Well I finished the game several times and I never used them. When an area is too difficult, I just come back later! (That sounds a lot like advice I read somewhere <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />)

I am in blood
Stepp'd in so far, that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er.