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7 Top Tips On How To Smoke A Cigar Without Getting Sick
No matter how strong your cigar is, at some point or another you will experience uncomfortable symptoms caused by a sudden increase in nicotine in your body. Nicotine sickness, also known as 'nic-sick' in the cigar community, is not a fun experience.
In this article, we will examine the signs of nicotine sickness and how you can prevent it from getting worse. You must remember that nicotine has a lasting effect, lingering anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It is best to act as soon as you begin to feel ill to avoid worsening symptoms.
Early Signs Of Nicotine Sickness
Early signs of nicotine sickness include light-headedness, slight warmth throughout your body, tingling sensations, and a mild headache. Listen to your body. This is its way of warning you that bad things will come if you do not slow down, take a break, or stop completely.
How To Tell If It Is Too Late
If you push through the early warning signs and keep smoking your cigar, you will begin to experience symptoms including blurred vision, cold sweats, dizziness, increased heartbeat, nausea, and slurred speech. If not treated immediately, you can faint.
How To Prevent Cigar Sickness:
Getting sick may put you off cigars indefinitely. You may even feel queasy just thinking about one. Fear not as we have compiled a list of ways you can combat cigar sickness and stop it before it gets worse.
Here are 7 tips to help you avoid getting sick while having a cigar:
Tip #1: Put Down The Cigar Right Away
If you begin experiencing any of the symptoms we mentioned earlier, it is time to take a break. There is no shame in putting your cigar down or saving it for later (contrary to popular belief, you can save a cigar and re-light it later. For more information on how to do it, read our article Preserve Your Smoke: How To Save A Half-Smoked Cigar).
Listen to your body. Ignoring its signs and powering through your stick is a guaranteed way to worsen the symptoms and leave you curled up in the fetal position beside your toilet for hours regretting your decision.
If you recovered and want to get back to your cigar, be sure to read our guide Never Ruin A Cigar Again: The Best Touch-Up And Relighting Tips to ensure an even burn and optimal aromas and flavours.
Tip #2: Do Not Smoke A Cigar On An Empty Stomach
One of the quickest ways to feel sick while smoking a cigar is to smoke it on an empty stomach. The sudden increase of nicotine in your body and in your bloodstream will hit hard and fast, giving you very little time to combat the effects.
Enjoying a meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates slows down nicotine absorption, limiting how much enters your bloodstream. If you are between meals, a light snack like a handful of almonds or cashews, or a banana, can help.
It is a wise idea to eat at least half an hour before having a cigar. This gives your body time to digest the food and stabilize your blood sugar. Avoid foods high in grease, oils, and sugars as they can amplify symptoms rather than prevent them.
ip #3: Never Inhale Cigar Smoke
Inhaling smoke from a cigar will result in excessive coughing, hacking, and intense sinus and throat irritation, not to mention the massive amount of nicotine now flooding your bloodstream. Cigar smoke is denser and more alkaline than smoke produced by other tobacco products. It is beneficial to keep this in mind if you are new to cigars.
Tip #4: Do Not Rush Your Cigar
Cigars are made to be enjoyed, not rushed. It is not a race nor will you impress anyone. Take your time and experience the flavours and aromas the cigar blend has to offer. The rule of thumb for many seasoned cigar smokers is to take 2-3 consistent draws a minute.
Drawing too fast or too frequently will not only make you feel sick but also cause the cigar to heat up quickly resulting in uneven burning, sour or sharp flavours, and the cigar becoming too hot for your lips or fingers in the final third.
Tip #5: Pick The Right Size Of Cigar
Smoking too fast, puffing aggressively, or taking really long draws will increase the amount of nicotine in your body. Picking the right cigar that fits the window of time you have is crucial for maximum enjoyment and minimal pain.
If you only have an hour or so, pick a smaller 'vitola' (size) like a robusto or petit corona. You should always give yourself a window of 15 minutes when smoking, as factors including the cigar's construction and weather conditions (if you are smoking outdoors) can affect the amount of time it takes to finish a cigar.
Larger cigars require more time and patience. These should be reserved for when you have more time to sit and enjoy them, especially if you are new to the hobby or savour your cigars more than most people.
Tip #6: Remember To Stay Hydrated When Having A Cigar
Similar to tannin-rich wines, cigars can produce a cotton-mouth effect, leaving you feeling parched. The smoke from cigars can dry out your cheeks and lips over time. If you experience this effect, it is best to keep a glass of water within arms reach to offset mild dehydration.
While coffee and alcohols, like whisk(e)y and rums, pair well with cigars, they also dehydrate you. If you are pairing your cigar with either coffee or alcohol, drink plenty of water beforehand and take sips between tastes of your paired beverage to stay hydrated.
Tip #7: Mind Alcoholic Beverages With Cigars
If you plan on pairing your cigar with alcohol, be mindful of how much you drink. In short, excessive alcohol consumption combined with increased nicotine will prolong the negative effects we explained earlier and also amplify and prolong the effects of alcohol on the body.
Know your limit and stay within it, especially if you will be drinking somewhere other than at home. Plan an alternative way to get home like taking a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transit. Ask your friend if you can stay the night, or phone a trusted friend or family member to come pick you up.
You should never get behind the wheel if you are impaired.
Summary
No matter whether you are a seasoned smoker or just stepping foot in to the hobby, sooner or later you will experience nicotine-induced nausea. Armed with this information, you now know how to combat it, increase recovery time, and hopefully avoid an unexpected personal meeting with a bucket or the porcelain throne.
Want more cigar-related articles? Here are some great ones to read next:
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