Ancient Uses Of Tobacco

BySharon L True

We all know about the dangers of smoking today - the reason why many people want to stop smoking or quit smoking fast. But our forefathers didn't have this information before. In fact, tobacco was a prized commodity in those days and was even used as a medicine.

The history of smoking goes back to 5000-3000 BC when tobacco was cultivated in South America. As people learned how to burn tobacco, the practice became an important part of shamanistic rituals.

By smoking tobacco and other hallucinogenic drugs, the ancients could enter into a state of trance and see the spirit world.

Eastern North American tribes once carried large amounts of tobacco in pouches since the plant was a popular trade item. This was smoked in pipes by adults and children alike either in sacred ceremonies or to seal bargains. Many believed that tobacco was a gift from the creator and that the exhaled smoke could carry the user's thoughts and prayers to heaven.

But tobacco is not a vitamin or something that the body needs. There's absolutely no reason to start smoking since nicotine is not as important as food, water, sleep, and exercise. It's actually a poison but its addictive nature prevents many people from quit smoking fast.

Constant tobacco use, the body reacts to this poison. This explains why first time smokers experience a number of unpleasant symptoms. There is pain or burning in the throat and lungs, and some people may feel sick or throw up when they first try tobacco. These symptoms justify a fast quit.

Tobacco also had various medicinal uses in the early days. It was used as a painkiller for earache and toothache. Desert Indians relied on smoking to cure colds, especially if the tobacco was mixed with the leaves of the small Desert Sage, Salvia Dorrii, or the root of Indian Balsam or Cough Root, Leptotaenia multifida. This combination was also believed to be good for asthma and tuberculosis. No wonder a fast quit was hard then.

Before sacrificing thousands of people to their god Tezcatlipoca, the Aztecs also enjoyed a good smoke while the medicine men of the Tonoupinambaultiis tribe in Brazil puffed the smoke coming out of their pipes into the faces of the laity to endow them with heroic virtues. This was often done before a battle since tobacco supposedly gave the warriors demonic strength.

Of course, modern science has dispelled these tobacco myths and many people are looking for ways to fast stop smoking. By far, this is the best way to avoid the dangers of tobacco.

Sharon L. True is a Manila-based freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics. To know more about how to quit smoking fast, visit http://www.fastquitsmokingtips.com.

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Sharon L True

Email Address:SubscribeHealth and Fitness Article FeedFind More ArticlesSearchSimilar ArticlesMiracet Stop Smoking AidStop Smoking AidsNew Stop Smoking Medication - Picking The Best Of The LotThe Top Reasons For Anybody To Stop SmokingTerrific Tips For People Who Are Planning To Stop SmokingHow To Stop Smoking Fast - 5 Tips To Stop Smoking FastA Few Fantastic Solutions to Stop Smoking NaturallyThere but for the Grace of God go I ... Stopped Smoking CigarettesStop Smoking Laser TherapyHow to Stop Smoking - Part 2Recent ArticlesBotox and Our Fascination With YouthLiposuction - What Is It?Subjects You Must Know To Work In Medical Billing and CodingWhat Is a Leaky Gut?Getting a Sports Physical FastA Career in Health Care Is a Dream Job in Today's EconomyBuying a Hearing Aid: What You Should Be Aware OfCan a Hearing Aid Help You?Buying a Hearing Aid: When to Exercise CautionDiet, Exercise, and ConsistencySubmitted On April 19, 2012. Viewed 3 times. Word count: 429.

MLA Style Citation:
True, Sharon L.".".19 Apr. 2012EzineArticles.com.25 Apr. 2012 .APA Style Citation:
True, S. L. (2012, April 19). . Retrieved April 25, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Ancient-­Uses-­Of-­Tobacco&id=7011666Chicago Style Citation:
True, Sharon L. "." EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Ancient-­Uses-­Of-­Tobacco&id=7011666EzineArticles.com© 2012 EzineArticles.com
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