Herb: Tree Tobacco


Latin name: Nicotiana glauca


Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)



Medicinal use of Tree Tobacco:

A poultice of the leaves can be applied to cuts, bruises, swellings and other wounds. The plant has been used as a poultice for removing the pus from scrofulous sores or boils. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to inflamed throat glands. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
August to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Rocks, walls and roadsides in the Mediterranean.

Edible parts of Tree Tobacco:

The leaves have been made into a drink. Some care should be exercised here. The tea will contain nicotine and this can be toxic to the body.

Other uses of the herb:

All parts of the plant contain nicotine, this has been extracted and used as an insecticide.

Propagation of Tree Tobacco:

Seed - surface sow in a warm greenhouse about 10 weeks before the last expected spring frosts. The seed usually germinates in 10 - 20 days at 20°C. Keep the soil moist and pot up as soon as the plants are big enough to handle, planting them out after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rocks, walls and roadsides in the Mediterranean.

Known hazards of Nicotiana glauca:

All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.