Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Notebook

Nicotiana glauca

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Highly toxic plant containing anabasine, an alkaloid that can cause severe poisoning, including through simple prolonged skin contact or transcutaneous absorption. Never ingest in any form whatsoever: fatal poisoning cases have been documented, particularly due to confusion with edible plants. External use only, on healthy skin, in minimal quantity, and never on an open wound or for an extended period. Prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and not recommended for anyone without supervision by a qualified professional in phytotherapy or toxicology.

Poultice — Leaves

Fresh leaf poultice

A few fresh leaves are lightly crushed or heated before being applied to the affected area, wrapped in a clean cloth. Application must be brief and never on broken skin. This preparation should only be considered with the advice of a professional familiar with the plant's toxicity. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Diluted decoction — Leaves

Highly diluted external decoction

A small quantity of dried leaves is brought to a boil then heavily diluted before strictly external use, for example as a local wash or compress. This preparation, due to the plant's toxicity, must be carried out under professional supervision. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Nicotiana glauca grows spontaneously in arid and disturbed areas, often along roadsides or on vacant lots, in South America as well as in several regions of the Mediterranean basin where it has become naturalized. It is not commercially available in herbal shops due to its recognized toxicity.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The leaves, when they were traditionally harvested, were collected preferably in spring or summer, from plants in full growth, avoiding any prolonged contact with bare skin.

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