What Are the Effects of Smoking Mint Leaves?
Smoking mint leaves improves blood circulation and relaxes nerves, says Organic Facts. Smoking peppermint leaves clears the lungs and respiratory passages and can make breathing easier.
Smoking mint, or other herbs that do not contain nicotine may be useful in helping individuals quit smoking tobacco, according to Organic Facts. The sensation of inhaling smoke is still enjoyed, without the negative, addictive properties of nicotine.
Smoking any substance has negative side effects, according to The New York Times. Inhaling smoke from the combustion of any product, whether herbal or tobacco, exposes the smoker to numerous tars and other cancer-causing chemicals and harmful gases like carbon monoxide. However, because herbal products contain no tobacco or nicotine they can be sold to minors and they do not have to print warning labels about the health risks on their packaging.
Smoking an herb known as “magic mint,” a slang name for Salvia divinorum, can cause hallucinations, according to NBC News. Salvia divinorum is a member of the sage family that has been used for centuries by shamans in religious and spiritual ceremonies. Salvia is legal in the United States and Canada and produces mind-altering, psychoactive effects. Mint herbs like peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen do not have psychoactive properties.
