Lobelia is a plant native North America and has been used by the American Indians for hundreds of years. It was often smoked and is also known as Indian tobacco. The leaves are most commonly used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Lobelia
Lobelia contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which acts as a powerful tonic to the lungs. It not only increases the depth and volume of breathing, but is also expectorant in action, clearing lungs of mucous congestion. In addition, lobeline is similar to nicotine in structure, but does not have the addictive effects.
Lobelia also has emetic effects (feeling of nausea), when taken in high doses.
Lobelia Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend Lobelia for:
Asthma
Coughs – It is also a common ingredient in many licensed herbal cough mixtures.
Other Lobelia Information
Lobelia has been used to help people with various lung disorders such as:
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD
Other uses include:
Poisoning – To induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning
Smoking – to reduce cravings for nicotine and help people give up cigarettes
Intestinal cramps.
Lobelia is available in tablets or is found in herbal cough mixtures.
Side Effects of Lobelia
There are generally no side effects using taking Lobelia, however at high doses it causes vomiting.
It is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and for children under 6 years of age.
It is probably best avoided if you are already using medicines that help you give up smoking as these are based on nicotine.
When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Lobelia.
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