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Journalism of Courage
Visit any chai tapri, and you’ll spot a familiar sight: a steaming kulhad in one hand and a cigarette blowing off smoke in the other. It’s not an official rule, but you’ll almost always find a group of people following this script.
While it may seem like a harmless pairing, the science behind it is complex and profound. Nicotine is highly addictive, and caffeine, too, is known to create dependency. “When taken together, they reinforce each other’s effects, making the brain associate the chai sutta combo with relaxation and focus,” explains Dr Prashant Sinha, Head of Emergency at PSRI Hospital.
This forms a habitual loop, the proof of which is visible at chai tapris across the country. Deeply rooted in our social fabric, this popular combination is driven more by habit than conscious choice.
But what really happens when tea meets cigarettes? Dr Sinha explains below.
“When you drink chai and smoke a cigarette at the same time, your body experiences a mix of stimulation and strain,” explains Dr Sinha. He notes, “Tea contains caffeine, which temporarily increases alertness and raises heart rate. Cigarettes, on the other hand, deliver nicotine, which also stimulates the nervous system but adds harmful chemicals that strain the heart and lungs.”
This mix forces the heart and lungs to work harder than usual, creating unnecessary physiological stress. According to Dr Sinha, this puts strain on the cardiovascular system, creating a short-lived ‘rush’ that feels energising. It, however, is unhealthy.
“Having only chai usually gives you a mild boost in alertness, while smoking a cigarette alone provides nicotine stimulation but also harmful toxins. When both are combined, the stimulant effects overlap, making the heart beat faster and raising blood pressure more than either one alone,” he clarifies.
He further warns that the physiological strain makes a person feel more dependent on the combination, making people crave both substances together more often.
Many people perceive the chai-sutta habit as comforting or calming, but Dr Sinha clarifies that this is a physiological illusion. “This relaxation is deceptive. Nicotine reduces withdrawal symptoms temporarily, creating a sense of relief. Caffeine sharpens alertness for a short time.”
However, he warns that once their effects wear off, “cravings, irritability, and anxiety” return. Over time, this cycle actually worsens stress rather than reducing it.
Still, the chai-sutta ritual feels rewarding because it combines stimulation, relaxation, and social bonding. “For many, it becomes a routine linked with breaks, conversations, or stress relief. This psychological association makes it harder to quit, even when people know the risks.” Repeated pairings form strong habit loops in the brain, similar to other addictive behaviours.
“Regularly combining tea and cigarettes can lead to multiple health issues. Smoking damages the lungs, increases cancer risk, and weakens blood vessels. Caffeine in excess may trigger acidity, poor sleep, and palpitations,” notes Dr Sinha. Together, they may “worsen acid reflux, increase heart problems, and contribute to long-term addiction.” Among the immediate problems are heart palpitations, jitteriness, or acidity after chai-sutta. “More serious risks like chronic lung disease, heart attack, and cancer develop over time with repeated use,” Dr Sinha concludes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
