Tobacco was a good guy long ago

May 28, 3:29 PMDetroit Alternative Medicine ExaminerVickie Jackson

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Here in Michigan the state government is about to pass legislation banning tobacco smoking in most public businesses, with the exception of some casinos and tobacco stores. The final word on this has not yet been set in stone but it is certainly guaranteed to be one of the most controversial laws ever passed in Michigan's history. We all know that tobacco products have the potential to cause a variety of health problems both for the smoker and the secondary recipient. These range from a variety of lung and heart diseases to premature birth, not to mention the ever present risk of fires started by careless smokers. Yet still, the argument is endless as to whether smokers should be allowed to practice their habit in any form, any place they choose.

There is, however, another side to the tobacco story--one that is now seldom ever considered anything but ancient history. Long before the tobacco companies existed, before cigarettes, pipes or cigars were manufactured, the tobacco plant was used for medicinal purposes. That's right, medicinal! First cultivated by Native people of both North and Central America, it was known for properties other than the current addictive recreational drug it has become. Aside from the ceremonial/spiritual uses, tobacco was an important medicinal herb. Without all the numerous chemical additives now used in the tobacco industry, this plant (actually several variations of the nicotiana species) has actual purposes for good rather than harm.

Most of the usage of the tobacco plant in its natural form were external. The leaves, soaked in water, were used as a poultice for insect stings. In areas where scorpions are a threat, even their sting was treated in this manner as well. For rheumatic pains, swelling, skin diseases and even hemorrhoids, tobacco leaves were a common treatment option. In some cases this involved burning the plant and fanning or blowing the smoke (known as smudging) over the patient, similar in principle to aromatherapy techniques. The beneficial substances in the smoke of this or any plant used in this way are meant to have a healing effect.

In other applications, the nicotine in tobacco is a natural pesticide (think: if it kills insects, what does it do to your body?), both for other plants and, using the leaves' juice, rubbed on skin as a repellent. Considering what that must have smelled like, it was quite likely highly effective in repelling more than insects.

NOTE: This article is not, in any way, shape or form, intended to advocate the use of tobacco for smoking or chewing by anyone of any age, in any place, either public or private. Similarly the writer is NOT a supporter of the tobacco industry or tobacco use, period. It is only meant to tell that this plant was at one time used in different ways than it is now.