A hookah is a water pipe designed to heat or vaporize flavored material, with the resulting vapor or smoke passing through a water basin before inhalation. The primary substance used in this device is called shisha, also known as mu‘assel or waterpipe tobacco. This substance is a specially prepared, moist, and sticky mixture that is distinct from the dry, shredded tobacco found in traditional cigarettes. The process involves placing the shisha in a bowl at the top of the pipe, where it is heated by charcoal, rather than being directly burned.
The Primary Substance: Shisha Tobacco
Shisha tobacco is a flavored product heated to a temperature that causes it to vaporize, producing the thick clouds associated with hookah use. Unlike cigarette combustion, charcoal heats the shisha to a lower temperature, typically around 270 degrees Celsius. This process releases flavors and vapor without fully igniting the tobacco itself.
The tobacco base comes in two main varieties that significantly affect the smoking experience. Blonde Leaf tobacco, often made from Virginia tobacco, is typically washed during processing to reduce its natural nicotine content. This results in a smoother, brighter flavor profile and a milder experience, making it a common choice for new users or those who prefer a lower nicotine level.
Dark Leaf tobacco, sometimes referred to as Burley tobacco, is generally unwashed, which allows it to retain a higher concentration of nicotine. This variety produces a more robust, earthy flavor with a stronger “buzz” and is favored by experienced smokers. Dark leaf also tends to have a higher heat tolerance, which can allow for longer smoking sessions without the tobacco scorching.
Key Components of Shisha
Shisha’s unique texture and vapor production result from a specific blend of ingredients mixed with the tobacco leaf. The tobacco leaf serves as the base material and is the source of nicotine in traditional blends. It is finely processed and moistened before flavoring and binding agents are added.
Molasses or honey is added to the mixture, acting as a sweetener and a binder that gives the shisha its characteristic sticky consistency. This component is important for retaining moisture, which prevents the tobacco from burning too quickly when heated.
Vegetable glycerin is incorporated for the visual experience, often making up between 25% and 30% of the mixture. When heated, the glycerin vaporizes, creating the dense, white clouds that are a hallmark of hookah smoking.
Finally, a wide variety of natural or artificial flavorings are incorporated to create the distinct tastes, ranging from fruit essences like apple and cherry to spices and mint. These flavorings are mixed into the tobacco to create the desired profile, with the entire blend sealed to maintain freshness and moisture.
Non-Tobacco and Herbal Options
For individuals seeking to avoid tobacco or nicotine, several alternative substances are available for use in a hookah. Herbal shisha is a popular option, made from non-tobacco materials such as tea leaves, sugarcane fiber, or fruit pulp. These alternatives are mixed with the same molasses, glycerin, and flavorings as traditional shisha, allowing them to produce a similar thick vapor.
Another alternative is the use of steam stones or gels, which are small, porous materials soaked in a flavored liquid. When heated, these stones or gels release a pure, nicotine-free vapor, as they contain no plant matter. Manufacturers also use cellulose or beet pulp as a base material to mimic tobacco texture while remaining nicotine-free.