Lobelia is traditionally used in the treatment of colds, sore throats, laryngitis, asthma, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. It takes down a fever and is a noted relaxant and cough suppressant. Lobelia also helps people break the smoking habit.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco, is an annual plant indigenous to the eastern half of the United Stales. This plant has an erect, hairy stem and grows up to three feet tall. Each stem has numerous oval-shaped leaves. From July through October, lobelia puts forth bluish flowers, which give way to seed-bearing fruits. The parts used medicinally are those appearing above ground.

Herbal BeautyHISTORICAL NOTES

From all accounts, lobelia was known medicinally to Native Americans and was used extensively by the early colonists. In 1813, Samuel Thomson, a self-taught doctor of New Hampshire, discovered that his prescriptions for herbal medicines, including lobelia, were so valuable they were being appropriated by other doctors. Accordingly, Thomson had his formulas patented, thus startingthe era of patent medicines. In 1822, Thomson produced an 800-page manual of plant drugs that he marketed at the price of $20.00, a huge sum in those days. Of Lobelia, he wrote: “There is no vegetable which the earth produces more harmless in its effect on the human system, and none more powerful in removing disease and promoting health than Lobelia.” Of the 65 major plants listed in Thomson’s manual, at least 50 species are still considered valuable today.

Thomson’s life was full of lawsuits, including one involving lobelia. A patient died after Thomson administered this herb. He was subsequently sued by the family but was found not guilty. Soon after that, lobelia appeared in the United States Pharmacopoeiaas a reputable drug.

SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS

Many studies have shown that lobelia is a very effective expectorant. It helps liquify the secretions of the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough them up and out, thus restoring free breathing. Lobelia stimulates the adrenal gland to release the hormones that cause the bronchial muscles to relax. This herb is considered an effective aid for those who are addicted to any form of tobacco. Lobeline, a constituent of lobelia, has many of the same pharmacological actions as nicotine but is regarded as less powerful. Because lobeline mimics nicotine, lobelia tea can be an effective means of reducing the discomfort of nicotine withdrawal by those who wish to give up smoking (or chewing) tobacco.

TRADITIONAL USE

Internal. To brew lobelia tea, use no more than 1/2 gram of the dried herb spread out over 3 doses daily.

External. Lobelia is an excellent relaxant and antispasmodic. To relieve muscle spasms, lobelia can be used as a poultice, a fomentation, or an additive to bath water.

CONSIDERATIONS

The ingestion of too much lobelia usually causes violent vomiting, an example of the protection built into herbs by Mother Nature. If toxic levels were ingested and retained, symptoms of nicotine poisoning would ensue, starting with dizziness and nausea and progressing all the way to respiratory failure.

Do not exceed recommended dosage as discussed in Traditional Use. I don’t expect you’ll ever nevi to know this, but the antidote for acute poisoning is 2 mg of atropine given subcutaneously.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)