Lobelia Herb treats respiratory problems and more

Website design By BotEap.comLobelia (officially Lobelia inflata), also known as Indian tobacco, was a common herb prescribed by early North American physicians. Its main use was in the cure of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and cough. The stem of the plant, which has few branches, is smooth at the top while the bottom is rough and hairy. The lower leaves, which are about two inches long, have stalks, while the smaller upper ones do not. The pale green or yellowish leaves have a strong flavor and a slightly irritating odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet-blue on the outside and pale yellow on the inside.

Website design By BotEap.comLobelia is composed of various alkaloids, a bitter glycoside (lobelacrine), a pungent volatile oil (lobelianin), resin, gum, chelidonic acid, and fats. The alkaloid lobeline is its main ingredient and namesake. Others include lobelidine, lobelanine, nor-lobelaine, lobelanidine, nor-lobelanidine, and isolobenine, as well as fourteen pyridine alkaloids.

Website design By BotEap.comLobeline works very similar to nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system, but without the addictive properties. In fact, it is a main ingredient in many smoking cessation treatments. Lobeline acts as a general relaxant and is used to treat muscular and spastic colon problems. It also dilates the bronchioles, which increases breathing and helps the lungs.

Website design By BotEap.comThe main use of Lobelia is in the treatment of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine, which causes the airways to relax. Lobelia is a strong relaxant and clears blockages. Relaxes the stomach (a common problem in asthmatic children) as it dilates the bronchial tubes. In fact, many people have used it to stop asthma attacks instead of inhalants.

Website design By BotEap.comOther practical ways to use lobelia qualities include these. Rub lobelia tincture or extract on the shoulders of a restless child; this is a great way to help you sleep. Rub the extract on the gums of a teething baby. Take internally to expel mucus, clear stomach congestion, and stimulate the flow of oxygenated blood. A poultice can be applied for ringworm, bruises, and insect bites. Catnip and lobelia enemas are good for treating mumps in men. As a sedative it is said to be somewhere between veratrum and monkshood.

Website design By BotEap.comUse lobelia to treat laryngitis in children and for barking cough. Ellingwood recommended lobelia for the following pathologies: “spasmodic asthma, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, infantile seizures, whooping cough, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paraxisms, diphtheria, hysterical seizures, tonsillitis, pneumonia,” among others.

Website design By BotEap.comLobelia is available for internal use as a dried herb, in liquid extract form, and as tinctures. Externally, it is available in ointments, lotions, suppositories and plasters. You can make a tea by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the dried herb with eight ounces of water. Then let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes. Take two ounces of this four times a day, but be warned, many think it tastes awful! Take 6 to 2ml of the tincture each day. This is based on a 150 pound adult. Adjust the dose for children proportionally.

Website design By BotEap.comLobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. Special care is recommended when using it. Signs of lobelia poisoning can include weakness, heartburn, weak pulse, shortness of breath, and collapse. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, sensitivity to tobacco, paralysis, and seizure disorders should not take lobelia. Lobelia is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Lobelia can be an aggressive emetic, even in relatively small doses if the system is highly toxic. However, the resulting nausea and vomiting will be beneficial to the patient.