Medicinal Plants : Lobelia inflata

Name

Lobelia

Biological Name

Lobelia

Other Names

Lobelia, Pukeweed, Indian tobacco, bladderpod, wild tobacco, emetic herb, emetic weed, lobelia herb, asthma weed, rag root, eye-bright, vomit wort

Parts Used

Aerial parts

Active Compounds

Piperidine alkaloids, mainly lobeline, with lobelanidine, lobelanine, and minor amounts of norlobelanine (=isolobelanine), lelobanidine, lovinine, isolobinine, lobinanidine and others

Chelidonic acid

Miscellaneous; resins, gums, fats etc

Remedies For

Anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, emetic, nervine, diaphoretic, diuretic

Lobelia is one of the most useful systemic relaxants available. It has a general depressant action on the central and autonomic nervous system and on neuro-muscular action. It may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their effectiveness if relaxation is needed. Its primary specific use is in bronchitic asthma and bronchitis.

Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant, whilst isolobelanine is an emetic and respiratory relaxant, which will stimulate catarrhal secretion and expectoration whilst relaxing the muscles of the respiratory system. The overall action is a truly holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation.

Combinations: It will combine well with Cayenne, Grindelia, Pill-bearing Spurge, Sundew and Ephedra in the treatment of asthma.

Description

Native of Eastern USA.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l/4 to l/2 teaspoonful of the dried leaves and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 1/2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

Lobelia may have some toxic effects and should not be taken internally without proper consultation. Safe to use externally.
No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.