- Naswar
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Naswar (also known as Nass or Niswar) is a type of dipping tobacco, made from fresh tobacco leaves, calcium oxide (chuna), and wood ash. It is consumed most in the Pathan diaspora, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and also in Sweden, Norway.
Contents
Usage
Naswar is held in the mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. If it is chewed it produces a bad taste in the mouth. Usually, the consumption varies but mostly people take it on an hourly basis.
It is primarily used in Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Sweden and India.[1]
It is predominantly used by members of the Pashtun ethnic groups.
Manufacture
Sun and heat-dried tobacco leaves, slaked lime, ash from tree bark, and flavoring and coloring agents are mixed together. Water is added and the mixture is rolled into balls.[2]
Nass: tobacco, ash, cotton or sesame oil,[3] water, and sometimes gum.[4]
Naswar, niswar: tobacco, slaked lime, indigo, cardamom, oil, menthol, water.
Controversy
In November 2006 an editorial in the newspaper Daily Times (Pakistan) caused some controversy over its allegedly biased representations of Pashtun predilection for naswar. [5]
References
- ^ Maher R. Chewing of various types of quids in Pakistani population and their associated lesions. Dent J Malaysia 1997;18:12-15.
- ^ Trends in tobacco use (2001c). [On-line]. Available: http://www.doctoronnet.com/addictions/2trends.php3
- ^ US Department of Health and Human Services. Health consequences of using smokeless tobacco: a report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General. Bethesda, Maryland: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, 1986.
- ^ Doshi, S. (2001). Tobacco. [On-line]. Available: http://www.doctorsaab.com/asppages/tobacco.asp
- ^ http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C11%5C15%5Cstory_15-11-2006_pg3_1
External links
Categories:- Tobacco
- Tobacco in Pakistan
- Tobacco in Afghanistan
- Pashtun culture
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