Lobelia inflata is an herb found in the southeastern part of Canada and the eastern half of the United States, with the exception of Florida. The said herb is known to be very effective in treating various ailments. Several studies have already proven the herbal plant’s efficacy in treating diseases like asthma, bronchitis, congestion, whooping cough and different types of allergies.
The lobelia plant has delicate, little flowers that are light blue with a hint of yellow in color. Although the flowers of the lobelia plant does have some medicinal qualities, the seeds are the ones most commonly used for making herbal remedies. This is due to the fact that the lobelia plant’s seeds are a potent source of lobeline, a beneficial piperidine alkaloid.
The lobelia plant was named after the 17th century botanist named Mathias l’Obel, whose contributions in the field of botany is still highly regarded up to this day. Lobelia is sometimes referred to in different names, for instance, some people call it Indian Tobacco because it contains chemicals that are similar to nicotine, and also because Native Americans used to smoke it in lieu of actual tobacco. There are other, not-so-flattering terms used to describe the lobelia plant; names like asthma weed, pukeweed, gagroot, vomitwort, and bladderpod.
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Health Benefits of Lobelia Herb
- Helps smokers quit
- Used for treating asthma
- Used for treating bronchitis
- Can be used for sore throat relief
- Used as an expectorant for treating whooping cough
- Decoctions of the lobelia plant can actually be used as treatment for sprains, muscle pain, and skin bruising
Because lobeline (the active ingredient in lobelia seeds), or lobinaline in Lobelia cardinalis, has a similar chemical composition as nicotine, medical professionals believe that it can make for an excellent smoking cessation supplement. Whenever the person feels the urge to smoke, he can use lobelia seed (preferably in tea form) to ease his cravings. After a while of taking lobelia seed supplements, it can actually make tobacco taste weird and unpalatable, thus making it easier to quit the habit of smoking.
Another benefit of lobelia is that it can ease the effects of panic and anxiety attacks. Small and frequent doses of lobelia can produce a calming effect on the patient, and it can even be used during the panic attacks as well.
Lobelia is one of the many medicinal herbs that have more than a dozen uses. Although the FDA did ban the use of lobelia supplements for a brief time in the past, it was lifted afterwards and they now praise the herb as one of the most effective natural smoking remedies out there.
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If you want to try out lobelia for yourself, consult your physician first to make sure that it is safe for you to use the herb and so you can get advice on proper dosage. Supplements come in the form of tincture, tea, capsules and dried extract powder.
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To suggest that one should “consult a physician first” is beyond stupid, because 99% of doctors have never heard of this plant, much less know anything about it!!
Lars Kullberg
> Lack of confidence is a good reason NOT to use Lobelia. Although I’ve found
> it not to be nearly as frightening an herb as might be suggested in some
> herbals, the fact remains that this is an herb that ~can potentially do
> harm~, beacuse it is ~very~ strong, and its acts in many contradictory
> ways… so you have to know how to use it. Not a beginners herb, it is
> probably best left to those experienced with it.
I finally bought the lobelia tincture, from Nature’s Herbs (nci), it uses
apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol to preserve. I have previous experience
with lobelia, but that was the dried herb, made into tea or mixed herbal brew,
I did OK with about 0.7 Tbsp in one quart water, along with other herbs such as
yerba santa, grindelia, Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, southernwood, lungwort
(Pulmonmaria officinalis).
I read that cautionary message before my first use of the lobelia extract or
tincture, the instructions said up to 5 to 10 drops in juice or water three
times a day. I went with three drops in a small portion of a herbal brew I had
already prepared. I got some relaxing effect on the respiratory system, still
felt the throat and chest tickle. When I tried eating a little later, maybe a
bit less than an hour, I had to stop because of the nausea effect but was able
to rest and eat two hours later. This nausea effect is one thing I don’t want
with eating the only way to relieve asthma symptoms, maybe I could try one drop
at a time, depending on when I would next expect to eat. I never had this
nausea effect with herbal brews made with dried lobelia, guess the extract must
be more powerful.
My respiratory problems combined with very poor appetite do require some
action, like more than I can do myself, like I need to see a practitioner.
Situation is dangerous.
ooh boy. That is some powerful lobelia, eh?I have never tried the herb but
have been quite curious about it. For seizures or asthma. I don’t know.
Thanks for sharing. I will have to remember that story.
Linda
I give out Lobelia regularly to patients with asthma as a lung tonic and
never had a problem with it. In fact everyone has said how fantastic it is
in bringing up the gunge from the lungs and stopping wheezing when used
instead of Ventalin. I prescribe 5 drops 3x a day for adults of a 1:5
tincture but to children I dilute 100% and give 2 drops. I always warn that
the side effect is nausea. The one I am scared to prescribe is Ephedra
although I do have 1/2 litre in the house. I gave it only to one person who
is a holistic therapist to help with her catarrh and blocked ears and she
thought it was wonderful. I am aware not to give it if someone has HBP.
Funny thing, I take alcohol free Lobelia tincture – a full dropper twice a day, on empty, for back pain – non-rashing variety of shingles to be exact. Sure helps me! From Medical Medium.
Does anyone know about the the California law banning Lobelia? It was outlawed around 10 years ago (2009?) Has this ban been lifted? If so, how do I find the legality on this?
Thank you.