Remembering the Father of Herbal Smoke Therapy – Vaidya Anant Nitsure

Vaidya Anant Nitsure (1919-1994) was known for unusual applications of smoke therapies, which he had practiced since the 1940s. He experimented and explored with herbs and the smoking instruments mentioned in the Samhitas and developed different smoking tools.
Remembering the Father of Herbal Smoke Therapy - Vaidya Anant Nitsure - Pioneer if Herbal Cigarettes

Vaidhya Anant NitsureVaidya Anant Nitsure (1919-1994) was known for unusual applications of smoke therapies, which he had practiced since the 1940s. He experimented and explored with herbs and the smoking instruments mentioned in the Samhitas and developed different smoking tools. His knowledge and wisdom was passed on to his son Dr Uday Nitsure and later his grandson Dr. Rajas Nitsure.Vaidya Anant S. Nitsure used Dhoomapaan Churna. It was his invention right from the selection of ingredients. Later his son also carried on – giving it in powder form to patients. However, some patients asked him to provide it in easy-to-use form like rolled form or smoke form or in steam form. Then they started working on finished products of different dosage forms and their associated instruments. Some of the herbal mixes are – Powder Smoking – Dhoopan Yantra; Steam inhalation – Hot water pan, authentic ayurvedic Dhoomavarti – Dhoomanetra; Powder Inhalation – Balloon; Paper rolled smoking – Rice/Normal Paper; Leaf rolled – Tendu / Aaghada patta; Water extracts – Nebulizer and Hookah flavor – Shisha.

“We’ve introduced the healing power of Indian herbal smoke through innovation”

An ayurvedic doctor with Pharma Management, a passionate ayurvedic medicine manufacturer for over 15 years, Dr. Rajas Nitsure has many achievements to his sleeve. He is the first Ayurvedic doctor to think out of the box solution to create some niche products like Maruk and Temburini. He has been running successfully for the last many years Anantved Research Labs Pvt. Ltd. and Prayogik Ayurveda.

How did the journey begin?

My grandfather Vaidya Ananta S. Nitsure was having chronic cough and was advised an herbal mixture for smoking from Ayurvedic texts which can reduce cough and strengthen the Respiratory system. My father Vaidya Uday A. Nitsure converted the mixture form into Bidi (hand-rolled), which showed good results on various patients. It received a good response and even we got some export orders too. But due to some export norms, we couldn’t continue it further.

At the same time, we had a lot of requests for Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarettes (rolled in white paper and attached filter) having lookalike actual cigarettes from many professionals, doctors, lawyers, students, and surprisingly females also to replace tobacco cigarettes. Since there are no such Herbal / Ayurvedic cigarettes, which would meet up the needs, we took the initiative to introduce this new concept to Indian as well as global markets.

As we are all aware, Ayurveda is the ancient and traditional way of treatment. Acharyas like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhatta have very cleverly elaborated the concept of Dhoompan (medicinal smoking) in their respective Samhitas. Based on this rich information we were into the R&D since 1998 to convert it into a Regular Cigarette form which would look the same as tobacco cigarettes. We successfully made an Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette, a tobacco cigarette lookalike rolled in regular white cigarette paper, with tremendous medicinal values.

We also realized that Herbal / Ayurvedic cigarettes are helping patients to quit tobacco smoking. Smokers could easily discontinue smoking as we haven’t used any addictive substance in the cigarette by following smoking therapy. We are happy to share with you countless testimonials from many consumers especially females, blessing us as with the help of our product their husbands have quit smoking.

Taking the same vision forward, we tried to create substitutes for conventional tobacco products. After a great brainstorming and research, we have produced non-tobacco products which could be perfect replacements for conventional tobacco products.

Now we have launched Tobacco-Free INDIA Campaign through Ayurved and our endeavor is to create awareness so smokers can quit tobacco easily.

How AnantVed Research Labs came into being?

AnantVed Research Labs Pvt. Ltd. (AVRL) is a startup and founders come from a family of traditional Vaidyas who has worked with Ayurveda’s smoke therapies since the 1940s. It was set up in 2018 when Ayurveda entrepreneur Dr. Rajas Nitsure partnered with Indico Ventures Lab. The whole concept is based on the body of work created by Vaidya Anant Nitsure.

AVRL brings the healing power of Indian herbal smoke through innovation while retaining the authenticity of traditional knowledge. Right now, the market for herbal smoke is dominated by international brands. The market is small and niche but it offers an opportunity to create a global footprint for Indian smoke therapies. We are blessed with a deep understanding of herbal smoke and can offer a viable solution to folks who wish to try herbal smoke or move away from tobacco or other addictive smoking alternatives.

We are aware of the hurdles and strongly feel that to succeed exports will have to be a major source of revenue. It will also increase substantially the income of herb growers/collectors, and also create a lot of jobs. Hopefully, it will create a new category for innovators.

AVRL has set up a decent manufacturing unit in Pune with a fully equipped in-house laboratory so that we can have control over the quality of the product and continuous development & R & D.

What are the benefits of Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette alternatives such as Maruk & Temburini?

It’s very beneficial. According to Ayurvedic texts, the concept of dhoompaan helps to cures Kanthagata doshas (Diseases related to the throat) and helps to reduce UrdhvaJatrugata doshas (Diseases related to organs above the neck region). Then it helps maintain Kapha doshas. While it helps to reduce toxins, Maruk & Temburini gives freshness, lightness, and a soothing effect on the Head, Throat, and Chest. It also helps to get over depression and mental stress.

What all the herbs are used in your blends?

