Lobelia

Lobelia

Latin name: :Lobelia inflata

Health Benefits of Lobelia

Lobelia, also known as “Indian Tobacco,” is typically used for serious respiratory conditions.  Health benefits include: 

• Lobelia is a powerful expectorant as well as an excellent remedy for spastic or dry coughing and wheezing.  This also makes it helpful for bronchitis.
• Lobeline, a primary active alkaloid in the plant is chemically and physiologically similar to nicotine, only without nicotine’s addictive properties. It has actually been used in “stop smoking” formulas for many years as it reduces the craving associated with nicotine withdrawal.
• Can be an aggressive emetic even in relatively small doses if the system is highly toxic. While the resulting nausea and vomiting can be alarming, it has and will always be proven beneficial to the patient.
• Can actually relieve spasms. Keep tincture on hand for use in convulsions.
• When in tincture or extract form, it can be rubbed on the shoulders of a restless child to help him or her go to sleep.
• It’s a powerful relaxant. The relaxing effects can be felt all over the whole body.  They work very quickly, and have a good influence on the overall body.
• Known as a strong deobstruent (meaning it opens obstructions). For this reason it is wonderful as an asthma treatment.  It relaxes the stomach, which is often a problem in asthmatic children, and dilates the bronchial passages. Many people use the herb to stop asthma attacks in place of inhalants.
• Has been traditionally used as an antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic, and sedative. It has been utilized in the treatment of whooping cough, bruises, ulcers, croup, inflammations, sprains, ringworm, swelling, insect bites, and poison ivy symptoms.
• Use externally for inflammation and pain associated with rheumatism and boils. 

How to Use Lobelia

• Can be used in teas or in tinctures.
• Can be applied externally as a poultice.
• This herb is to be respected.  Begin with small dosages as it can have greatly varying effects on people. 
• Best used in combination with other herbs and diluted with tea or water. 

Cautions and Side Effects of Lobelia

• No known drug interactions.
• Should not be used in excess as it can be very dangerous.
• Safe for children.
• Do not use while pregnant.   

Fun Facts About Lobelia

• Another funny name for Lobelia is “pukeweed.”
• It can also be used as a substitute for tobacco as it has many of the same effects as nicotine.