God gave Tobacco so that humans could dream like God dreamt the universe into creation
— Huitoto creation myth
Tobacco, often called Mapacho in the Amazon, is a plant native to the Americas with a long history of sacred, medicinal and ceremonial use. In many indigenous myths and stories Tobacco is considered the grandfather plant, the great teacher and healer, from which all other plants are said to have come.
As a dreaming plant, Tobacco teaches through dreams, where the subconscious opens into the shamanic space. Its medicine works on all levels—body, mind, and spirit—offering clarity, guidance, and ultimately empowerment, supporting integration and alignment in daily life.
No plant can be prepared without Tobacco. Without the blowing of Tobacco smoke, its healing potential won’t fully activate. That is why I call it the king of medicines.
— Maestro Ernesto Garcia Torres
Traditionally, tobacco has been used in several forms: smoked, chewed, taken as a snuff, snorted, or prepared as a liquid. When smoked, it is used to clear a space or a person for protection, connection, grounding, and presence.
The most potent use of tobacco is as a liquid preparation, taken in a ceremonial setting under the guidance of an experienced Tabaquero/a, (a practitioner trained in tobacco medicine). In this form, tobacco acts as a powerful purgative, supporting deep cleansing physically, mentally / emotionally, and energetically, often bringing a strong sense of clarity and presence. Unlike more visionary plant medicines, tobacco is commonly described as grounding, helping people feel more embodied and present.
Tobacco in its traditionally cured form, is very different from modern commercial cigarettes. Cigarettes are made from low-quality, heavily processed tobacco and contain numerous chemical additives. These additives—not the tobacco plant itself—are often responsible for the health risks commonly associated with smoking. Pure and traditionally prepared tobacco has a long history of medicinal use and is approached with great care, respect, and restraint.
As with any strong plant medicine, tobacco must be used mindfully. Dosage, context, and intention matter when worked with responsibly and under proper guidance.