Naswar is a form of moist, powdered tobacco snuff, traditionally popular across Central and South Asia, particularly in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. While it does not produce the altered state of consciousness typically associated with recreational drugs like opioids or cannabis, it delivers a massive dose of its primary psychoactive component, nicotine, leading to intense physiological reactions.
What is Naswar and What Does it Contain
Naswar is essentially a mixture of sun-dried and finely ground tobacco leaves combined with several other ingredients. The mixture often includes wood ash, water, and sometimes flavorings like cardamom or indigo dye to give it a characteristic green color. The most consequential additive, however, is slaked lime, or calcium hydroxide, which is crucial to the product’s effect.
The lime dramatically increases the pH level of the mixture, often to an alkaline pH of around 8.6. This high alkalinity is what makes Naswar so potent because it causes the nicotine in the tobacco to exist in its “freebase” form. In this form, nicotine is absorbed much more quickly and efficiently through the mucous membranes of the mouth, creating a rapid and powerful delivery system for the drug.
The Immediate Effects of High-Dose Nicotine
When placed in the mouth, the high-dose, rapidly absorbed nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and stimulates the central nervous system. This swift action targets acetylcholine receptors in the brain, triggering the release of several neurotransmitters. This mechanism is why the effect can be felt within five minutes of intake.
Users often report an immediate rush, characterized by intense dizziness, giddiness, and lightheadedness. This overwhelming sensation is frequently accompanied by physiological reactions like nausea, increased heart rate, and sweating. Following this initial powerful stimulant spike, the effect transitions into a strong sense of relaxation and sedation as the body attempts to compensate for the sudden, massive influx of nicotine.
Dependency and Major Health Concerns
The combination of a high nicotine concentration and its accelerated absorption rate gives Naswar a very high potential for addiction. The rapid delivery reinforces the addictive cycle, making cessation extremely challenging for habitual users.
The caustic nature of the slaked lime, combined with the numerous carcinogens present in the tobacco, poses a significant risk to the oral cavity. Naswar use is strongly linked to a highly increased risk of oral cancer, with some studies showing users are up to 20 times more likely to develop the disease in certain regions. Furthermore, the product contributes to severe dental problems, including gum recession, tooth decay, and the loss of teeth, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.