Tobacco

Tobacco

Nicotiana tabacum

Botanical Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Botanical Description

Nicotiana tabacum is an annual (or short-lived perennial in warm climates) growing 1-2 meters tall. Large, oval, sticky leaves can reach 60cm long. Tubular pink flowers appear in clusters. The entire plant is covered with fine, sticky hairs and has a distinctive heavy aroma.

Medicinal Actions

External actions: Antimicrobial, insecticidal, anesthetic, counter-irritant.

Traditional uses: In Indigenous American traditions, tobacco is a sacred plant used for prayer, offerings, and ceremony. Medicinally, it was used externally for skin conditions, pain relief, and to draw out infections. Smoke was used ceremonially, not recreationally.

Modern understanding: Contains nicotine, a potent and addictive alkaloid. We offer these seeds for cultural and ceremonial growers who respect tobacco’s traditional sacred role.

Body Systems Affected

External only: Traditional poultices for pain, stings, and skin conditions.

Ceremonial: Traditional offering and prayer plant.

Safety Information

⚠️ EXTREMELY TOXIC – ALL PARTS:

Nicotine: Highly toxic alkaloid. Ingestion can be fatal. Even handling wet leaves can cause nicotine absorption through skin.

Internal use: NEVER consume internally. Not for smoking.

Children: Keep away from children at all times.

Handling: Wear gloves when handling plants, especially when wet.

Pregnancy: Absolutely contraindicated.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Annual in most zones. Frost-tender.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.

Sowing: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Tiny seeds need light – surface sow.

Spacing: 60-90cm apart. Plants become large.

Harvesting

For ceremony: Consult with elders from traditions that use tobacco ceremonially.

Safety: Always wear gloves. Never taste or ingest any part.

Drying & Storage

If drying for ceremonial use, do so in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets. Store securely in labeled containers marked as toxic.