Lobelia

Species Name: Lobelia inflate

Also known as: Indian tobacco, puke weed

What is The Herb?

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory ailments. It is an attractive herb that grows to a height of three feet.

Its erect, hairy stem is angular, branching at the top, usually green with a tinge of violet.

The pale green or yellowish leaves have a sharp taste and a slightly irritating odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet-blue outside and pale yellow inside.

Home remedies using Lobelia:

Benefits of Lobelia:

There is a long history of lobelia use as an herbal remedy for respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Native Americans historically smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma.

Today, lobelia is considered an effective expectorant, meaning that it helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract.

Although few studies have thoroughly evaluated the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists today incorporate lobelia into a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma. Lobelia has also been prescribed to induce vomiting.

Uses of Lobelia:

Asthma, cough, congestion, purgative (to induce vomiting) bronchitis, pneumonia, and nicotine withdrawal are all treated with this herb.

Lobelia is available in liquid extracts, tinctures, and as a dried herb in capsules. Therapy should begin with lower dosages and increase gradually, depending upon response.

Dried herb (infusion or decoction): ¼ to ½ teaspoon herb in eight ounces of water, preferably mixed with other herbs. Steep thirty to forty minutes. Take two ounces four times a day. (This method is not preferred because of lobelia's acrid taste.)

Liquid extract (1:1 in 50% alcohol): 0.2 to 0.6 mL (four to eighteen drops) three times per day Tincture of lobelia: 0.6 to 2.0 mL (18 to 60 drops) per day Vinegar tincture of lobelia (1:5 in dilute acetic acid): One to four mL (20 to 120 drops) three times per day.

Side Effects of Lobelia:

Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb.   Some of the active substances in lobelia bind to nicotine receptors in the nervous system and can cause serious symptoms such as profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and even death.

Never exceed a dosage of 20 mg lobelia per day. Doses higher than 500 mg are highly toxic and could be fatal.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath, as well as those recovering from shock, should not take lobelia.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid this lobelia as well.