Though it is strongly aromatic, it has no narcotic properties.
Research shows that most, if not all herbalists, past and present, deem it OK to inhale the smoke to treat colds, flu, asthma, sore mouth and throat, and congestion. The herb can be placed in a saucer and lighted, and the smoke drawn into the lungs, smoked in a pipe or rolled into a cigarette. My take on it is that one should use it when needed for the above mentioned medicinal needs. One can also use the plant to make tea, bring to a boil and breathe in the vapors to good effect. The Cherokee people are reported to have used it in this way. It can also be used to season many dishes, as desired.
Rabbit Tobacco (also called Life Everlasting) has a long history of use by early American settlers and several Indian Tribes. In spite of its name, this marvelous organic herb is not in the tobacco family and is not addictive.
EFFECTIVE AS AN INSECT AND SPIDER (arachnide family) repellent.
This organic plant makes an excellent herbal tea, with the added bonus of being medicinal. Use either leaves or flowers; both give you a superb product.
". . . A spoonful of the dried leaves steeped for five minutes in a cup of boiling water will soothe coughs, open up the sinuses and act as an expectorant. Swallowed, its’ healing astringent nature is particularly beneficial to inflamed tissues of the stomach and intestines. . ."
Darryl Patton, M.A., M.H.
Director - Coltsfoot College of Natural Health
Rabbit Tobacco
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Pseudognaphalium
Species: obtusifolium
Taxon: Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Strew or place Rabbit Tobacco Strips in the below areas to combat pests such as these.
See Disclaimer below.
WINDOW SILLS
CLOSETS (Where Clothes Moths & other bugs often take up residence)
UNDER BEDS
UNDER MATTRESS SLIP
UNDER CHAIRS & COUCHES
IN AIR VENTS
UNDER & BEHIND APPLIANCES
UNDER KITCHEN SINKS
ATTACH TO INSIDE BOTTOM OF DOORS
GARAGE
UNDER LAWN MOWER COVERS
UNDER DASHES AND SEATS OF VEHICLES
OUTDOOR BUILDINGS
SLEEPING BAGS
TENTS (Place strips at ground level)
BIRD HOUSES & CAGES (If birds accept the aroma they will have less mites to contend with)
DOG HOUSES & BEDS (will help combat fleas if your pet/s will accept the aroma)
CAT HOUSES & BEDS (will help combat fleas if your pet/s will accept the aroma)
IN MAILBOXES (Where Black Widow & Brown Recluse spiders often take up residence).
UNDER AUTOMOBILE SEATS & DASH (First, place the rabbit tobacco in silk stockings).
These strips can be used in many other areas, such as industrial sites, health providers, hospitals, clothing store storage, restaurant food preparation areas, and the like.
Disclaimer: We do not guarantee that all insects, spiders, scorpions, moths and the like, will be eradicated by the use of rabbit tobacco. However, based on its use at selected homes (one of which is mine) and outbuildings, this herb has proven to be very effective. Put it out and leave it for a few weeks.
http://www.rabbittobacco.com/
Gnaphalium obtusifolium. Unmistakable by its creamy appearance in the still green background of the early fall meadows. Leaves long, elliptical and silver green colored. Plant up to one meter high. Unusual fragrance. Can be smoked for respiratory ailments or made into a relaxing tea. A common tobacco substitute used by children in rural areas. It is said to have a mild sedative effect.
Contrary to popular belief, rabbit tobacco is not marijuana.
Rabbit tobacco can be used medicinally in several ways. Smoking the leaves is good for sinusitis, head colds, and congestion. In hot teas, it is used to treat sore throats, fevers, diarrhea, colds, flu, pneumonia, asthma, and coughs, as well as a mild nerve sedative, a diuretic, and an antispasmodic.
It is know by many other names: life everlasting, sweet balsam, white balsam, sweet cudweed, cat's foot, fragrant everlasting, Indian posy, etc.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Rabbit+Tobacco
Gnaphalium spicatum, shiny cudweed, develops from a distinct round silver-white rosette of leaves that grows flat on the ground. Gnaphalium purpureum, purple cudweed, has the gray-white narrow leaves along the stem that you probably think of as rabbit tobacco. All cudweeds grow as annual or biennial plants. The best way to propagate more is to collect seeds from mature flower heads now and plant them in spring.
http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/rabbit-tobacco/
