• Question: is chewing mirra and muguka harmful

    Asked by 635green25 to Munga, Mary, Loice, George, George, Diana on 28 May 2019.
    • Photo: Mary Kaniu

      Mary Kaniu answered on 28 May 2019:


      Chewing Miraa and Muguka is harmful .

      It has many effects including depression, trouble sleeping ,loss of appetite , high blood pressure , a fast heart rate ,mania and hallucinations( a person can become like a mad person and start seeing things that are not there, hearing voices that are not from real people ) , in the long run a person can get cancer of the mouth

    • Photo: George Makau

      George Makau answered on 28 May 2019:


      Khat (miraa) leaves and stem contain a chemical stimulant called cathinone. Khat chewing is addictive and is therefore controlled or restricted in some countries around the world and through the World Health Organization. In Kenya, chewing Khat is not illegal.
      Consistent abuse of khat, especially in very large doses over a long period of time, can lead to post-chewing stress and khat-induced psychosis, a rare mental illness. Khat abuse over many years has also been linked to liver damage and failure. This condition is referred to as khat-induced hepatitis which can lead to fibrosis or cirrhosis (liver cancer).
      For people who have become addicted to khat, it is important to overcome this addiction before long-term physical and mental damage occurs. A comprehensive rehabilitation program can provide the therapeutic support and care needed to address issues of substance abuse and addiction.

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