Dry cigars can make you ill?

The.Sheepdog · 12-04-2014, 10:40 AM

I found some cigars that had been forgotten and not humidified properly for at least a year.

They were dry and harder than normal but lit easily and air moved thru them well. After an hour smoke I started to feel sick.

A few minutes ago I had to go get sick in the bathroom. Are dry cigars harsher or stronger than 70/70 kept sticks? Im not sure what made me ill.

maybe I should not try to smoke these sticks? The last time I felt like this was when I first started cigars and someone gave me a Cuban. I was on an empty stomach and I got sick within 15 minutes from the strong nic I assume.

pektel · 12-04-2014, 10:47 AM

I've never had a dry cigar make me sick. I also prefer my cigars around 60-65%RH/65ºF.

I have gotten green from tobacco containing a lot of nicotine.

pnoon · 12-04-2014, 11:02 AM

I can't see where/how a dry stick would cause you to be ill. Something else is in play.

I agree with Peter. My preference for RH is in the 60-65% range. Variances in humidity does not have an effect on the strength of the cigar.

It is a common myth that Cuban cigars are stronger than others. My hunch is that the cigar you were given was not authentic.

dave · 12-04-2014, 11:04 AM

I have a hard time making a good connection between the dryness and getting sick.

However, I'm more interested in knowing (or just nosey)...why would you smoke a cigar that you knew wasn't in good condition? At the very least, why not wait until you've attempted to nurse it back to appropriate RH?

The.Sheepdog · 12-04-2014, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave

I have a hard time making a good connection between the dryness and getting sick.

However, I'm more interested in knowing (or just nosey)...why would you smoke a cigar that you knew wasn't in good condition? At the very least, why not wait until you've attempted to nurse it back to appropriate RH?

They are all I have until my shipment gets in on Monday.

Remo · 12-04-2014, 11:04 AM

I have found Cubans much milder than NC's...I am with Peter, maybe a Fauxhiba.

ApexAZ · 12-04-2014, 11:25 AM

I don't think the RH would make any difference in terms of strength, but maybe it smoked faster from the dryness, so you got the nicotine at a faster rate? Why not grab a boveda pack and throw them in a tupperware for a while to see if they can regain some of their moisture. Or buy some new sticks.

shilala · 12-04-2014, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApexAZ

I don't think the RH would make any difference in terms of strength, but maybe it smoked faster from the dryness, so you got the nicotine at a faster rate?

The.Sheepdog · 12-04-2014, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApexAZ

I don't think the RH would make any difference in terms of strength, but maybe it smoked faster from the dryness, so you got the nicotine at a faster rate? Why not grab a boveda pack and throw them in a tupperware for a while to see if they can regain some of their moisture. Or buy some new sticks.

I wonder if thats it. It did burn evenly but quickly. They usually are one hour sticks but this one was done in 30 minutes. Maybe I just took in the nic too quick?

ApexAZ · 12-04-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The.Sheepdog

I wonder if thats it. It did burn evenly but quickly. They usually are one hour sticks but this one was done in 30 minutes. Maybe I just took in the nic too quick?

If you smoked it in half the time, I would say this is probably what made you sick, yes.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall seeing recommendations to drink something sweet to help offset the nicotine sickness when this happens.

WhiteMamba · 12-04-2014, 12:21 PM

I am with Brian. Sometimes if a stronger cigar has a loose draw it makes you smoke faster and inhale more than you're used to. In regards to strong CC's it seems to me that the few I'v had are mild but the portages I have had have been on the stronger side maybe a little more Vitamin N.

Also, having an empty stomach doesn't help things.

RobR1205 · 12-04-2014, 12:44 PM

Could just be the dried out smoke making you sick. I've found that dried out sticks just generally taste worse because they burn so quickly. The abundant smoke produced could just be too much for you. I smoked a dried out Nica Libre when I first got into the hobby which made me very sick, although I also suspect like my fellow inmates above that the nicotine could have been a contributing factor.

pektel · 12-04-2014, 01:23 PM

Yes, I keep sugar packets at home for this reason. Nicotine can cause a drop in blood sugar, giving you the nauseated feeling. I just take a packet of sugar, dump it on my tongue, and press my tongue against the roof of my mouth while the sugar dissolves.

