Water Pipe, Hookah Pipe, Nargile: They All Smoke the Same

Water Pipe, Hookah Pipe, Nargile: They All Smoke The Same

Although some people hear the words water pipe and think of a bong, a water pipe is also known as a hookah pipe or nargile; it just depends on what country you’re in, as each has a different term for the same thing. Hookah pipes been used for centuries throughout the world.

It has been reported that, centuries ago, an Indian physician by the name of Hakim Abul Fateh Gilani originated the water pipe. Europeans had introduced tobacco to India, and Dr. Gilani looked for a way to purify the tobacco’s smoke. The water pipe operates by a combination of water filtration and indirect heat. A water pipe can have single or multiple stems, and is used to smoke hookah tobacco, which is also known as shisha tobacco. Shisha is a sticky form of tobacco that’s been flavored with honey, molasses, and/or fruit extracts.

Your water pipe / hookah pipe / nargile requires regular cleaning – about every 5 to 10 days. It’s very easy to do; all you need is hot water, a little dishwashing liquid, and a brush. Your online resource where you buy hookah even carries brushes that are specifically designed for cleaning hookah pipes. Once clean, it’s important that it dry completely before your next smoking session. Just to be safe, let it air dry overnight. Don’t slack off on the regular cleanings, because it not only adds to the lifetime of your hookah pipe, it also helps to guarantee a pleasant smoking experience each time you light your hookah tobacco.

The water you use in your hookah pipe should be changed each time you smoke. You can ensure a satisfying smoke by filling your base only halfway with water, making sure that only 1 or 2 inches of stem are submerged. This gives the smoke enough room to expand within the hookah pipe before your inhale it. And, to add to the excitement that is hookah, try different kinds of liquids, from juices to sodas, or milk – even wine or liquor. Let your creativity guide you. Some people like to add ice to their liquids, and some people even chill their hookah hoses!

Your smoking accessories also contribute to a great smoking experience. A long-burning charcoal equals a long smoking session (about an hour). When you’re planning on smoking your hookah pipe, make sure you light you charcoal first. Producing thick and white clouds means you’ve prepared your hookah pipe properly.

Another important accessory is the smoking bowl. The traditional bowl of the Egyptian hookah is made of clay from the banks of the Nile River. Today, however, phunnel bowls are popular because they better contain the juice of the hookah tobacco. Otherwise, it can leak down the stem into the liquid.

Yes, the people who smoke hookah take it very seriously. You will, too, when you become part of this centuries old tradition.