People often assume that, unlike cigarettes, shisha tobacco contains no nicotine. In most blends it is still there, especially when the base is leaf tobacco - though there is less of it than in a regular cigarette. Nicotine-free mixes contain other chemical substances instead.
Shisha Myths 2
This is the second article on shisha myths. Here are six more of the most common - nicotine, habit, taste, tradition, spirits in the pipe, and hygiene.
Myth no. 1. There is no nicotine in the smoke
Myth no. 2. Shisha is not addictive
People enjoy smoking shisha because of the atmosphere it creates. If the mix you choose contains nicotine, a physical habit can still form. So be careful, and keep an eye on how long your sessions last.
Myth no. 3. The longer you smoke, the better it tastes
This is a complete myth. The tobacco gradually overheats and turns quite bitter. The recommended time on one pack is half an hour to an hour; after that the bowl needs to be packed again.
Myth no. 4. The art of shisha has barely changed in centuries
That is not true. The tradition came from the East, where shisha was usually smoked without additives. Modern mixes contain humectants, flavourings and other extras. The market also offers a huge range of bases and stems - they differ not only in how they look, but in how they smoke.
Myth no. 5. Shisha with spirits tastes especially good
Some people say that adding a strong drink - cognac, for example - to the hookah intensifies the effect. That is only partly true. Alcohol vapour does heighten the sensation, but the approach comes with risks.
A high alcohol content in the smoke makes the session unpleasant and even dangerous: inhaling spirit vapour can cause poisoning. Alcohol in the pipe also damages the device itself.
Myth no. 6. Shisha hygiene is just a matter of being responsible
It is often said that smoking shisha is unhygienic, especially when the pipe is shared. In fact hygiene depends entirely on the rules and precautions the smokers follow.
In decent venues and bars, guests are given individual disposable mouthpieces. A personal pipe should also be cleaned regularly and smoked with your own tips. Following these simple rules helps avoid the risks of passing on infection and keeps the session calmer.