke Nanaimo for a unique experience. Native tobacco has been used for many medicinal purposes in the past and still continues to be embraced in many indigenous communities.