I've heard that you absorb the sugar more quickly that way. I don't know if that's true or not, but the method works for me, so that's what I've used.

CigarNut · 12-04-2014, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApexAZ

If you smoked it in half the time, I would say this is probably what made you sick, yes.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall seeing recommendations to drink something sweet to help offset the nicotine sickness when this happens.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pektel

Yes, I keep sugar packets at home for this reason. Nicotine can cause a drop in blood sugar, giving you the nauseated feeling. I just take a packet of sugar, dump it on my tongue, and press my tongue against the roof of my mouth while the sugar dissolves.

I've heard that you absorb the sugar more quickly that way. I don't know if that's true or not, but the method works for me, so that's what I've used.

The.Sheepdog · 12-04-2014, 01:31 PM

Makes sense to me! I was so happy to find the sticks as I was out. I dont know if they can come back to life with humidification now that they are all dry. It is a shame to lose 18 cedar wrapped toro sized sticks but I dont care for that nic sickness. I tend towards lower blood sugar anyway.

WhiteMamba · 12-04-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The.Sheepdog

Makes sense to me! I was so happy to find the sticks as I was out. I dont know if they can come back to life with humidification now that they are all dry. It is a shame to lose 18 cedar wrapped toro sized sticks but I dont care for that nic sickness. I tend towards lower blood sugar anyway.

What kind of sticks? Are they usually on the strong side any way? just curious.

The.Sheepdog · 12-04-2014, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteMamba

What kind of sticks? Are they usually on the strong side any way? just curious.

It was an almost full box of JR Ultimates 6x54 maduro. They are full body anyway.

These were probably about a year put away and the other box I just found was the same time frame I assume and the hygrometer inside said 57%. I put 2 humidity stacks in and wet down the inisde of the top with a damp cloth.

pnoon · 12-04-2014, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The.Sheepdog

Makes sense to me! I was so happy to find the sticks as I was out. I dont know if they can come back to life with humidification now that they are all dry. It is a shame to lose 18 cedar wrapped toro sized sticks but I dont care for that nic sickness. I tend towards lower blood sugar anyway.

Where did you find them? And how long were they without proper humidification?

As long as they have not been dried out for years, they should bounce back. The drier they are, the longer they will take to rehumidify. I would give them a few weeks to a month at minimum.

WhiteMamba · 12-04-2014, 01:31 PM

I have heard the same thing. I just eat some sugary candy like m&m's and drink some coke.

pnoon · 12-04-2014, 02:53 PM

Assuming the hygrometer is accurate, 57% is not "dried out". A bit low? Sure. But not low enough where it should be a problem.

If 70% is what you prefer, just store them for a week or two and you should be fine.

12-04-2014, 10:40 AM	#1
The.Sheepdog I Need More Pipes! Join Date: Nov 2014 First Name: Bill Location: Central Florida Posts: 313 Trading: (0)	Dry cigars can make you ill? I found some cigars that had been forgotten and not humidified properly for at least a year. They were dry and harder than normal but lit easily and air moved thru them well. After an hour smoke I started to feel sick. A few minutes ago I had to go get sick in the bathroom. Are dry cigars harsher or stronger than 70/70 kept sticks? Im not sure what made me ill. maybe I should not try to smoke these sticks? The last time I felt like this was when I first started cigars and someone gave me a Cuban. I was on an empty stomach and I got sick within 15 minutes from the strong nic I assume.

12-04-2014, 10:47 AM	#2
pektel I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Peter Location: Grand Rapids, MN Posts: 4,320 Trading: (28)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? I've never had a dry cigar make me sick. I also prefer my cigars around 60-65%RH/65ºF. I have gotten green from tobacco containing a lot of nicotine. __________________ The problem is not the problem. The problem is your ATTITUDE about the problem.

