Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

healing, banishing

Tobacco is native to North and South America. It is often stated that English colonist John Rolfe “discovered” tobacco, but that is of course untrue. As with many plants, Native Americans used and worked with tobacco long before colonists invaded their land. Tobacco is sacred to many cultures and religions, and in many Native American cultures it is used to promote calm, peace, and the ability to speak to others and with the ancestors. Unprocessed, chemical-free tobacco also often incorporated into ceremonies and healing practices.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Though tobacco is commonly smoked by people around the world, it can be fatal if ingested incorrectly or too often. That said, tobacco can relieve pain and anxiety temporarily, and tobacco was and still is used in many cultures to dress wounds. In addition, chewing tobacco can relieve toothache.

Tobacco Clearing Spray

This simple and effective spray can be used to clear and protect entryways such as your front door, and over the altar after you have finished a spell.

WHAT YOU NEED

1 tablespoon loose tobacco

1 tablespoon ground sage

Peel of 1 orange, cut into small pieces

1 teaspoon sea salt

8-ounce glass jar

Spray bottle

WHAT TO DO

· Place all the ingredients in your glass jar. Fill the jar with hot water and allow the potion to cool, uncovered.

· Once the potion has reached room temperature, cover the jar and place it in your refrigerator.

· When you’re ready to use it, strain the potion and add it to a spray bottle, spraying any area that needs clearing.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

You do not need to smoke tobacco to work with her. Try sprinkling tobacco in front of your door to protect your home. You can also place tobacco leaves over your bed to invite spirits to visit your dreams. Meditate with tobacco by lying down and placing tobacco on your womb, beneath the belly. She will take you back to your roots, and guide you through a deep healing experience.

PLANT WISDOM

Although tobacco is an important part of Indigenous cultural traditions, it is possible to work with her even if you are not part of those cultures—if you are respectful. Out of that kind of respect, I ask that you not work with tobacco for connecting with your ancestors, unless your culture does so traditionally. However, you can absolutely incorporate tobacco into your banishing or protection Magics without fear of offending her or anyone else.