Lobelia as an Herb

(Lobelia inflata)

Lobelia is a herb named after the botanist Matthias de Lobel, a native of Lille, who died in London in 1616. Several species are cultivated in English gardens for the beauty of their flowers, in every shade of scarlet, purple, and blue.

The odor is unpleasant, and the taste, after chewing, is much like that of tobacco, burning and acrid, causing a flow of saliva.

Lobelia is also known as "Indian tobacco". It is now a popular tool for helping to deter smokers who want to quit, when taken in very small doses. This is due to an active ingredient in the lobelia plant, lobeline, which is similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. Like nicotine, it stimulates nerves in the central nervous system.

Medicinal Uses for Lobelia

Lobelia has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Native Americans historically have smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma.

In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed lobelia to induce vomiting in order remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "puke weed." (Gross, isn't it...)

The following are recommended adult doses:

• Dried herb (infusion or decoction): 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon herb in 8 ounces of water, preferably mixed with other herbs. Steep 30 to 40 minutes and take 2 ounces (60 mL), 4 times daily. (This method is not preferred because of lobelia's acrid taste.)
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 50 % alcohol): 0.2 to 0.6 mL (4 to 18 drops), 3 times daily
• Tincture of lobelia: 0.6 to 2.0 mL (18 to 60 drops) daily
• Vinegar tincture of lobelia (1:5 in dilute acetic acid): 1 to 4 mL (20 to 120 drops), 3 times daily

Culinary

Should not be ingested.

Caution

The FDA has labeled this herb as unsafe in all but very small doses. Moderate to large doses can cause serious adverse effects ranging from dry mouth and nausea to convulsions and even coma.

---

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.