When trying something new, you want as good an experience as possible. Smoking a cigar is no different.
There’s a knack to it though. As enjoyable, flavorful, and luxurious stogie puffing can be, the threat of cigar sickness looms if you don’t know what causes it and how you can prevent it.
What is cigar sickness?
Cigar sickness affects smokers of all levels. It’s where an excessive amount of liquid nicotine enters the bloodstream, causing nausea and sometimes vomiting. Other symptoms of cigar sickness include dizziness, headaches, and spikes in blood pressure.
Even the most experienced of smokers can find themselves feeling a little queasy or lightheaded after a smoking session. Cigar sickness impacts each cigar smoker differently, but always results in an unpleasant and upsetting experience.
How long does cigar sickness last?
The answer to this depends on how much you’ve overdone it.
Cigar sickness can be gone in a few minutes or last a few hours. If you’ve been overenthusiastic by smoking too fast, it’ll likely last a short period. However, if you’ve persisted with something bold all day, it’ll probably last longer and be harder to eliminate.
Cigar sickness causes and how to avoid them
Of course, too much nicotine combined with a lack of experience can be dangerous. Beginners must avoid “rookie errors” to ensure they enjoy their cigars without feeling sick.
Let’s look at some of the causes behind cigar sickness and prevention strategies to ensure you can enjoy your cigars from first draw to last.
Smoking too quickly
A classic beginner mistake is smoking a cigar too fast. Cigars are designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace so all those nuances and subtleties can resonate on your palate.
Rapid puffing causes the tobacco leaves to burn more quickly, allowing nicotine to get into your system quickly. Such a surge can overwhelm the body’s tolerance, leading to that unpleasant sickness we wants to avoid.
One or two puffs within a minute is more than enough. Think of it as something you keep by smoldering by occasional slow draws — just enough to keep it toasty. This will prevent you from being subjected to a bitter-tasting smoke, allowing you to feel more relaxed and savor the flavors the manufacturer intended.
Try taking smaller puffs, too, so you don’t receive a big hit of nicotine.
Incorrect smoking technique
It’s important not to treat your cigars the same as cigarettes.
Because they are handcrafted from pure tobacco, they contain more nicotine. Inhaling or swallowing the smoke will lead to sickness, not to mention tasting unpleasant.
The art of smoking a cigar is to puff and release the smoke out of your mouth after a few seconds. Don’t suck it into your diaphragm or lungs, as this will make the nicotine hit you faster.
Smoking stronger cigars without prior experience
Unless you’re an experienced smoker, it’s best to build up your tolerance gradually. Taking on a cigar that’s too intense for you will trigger nausea and discomfort. These types of cigars are typically described as full-bodied, powerful, or strong — remember, the stronger the tobacco, the higher the nicotine content.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with something more mellow before building up the intensity level over time. Mellow and approachable cigars like Connecticut Shades are a great starting point for beginners as they don’t have as much nicotine. They enable new smokers to adjust over time. Gradually work your way up by beginning with light to medium strength profiles. Only then, should you move to the next level of intensity.
Smoking on an empty stomach
A little food goes a long way. Smoking cigars on an empty stomach allows nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream faster, intensifying its effects. This especially applies to full-bodied stogies.
It’s good practice to eat something light before you start smoking to absorb the nicotine. Something like a citrus fruit or an energy bar will help neutralize the nicotine and minimize its impact on the body. You can also try pairing your cigar with a drink or a well-balanced meal.
Chain smoking
Not taking breaks between cigars is a surefire way to end up with cigar sickness. This is because you aren’t giving yourself enough time for the nicotine to leave your system before putting flame to the foot again.
Your body needs time to process the nicotine, so take breaks to avoid any unpleasant reactions. This will also help you appreciate the flavor and taste of each cigar in greater detail.
Not staying hydrated
Drinking water helps flush nicotine out of your system and minimizes the likelihood of feeling sick. Get into the habit of sipping water regularly between puffs, as it will help soothe your throat and cleanse your palate.
Picking an inappropriate size
Smoke a cigar you have time for. Don’t choose a Churchill if you only have half an hour to kill. Similarly, a Corona vitola won’t go far if you’re planning a few rounds of golf in the sunshine. Gauge how much time you have for a smoke and choose a size that matches your schedule so you don’t get that sickening feeling from smoking at speed.
Choosing handmade cigars over machine-made cigars
The way your cigar has been made can also be a factor behind cigar sickness. Tobacco leaves that haven’t been aged long enough can still have traces of pesticides, leading to sickly symptoms. That’s why you should opt for handmade cigars over machine-made ones wherever possible.
How to get rid of cigar sickness
Don’t worry if you’ve been struck down with cigar sickness. While prevention is always better than cure, here’s how to react if the preventative measures we highlighted earlier didn’t work.
- Stop smoking the cigar: Don’t try and “tough it out” — it’s time to think about damage limitation. Set your lit cigar down in the ashtray and let it go out. It can then be salvaged by cutting the ash off and storing it in a ziplock bag for no more than 24 hours.
- Grab some fresh air: Head outside and take some deep breaths to regulate your breathing. This also provides instant relief from any feelings of suffocation.
- Drink some water or a non-alcoholic beverage: Flush toxins from the body and prevent dehydration. Sipping ginger or peppermint tea is also effective for soothing an upset stomach because of their calming properties.
- Grab a little sweetness: Sugar is a quick and easy cure because it counters the effects of nicotine and calms the stomach. Pour a packet of sugar over your tongue, swirl it around your mouth so it’s dissolved, and wash it down with water. Alternatively, a bit of chocolate, candied ginger, or some juice will do the trick. If you have diabetes or sweets don’t agree with you, eat something light and non-greasy (like a handful of nuts) to replenish your stomach and regain energy.
- Relax and rest in a comfortable position: If feeling sick, take a break. This is a vital part of the recovery process.
Final thoughts
Everyone responds to nicotine in different ways, but it’s imperative to know your limits — just like if you’re drinking alcohol. Always smoke your cigars slowly, responsibly, and in moderation.
If cigar sickness rears its ugly head, turn to the tips listed in this article to dispel it. But never forget — prevention will always prevail over cure.
