Tobacco, Cultivated tobacco

Nicotiana tabacum

Physical Characteristics

Nicotiana tabacum is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America. Naturalized in C. and S. Europe.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Edible Uses: Egg Oil A protein can be extracted from the leaves. It is an odourless, tasteless white powder and can be added to cereal grains, vegetables, soft drinks and other foods[183]. It can be whipped like egg whites, liquefied or gelled and can take on the flavour and texture of a variety of foods[183]. It is 99.5% protein, contains no salt, fat or cholesterol[183]. It is currently (1991) being tested as a low calorie substitute for mayonnaise and whipped cream[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diuretic Emetic Expectorant Homeopathy Irritant Narcotic Sedative Sialagogue Tobacco has a long history of use by medical herbalists as a relaxant, though since it is a highly additive drug it is seldom employed internally or externally at present[4, 254]. The leaves are antispasmodic, discutient, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, irritant, narcotic, sedative and sialagogue[4, 192, 213]. They are used externally in the treatment of rheumatic swelling, skin diseases and scorpion stings[240]. The plant should be used with great caution[4], when taken internally it is an addictive narcotic[222]. The active ingredients can also be absorbed through the skin[4]. Wet tobacco leaves can be applied to stings in order to relieve the pain[213]. They are also a certain cure for painful piles[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the dried leaves[232]. It is used in the treatment of nausea and travel sickness[232].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[4, 19, 65, 76]. They contain a volatile oil called nicotine, this is a virulent poison that produces nausea, vomiting, sweating, palpitations and nausea[232].