Tobacco is probably the number one most sacred plant medicine in the world. Consider that it was known and used in cultures as far ranging as Siberia and the Amazon forest. It is said that an 'Indian bearing a peace pipe could walk undisturbed from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego'.
Tobacco bears many gifts, both symbolic and medicinal. It is only in its commercialization that modern man has to some extent lost the opportunity for a respectful relationship to this plant. Tobacco has been named Moctezuma's revenge, in allusion to the havoc wreaked on modern Western society by smoking.
Tobacco is also used medicinally. I am not too sure about all the uses of this plant, but I have used it successfully to treat eczema and to combat lice, as well as kill pests on my living room plants. The leaves are also used in entheogenic shamanism as a preparation for initiation with Ayahuasca. A decoction of the leaves is imbibed on an empty stomach early in the morning and late at night. The initiate spends the time of the diet resting, avoiding fire and sunlight, and eating only very basic food, with no salt or sugar. After a while the plant causes very
remarkable visions.
I also smoke Tobacco regularly in Ayahuasca ceremonies for two purposes. Firstly I offer Tobacco with prayers, usually with a word or two about friendship, sincerity and integrity. Secondly I use Tobacco to control negative energy, both my own, and on occasion when others are going through a rough spot. I usually smoke for them and offer some prayers. Occasionally I will offer them the pipe. There is always a packed pipe on my altar as a reminder of the Native people who discovered the sacred plants we use.
The Tobacco depicted to the right is called Mapacho. Rolls of this wild variety are sold at markets throughout the Amazon. The smoke is pretty strong and the cut Tobacco needs to be dried before it can be smoked. Occasionally I prefer a more refined pipe Tobacco. I would prefer to cultivate my own, but haven't got the space for this plant in my attic.