12-04-2014, 11:02 AM	#3
pnoon YNWA Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Peter Location: San Diego Posts: 29,919 Trading: (20)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? I can't see where/how a dry stick would cause you to be ill. Something else is in play. I agree with Peter. My preference for RH is in the 60-65% range. Variances in humidity does not have an effect on the strength of the cigar. It is a common myth that Cuban cigars are stronger than others. My hunch is that the cigar you were given was not authentic. __________________ Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. -John Wooden

12-04-2014, 11:04 AM	#4
dave Have My Own Room Join Date: May 2011 First Name: Dave Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,180 Trading: (15)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? I have a hard time making a good connection between the dryness and getting sick. However, I'm more interested in knowing (or just nosey)...why would you smoke a cigar that you knew wasn't in good condition? At the very least, why not wait until you've attempted to nurse it back to appropriate RH? __________________ I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it. Thomas Jefferson

12-04-2014, 11:04 AM	#6
Remo C.I.A Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Mike Location: Palm Harbor, Florida Posts: 12,597 Trading: (122)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? I have found Cubans much milder than NC's...I am with Peter, maybe a Fauxhiba. __________________

12-04-2014, 11:25 AM	#7
ApexAZ Wandering aimlessly Join Date: Oct 2011 First Name: Brian Location: Sonoran Desert Posts: 1,299 Trading: (10)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? I don't think the RH would make any difference in terms of strength, but maybe it smoked faster from the dryness, so you got the nicotine at a faster rate? Why not grab a boveda pack and throw them in a tupperware for a while to see if they can regain some of their moisture. Or buy some new sticks.

12-04-2014, 12:21 PM	#11
WhiteMamba I'm scared of Neil. Join Date: Mar 2014 First Name: Michael Location: Catawba, NC Posts: 2,135 Trading: (28)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? I am with Brian. Sometimes if a stronger cigar has a loose draw it makes you smoke faster and inhale more than you're used to. In regards to strong CC's it seems to me that the few I'v had are mild but the portages I have had have been on the stronger side maybe a little more Vitamin N. Also, having an empty stomach doesn't help things. __________________ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

12-04-2014, 12:44 PM	#12
RobR1205 Starting a new chapter Join Date: Dec 2011 First Name: Rob Location: Texas Posts: 1,158 Trading: (19)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? Could just be the dried out smoke making you sick. I've found that dried out sticks just generally taste worse because they burn so quickly. The abundant smoke produced could just be too much for you. I smoked a dried out Nica Libre when I first got into the hobby which made me very sick, although I also suspect like my fellow inmates above that the nicotine could have been a contributing factor.

12-04-2014, 01:23 PM	#13
pektel I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Peter Location: Grand Rapids, MN Posts: 4,320 Trading: (28)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? Yes, I keep sugar packets at home for this reason. Nicotine can cause a drop in blood sugar, giving you the nauseated feeling. I just take a packet of sugar, dump it on my tongue, and press my tongue against the roof of my mouth while the sugar dissolves. I've heard that you absorb the sugar more quickly that way. I don't know if that's true or not, but the method works for me, so that's what I've used. __________________ The problem is not the problem. The problem is your ATTITUDE about the problem.

12-04-2014, 01:31 PM	#15
The.Sheepdog I Need More Pipes! Join Date: Nov 2014 First Name: Bill Location: Central Florida Posts: 313 Trading: (0)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? Makes sense to me! I was so happy to find the sticks as I was out. I dont know if they can come back to life with humidification now that they are all dry. It is a shame to lose 18 cedar wrapped toro sized sticks but I dont care for that nic sickness. I tend towards lower blood sugar anyway.

12-04-2014, 02:53 PM	#20
pnoon YNWA Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Peter Location: San Diego Posts: 29,919 Trading: (20)	Re: Dry cigars can make you ill? Assuming the hygrometer is accurate, 57% is not "dried out". A bit low? Sure. But not low enough where it should be a problem. If 70% is what you prefer, just store them for a week or two and you should be fine. __________________ Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. -John Wooden