Become an Ayurvedic Clinician:Explore our Certification Courses
College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion
Enroll Now
 
Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion


MORE OPTIONSDown Triangle

FIND RECIPES

FIND FOOD

AYURVEDA DIET 101

AYURVEDIC DIET FOR MARCH

SEASONAL TIPS

MY SAVED INGREDIENTS

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Tobacco / Nicotine Benefits (According to Ayurveda)
Study Ayurveda

Print Tobacco / Nicotine
Share on Social Media
Share Content with Friends & Clients

Click one of the buttons above, or cut and paste the following link to share this page with your network. This link will automatically track your referrals to Joyful Belly:

Share URL for Tobacco / Nicotine

Copy Link

About Sharing Content & Referrals.

Compare with other ferments
5.00 out of 5 stars 1 rating, 40 likes

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5 stars
Sign in to review or comment

See all reviews

Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Tobacco, a member of the nightshade family, aggravates all three doshas. Kapha in the lungs, Pitta in the liver vitiating the blood, and Vata due to the mobile quality.

People crave tobacco because it temporarily stimulates the lungs and circulation. But afterwards tobacco creates weaker lungs and worse circulation. A better treatment option for easy breathing and circulation of prana is to eat a proper diet according to your doshas.

Many native meso american peoples drank coffee, chocolate and smoked tobacco as medicinal herbs, sacraments and in shamanic ceremony, a practice that continues to this day. However, many non-native americans abuse these substances by self indulging on them daily without reverance, ceremony, prayer, or deeper knowledge of the medicinal effects.

Learn about the health benefits of tobacco / nicotine for FREE

You'll receive free access to our entire website including healthy recipes, nutritional diet plans, medicinal uses of ingredients, & ayurvedic health tips. Sign in once and you can use our website indefinitely..

Please complete the following information if you have not registered or sign in to continue.

e-mail address*
confirm your e-mail*
enter a password*
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips? Click YES to subscribe to our newsletter!
(
find out more
Frequency: You'll receive our most popular Ayurvedic health tips every day for a week, and then 1-2 emails a week ongoing.
).
Yes No
I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its
User Agreement
The materials in this site are provided 'as-is' and without warranties of any kind either expressed or implied. Joyful Belly does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the content or other materials in this site in terms of their correctness, accuracy, reliability, or otherwise.
and
Privacy Policy
We respect your privacy. We will NEVER sell, rent or share your email address. That's more than a policy, it's our personal guarantee. Click here to view our privacy policy. Thank you!
.
  • SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp
  • FAMILY: Solanaceae
  • SPECIES: Nicotiana nicotiana

Is Tobacco / Nicotine Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Tobacco / Nicotine' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Tobacco / Nicotine

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TOXIC

ABOUT TOXIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOXIC

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Pitta aggravating Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry metabolic nature. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other

Subtaste:
Acrid

STRONG ACRID

Acrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.

SEE ALL 'ACRID' FOODS / HERBS

Family:
Solanaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Tobacco / Nicotine
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestion:
Emetic

EMETIC

An herb that causes vomiting and nausea.

SEE ALL 'EMETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Sialogogue

SIALOGOGUE

A sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.

SEE ALL 'SIALOGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Mind, Stress & Sleep:
Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:
Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:
Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Kidney & Urinary:
Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Other:

Foods with a Similar Nature to Tobacco / Nicotine

  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Emetic, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Emetic, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Emetic

    LEARN MORE

  • Tamarind

    Tamarind has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Expectorant, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Grapefruit

    Grapefruit has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Expectorant, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Cardamom

    Cardamom has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Dill

    Dill has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Fennel Seeds

    Fennel Seeds has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Daikon Radish

    Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Saffron

    Saffron has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Sedative

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Tobacco / Nicotine

  • Elecampane

    Elecampane has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Reduced lemon juice

    Reduced lemon juice has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Sialogogue, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Lobelia

    Lobelia has these Actions in Common

    Emetic, Expectorant, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Vasaka / Vasa

    Vasaka / Vasa has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Expectorant, Sedative

    LEARN MORE

  • Hyssop Powder

    Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Wild Ginger

    Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Sialogogue, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Arjuna

    Arjuna has these Actions in Common

    Emetic, Expectorant, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Haritaki

    Haritaki has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Expectorant, Sialogogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhringaraj

    Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Emetic, Sedative

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Emetic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Tobacco / Nicotine may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

  • Digestion

    Ulcerative Colitis
    How does Tobacco / Nicotine affect 'Ulcerative Colitis'?
    IT FEELS BETTER IT FEELS WORSE IT FEELS THE SAME
    We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Tobacco / Nicotine may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Cigarette smoking delays gastric emptying of solid food in healthy smokers

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Tobacco / Nicotine. Please see your health care provider for more information.
  • Diuretic: Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect.
  • Sedative: Do not combine nerve suppressing sedatives with nerve stimulants, pharmaceutical sedatives, most anxiolyitcs, or antihistamines.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Tobacco / Nicotine is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
CONTINUE READING

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients, and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.

Create a Diet for
your client

Clinical Tools &
Resources

Master Ayurvedic
nutrition

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

Learn More

Spring Diet

The season is about to shift into spring. Are you ready?

Get The Spring Diet

upcoming courses

Apply for Scholarship. Monhly payment plans available.

Fundamentals of Virtue Psychology ($2,699)

Enroll for $183 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Ayurvedic Herbalist ($4,999)

Enroll for $299 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Medicine - 2 Year Counselor Certification ($7,999)

Enroll for $250 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Panchakarma Specialist ($5,999)

Enroll for $250 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition 500 Hour Certification Program ($4,499)

Enroll for $299 / month. Starts Oct 2025.

About the College

What is Ayurveda?

Founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda, John Immel, answers the question ‘What is Ayurveda?’

Comments & Impressions of 'Tobacco / Nicotine'

Do you like 'tobacco / nicotine'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'tobacco / nicotine'?

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 40 likes
Sign in to review or comment

Improve Enzyme output & Master your Digestion

Improve Enzyme output & Master your Digestion

Watch this Sample Class
BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

GET YOUR FREE CHART
Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Enroll Today

Join Joyful Belly

Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?
Subscribe to our free newsletter!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.