Many in fact, like Rosa (Rose), Mentha (Mint), Nelumbo Ucifera (Lotus), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice), Syzygium Aromaticum (Clove), Cinnamomum Verum (Cinnamon), and Chrysopogon Zizanioides (Vetiver). All these have been selected after trials over the last 70 years.

Maruk

Can you specify all the products you manufacture?

We are into several indeed. Under Prayogik Ayurveda Company for Hair Care, we manufacture Ez Hair Care which is a 3 in 1 Ayurvedic Hair Care solution for long and smooth hairs. It is a pack of oil, shampoo, and conditioner in the same bottle. It is produced using an infusion of Coconut Oil derived from churner and fresh Aloe Vera Juice. One can wash hair twice a week and require no need for extra oil application. It is also safe for children because of mild foaming.

The second is Kawal Mouthwash to solve dental worries. It is a perfect combination of special Irimedadi oil and Clove oil. The product is 100% chemical free so it is safe for all age groups including children above 4 years. Just add 5 drops in 1/4th cup of pure water and swish your mouth every day after each meal including breakfast.

We also have a unique product called Good Toffee which is loaded with all medicinal values of Turmeric, Sunth, and Chemical free Jaggery. It boosts immunity and is completely free from preservatives and binders. Mildly coated with chocolate one can chew and enjoy it daily 4 to 5 times.

The fourth one is SitoLeha & SitoLeha with Turmeric Mixture which is a perfect mixture of Sitopaladi churna and pure honey to keep coughs, cold, and fever away. The ingredients are the Pippali, Vanshlochan, Elaychi, Dalchini, and khadisakhar with madhu. Another variant has turmeric in it for its benefits. It is completely safe for all age groups including children above 2 years, pregnant ladies, and lactating mothers. The mixture comes with the taste of Pineapple and feels good factor for children.

Gunnj Mukhwaas is made from Bilwaphal, Haritaki, Niranjan phal, Jeshthamadh, Shunthi, and Dadim saal churna, etc. The formulation is without Supari (beetle nut), Chuna (Lime), and any other chemicals. One can chew a pinch of it after each meal.

SheetaPrabha cream is a wonder cream for Every Season, Every Reason, and for Every Person. It is a special multipurpose medicinal cream formulated and used for three generations. No side effects as the cream is safe and chemical-free and effective for all age groups and specifically for children. One can also use it as night cream with a mild aroma of saffron

What all are the innovations you have done in Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarettes? 

Existing Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarettes contain Ayurvedic ingredients in powder or granular form due to which Cigarette combustion is not proper. Ash produced by the existing Cigarette falls off without tapping by the user and also produces a bad smell/odor. Our objective was to have a non-tobacco, non-nicotine Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette with medicinal values which can help smokers to quit tobacco cigarettes.

Further, in the existing Cigarette, the end opposite to the filter tip has to be closed so that the powdered Ayurvedic ingredients do not fall out of the Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette whereas, in regular Tobacco Cigarettes the end is open.

An object of the present invention is to provide an Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette rolled in a regular white paper to which filter tip is attached.

The Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette is free of nicotine and tobacco and has medicinal values. It also provides the pleasure of smoking. Also, it can be smoked for medicinal purposes in some cases like bronchitis, chronic cough, dental problems, and oral care. Herbal / Ayurvedic Cigarette helps to quit tobacco cigarette consumption.

Recently we have successfully developed an authentic Ayurvedic dhoomavati exactly as mentioned in Granthas. Conventional Ayurvedic dhoomvati contain different types of Ayurvedic ingredients mixed together in the form of powder or granules. Further, binding agents such as butter, essential oil are added to the mixture of the Ayurvedic ingredients. The mixture is then dried naturally under the sun or by use of a dryer machine. Further, this dried powdered mixture is filled in a tube. The Ayurvedic dhoomvatis are then packed.

How do you source these organic ingredients? 

We have specific shortlisted farmers & vendors. Then Dr. Nitsure has been testing his prototypes and final products at the major labs like CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Central Tobacco Research Institute, and Maarc labs, Pune. The common tests done are for Nicotine content, Moisture level, and Chloride content. In Addition, raw materials and finished goods are tested by laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Department of Science &Technology, Govt. of India. The tests include Sugar testing, Heavy metals test, Pesticide residue testing, and Microbiological testing.

Temburini

Major initiatives planned in the next 12 months?

We will be launching Goodka which would be an alternative to tobacco Gutka and other chewing tobacco products. The next is Prayogik Churna – Roll your Own (RYO) with an herbal formulation that can be a replacement for loose tobacco. The great news is both formulations received approval from FDA in Maharashtra. We’ll also be putting more effort into our “Diamond Therapy” at our “Maruk De-addiction Centre” which is opening soon. We wish to take it to places on the franchise model, first in the state and later outside. This is going to be the first of its kind in the state. Lastly, we are trying to develop an eCommerce platform for Ayurvedic raw material and finished products.

From where one can buy your products?

We’ve distributors across the country. Our products are also available on all the e-commerce platforms where you can search for herbal cigarettes on Amazon India, or ayurvedic cigarettes on Flipkart, Dunzo, etc. One can order directly by visiting our website www.anantved.com. Even selective Paan shops and Ayurvedic medical shops keep our products. In Pune City, we also provide a home delivery service. To avail of this service, one can just dial 8010902889.  If someone is looking to distribute herbal cigarettes alternative across India or abroad, they are more than welcome to contact us. We are also available for wholesale purchase of ayurvedic cigarettes alternatives on platforms like IndiaMart.

About the author: IE&M Team
IE&M Team
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