https://www.wikihow.it/Preparare-un-Narghil%C3%A8
- |
Hookahs, or water pipes, are traditional smoking tools in Middle Eastern countries, but have achieved great popularity around the world.Taking an occasional "puff" with a hookah is not a problem, given that many places now make it available to customers, but how do you proceed to prepare your own water pipe?If you don't know where to start and need a little help, this article is just for you.
-
Clean the hookah. Wash it with water and scrub it with a soft bristle brush before using it for the first time and whenever it seems dirty.Disassemble all the parts and wash them except for the pipes;act as if they are not water resistant unless labeled otherwise.[1] When you're done, wipe each component with a cloth and wait for them all to air dry completely before continuing.
- The best thing to do is to clean your pipe at the end of each smoking session, but it's also okay to do so when you notice residue in the bowl or when the smoke has an altered flavor.
- A long, thin pipe cleaner allows you to reach the inside of the elongated elements.You can purchase these devices in stores that sell hookahs.
-
Pour cold water into the ampoule. This is the large glass container that sits at the base of the pipe.Add enough water to submerge the first 2-3cm of the metal stem.It is important to leave some space for air so that the smoke is diluted and easier to draw through the pipe.If you have a smaller hookah, you will probably only need to submerge the first 12mm of the stem to have enough space for air and avoid wetting the pipes.[2] [3]
- The stem is the metal tip at the end of the central shaft.Make a slit on the stem at the top of the ampoule to see how deep the stem reaches.
- Water does not filter nicotine and other chemical compounds from smoke, as most smokers believe.The presence of water does not make smoking less harmful.
-
Add ice (optional). Although the smoke emitted from a water pipe is not at all harsh, it is more pleasant when it is cool.You will need to remove some water, to make sure it is always at the right level (described above) even with the presence of ice cubes.
-
Insert the rod into the ampoule. Push it all the way in until the stem is in the water.There should be a silicone or rubber element on the top of the ampoule that allows for an airtight joint.If there is no careful seal, the smoke will be diluted and difficult to inhale.
- If the rubber gasket doesn't fit, moisten it with a little water or a drop of liquid soap.
-
Connect the hoses. The slots for these elements are located on the sides of the rod.They also come with gaskets to ensure an airtight seal.On some hookahs it is possible to close the holes when the hoses are disconnected;for other models, however, it is necessary to always secure all the pipes, even if you are smoking alone.
- Check the water level carefully each time before connecting the remaining elements.If the liquid is too close to the pipes, it can damage them.
-
Check the airflow. Place your hand on the top of the pipe to block air access.Try to suck through a tube;If you can feel any air, it means the joints are not tightly secured.Double-check them to make sure all rubber or silicone gaskets are securely seated.
- If you've lost a seal, do an online search for "hookah seal ring" to find replacement parts.In an emergency, you can temporarily remedy this with kinesiology tape wrapped tightly around the joint;by doing so, you should get a nearly airtight seal.[4]
-
Place the metal tray on top of the rod. Its job is to collect the embers and excess tobacco if they fall from the brazier.
-
Stir the shisha. This is tobacco flavored with a liquid that also makes the smoke thicker.This type of liquid tends to settle to the bottom, so stir the mixture quickly before using.
- If this is your first time smoking with a hookah, you should use a molasses-based, tobacco-free shisha to practice the preparation.Tobacco can be very harsh if you make any preparation errors.[5]
- Shisha comes in several different flavors, which change your smoking experience considerably.Try a few different ones to see which one you like best as a new smoker.
-
Break the shisha and place it in the brazier. Try to restore volume to the mixture and then drop it into the brazier.Then, flatten it slightly to have a level surface, but be careful not to compact it.The tobacco should always be loose enough, so that the air can pass through it without problems.Fill the bowl almost to the brim, leaving at least 2mm of space above the tobacco so it doesn't burn.[6]
-
Cover the shisha with very resistant aluminum foil. Place it over the brazier so that it is taut.Wrap the ends around the edges of the fire pit itself to keep it in place.
- If you only have plain aluminum foil, use two layers.
- Alternatively, you can use a charcoal screen which is typically sold for this purpose;however, most smokers prefer foil.
-
Place the bowl over the hookah rod. This should be held in place by another rubber seal, which at the same time ensures an airtight seal.
-
Punch several holes in the foil. Use a toothpick or paper clip and poke 12-15 holes all over the surface.[7] As you go, control the air flow by sucking through one of the tubes.If you have trouble sucking in, drill more holes.
- Some people also prefer to pierce the shisha to provide access for air and heat.
-
Set fire to two or three pieces of coal. There are two types that are used for hookah.Follow the instructions based on the one you have:[8]
- Quick ignition charcoal:Grab it with tongs on a fireproof surface.Set it on fire with a match or lighter until it stops emitting smoke.Then, wait 10-30 seconds until the charcoal becomes covered in light gray ash and becomes glowing.This type of charcoal is quite comfortable, but the smoking experience will be shorter and worse.Some people complain of headaches after smoking with this product.
- Natural charcoal:heat it directly over the flame of a stove or an electric burner, but never let the ash fall inside the methane system or on the glass-ceramic shelf.The charcoal is ready when it becomes red hot, usually after 8-12 minutes.
-
Transfer the charcoal to the foil. Place the glowing pieces in an orderly manner forming a ring on the brazier, it's okay even if they protrude slightly from the edges.A common mistake is to put charcoal in the center, but doing so burns the shisha, giving it a harsh flavor and shortening the smoking time.
- Many smokers prefer to wait for the shisha to heat up for 3-5 minutes before starting to smoke.This way, you can gently inhale the smoke while fully enjoying the flavor.
-
Inhale. Once the brazier is hot – or immediately after placing the coal, if you're impatient – inhale through one of the tubes.The suction should force air through the coals which will become hotter.If you inhale too forcefully, the air will overheat the charcoal, which will subsequently burn the tobacco.As a result, you will have a coughing fit and lungs full of bad tasting smoke.Limit yourself to short aspirations, as if you were breathing normally.Maintain a relaxed pace, taking breaks to allow the shisha to cool.
- If the flask does not fill with smoke, take a series of short forced inhalations to heat the tobacco.
Advice
- In addition to shisha there are many other more traditional blends to smoke in the hookah.These dried leaves are typically more sour and are not flavored.To smoke them, place the charcoal directly on the leaves without using foil.[9]
Warnings
- Hot coal is dangerous, handle it with a steady hand.
- Hookah smoking, like any other tobacco product, also represents a serious health risk.
Licensed under: CC-BY-SA