Rabbit tobacco

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium (syn. Gnaphalium obtusifolium)

An annual, grey-felted herb of the daisy family, with straw-coloured flower heads that keep their shape when dried. The dried herb smells sweet. Flavonoids and essential oil have been found in it; its effect is little studied.

Safety notes

Smoking damages the lungs, herbs included; do not do it. Not with an allergy to the daisy family. Shortness of breath and asthma need a doctor. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine: Do not smoke it; not with an allergy to the daisy family.

Preparation

A tea of a small handful of dried herb, steeped for 10 minutes.

Use in traditions

The 'rabbit tobacco' of the Cherokee stories: Garrett tells how Rabbit smoked it in the morning to clear his lungs. According to Hamel and Chiltoskey the Cherokee drank a decoction for colds and coughs, chewed the herb for a sore mouth or throat, and smoked it for asthma. For muscle cramps and twitching an infusion was rubbed into scratches over the painful spot, and the herb went into the sweat bath. The Creek and Alabama used it too.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine

Attributed effects

For colds and coughs, chewed for a sore mouth and throat, in the sweat bath, and rubbed into scratches over muscle cramps and twitching.

Preparation and amount

A decoction of the herb; chew the herb.

Caution: Do not smoke it; not with an allergy to the daisy family.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction

Sources

All herbs from North America →