Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) was discovered for herbal use by Samuel Thomson (1769-1843). The story goes that he coaxed a friend of his into eating the whole herb, and the friend immediately became very ill and relaxed to the point of collapse. Thomson then gave the friend some water, which he immediately vomited, and afterwards felt even better than he had before, presumably from the violent purgative action that flushed toxins from his system.
Lobelia is also known as Indian Tobacco, Pukeweed, and Asthma Weed, and it was used traditionally by the Native Americans for all kinds of bronchial complaints. It’s a notorious emetic (causes nausea and vomiting), and it has been used as a purgative for poison and venom. It was listed in the National Formulary, a compendium of approved remedies, from 1820 until 1936 for its emetic and intense expectorant properties.
Uses and Research
Lobelia’s primary active chemical constituent is lobeline, which is remarkably close in action to nicotine, the active substance found in tobacco products. It is so close, in fact, that when Lobelia is administered in a homeopathic form, it is reported to eliminate the desire for tobacco products, allowing a person to quit without the physical side effects. A tincture mixture of Lobelia, Oat, Licorice, and Siberian Ginseng is often used to heal the adrenal glands, reducing or eliminating the smoking urge.
While Lobelia is considered on the whole to be a relaxant herb, it stimulates the adrenal glands so that they release epinephrine into the system, thereby relaxing bronchial pathways and relieving severe asthma attacks. This mechanism is also related to Lobelia’s reputation as an antispasmodic, which has been used for centuries as a treatment for lockjaw and other spastic muscle conditions.
Some other uses for Lobelia have been to treat pleurisy (the swelling of the membranes around the lungs), any kind of bronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia, uncontrollable coughing fits, and where coughing does not eliminate mucus effectively. Externally, it has been used for tennis elbow, pleurisy (the swelling of the membranes around the lungs), boils, ulcers, rheumatism, and whiplash. Some herbalists have prescribed it for certain epileptic conditions, diphtheria, and tonsillitis. Because its effect is relaxing as opposed to depressing, it has also been used in cases of nervous tension.
Contraindications, Warnings, and Disclaimers
Lobelia is frequently referred to as toxic, but outside of extreme excess dosages, this is not found to be true. Still, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the intense relaxant nature. If accidental ingestion has taken place, counteract with Cayenne, a safe stimulant. People with heart conditions should check with a qualified practitioner before using Lobelia, as it may interact with some heart medications. High doses can cause dry mouth, uncontrollable vomiting, convulsions, and coma.
References:
- The Rodale Herb Book, 1974; p. 495-496
- The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies, 2000; “Nicotine Addiction”, p. 374-376
- The Herb Society of America’s New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, 2001; p. 265-266
- University of Maryland Medical Center
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