TOBACCO AS A EEMEDY. 477 



kinds, colds and similar troubles. When the wet 

 tobacco is applied, says General Clingman, the first 

 effect is stimulating. In twenty or thirty minutes, how- 

 ever, the sedative effect is perceived. When it is placed 

 on the eyelids, as some of the juice gets into the eye, 

 there is usually an itching sensation and a little pain, 

 but in a few minutes this passes off and there is no more 

 feeling than if a wet cloth were applied. Most persons 

 sleep under the influence, but some do not, as it is a 

 nerve tonic as well as a sedative. If the tobacco be 

 applied only to the affected parts, no nausea will be felt 

 until the inflammation has been subdued, when the 

 bandage should be removed. Generally, two hours after 

 application a sedative effect is attained, but in obstinate 

 cases a much longer time may be required. 



Leaf tobacco should be used for the poultices, but if 

 this is not practicable, manufactured, or plug, tobacco, 

 well softened in water, may be applied, but the latter 

 frequently contains drugs that may interfere with its 

 usefulness. The darker leaves are stronger and better 

 than the light yellow leaves. Leaves of plants cut last 

 year are better than those freshly cut, as tobacco seems 

 to gather strength with age. A bunch of these leaves, 

 thrown into a bowl of cold water, will become moist and 

 soft, so that the large stem in the center may be taken 

 out. Hot water will answer the purpose sooner than 

 cold, but either will do. When this is done, not less 

 than two thicknesses of the leaf should be placed 

 directly on the part to be relieved. As, however, the 

 heat of the skin tends to dry the tobacco in a few min- 

 utes, a wet bandage must be laid over it. About four 

 thicknesses of common white cotton cloth will be suffi- 

 cient, but this should be well soaked in the water before 

 it is put on, then a bandage of the same cloth may be 

 tied over it, and water from time to time should be ap- 

 plied by pressing a wet rag on it, so as to keep the 



