How to Use Nasal Snuff

The use of snuff, or nasal tobacco, was first observed by monks during Christopher Columbus's second journey to the Americas. Since then, nasal snuff has been enjoyed by both the peasantry and aristocracy as a less risky alternative to smoking or chewing tobacco. The use of nasal stuff, however, requires a bit of practice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Nasal snuff
• Tissue or handkerchief
• Bullet

1. Use a brand of nasal snuff that appeals to you. As a beginner, you may want to choose a milder blend or one that has been cut into a finer powder until you get the hang of using snuff. In addition, you can choose from a variety of flavored nasal snuffs, such as spearmint, cinnamon, raspberry, strawberry, rose, orange, menthol and even snuff that has been dipped in whiskey or bourbon.
2. Take the tin of nasal snuff and tap on the lid before you open it, which will cause the contents to settle evenly at the bottom.
3. Carefully remove the top of the tin. Ensure that you are not in a windy area, or the snuff might blow right out of the container.
4. Pinch the nasal snuff between your thumb and forefinger and gently lift it toward your nostrils.
5. Gently inhale the snuff into your nose, taking care not to snort suddenly so that it will lodge deep into your sinuses. The trick to using snuff is to allow it to coat the inside of your nostrils so that you can smell it.
6. Sneeze if you feel the urge, keeping a tissue or handkerchief handy right after you use the nasal snuff. By resisting the sneeze, you will only irritate your sinuses and decrease the enjoyment of the snuff. Blow your nose, and try to use the nasal snuff again until you get the hang of it.
7. Breathe in and out after you use the nasal snuff. Allow the aroma of the snuff to fill your nostrils.
8. Enhance your use of nasal stuff by varying the method of inhaling. For instance, some snuff users tap a little tobacco onto the back of their hands and then sniff. Others use bullets, or small metal vials, to deliver a precise amount of nasal snuff into their nostrils.

Tips & Warnings

• While sniffing tobacco is certainly less risky than smoking or chewing it (it helps that no second-hand smoke is produced), it is still carcinogenic as well as addictive (it does contain nicotine).