About.....Lobelia

  Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also known as Emetic Weed, Indian Tobacco, Asthma Weed, Pukeweed, and Bladderpod, is one of the most useful systemic botanical relaxants available. Lobelia's primary historic use has been in its application to bronchitic asthma and bronchitis. An analysis of the action of the alkaloids present in this herb reveals apparently paradoxical effects. Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant, while isolobelanine is an emetic and respiratory relaxant which will stimulate catarrhal secretion and expectoration while relaxing the muscles of the respiratory system. The overall action is a truly holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation!

The common name Lobelia also includes the species Lobelia siphilitica, Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia chinensis, all of which are used interchangeably with Lobelia inflata. The genus name honors the Flemish botanist Mathias L'Obel.  Lobelia is an indigenous North American annual or biennial plant found in pastures, meadows, and cultivated fields of the eastern U.S., as far west as Arkansas and Nebraska. The root of Lobelia was used by the Iroquois to treat syphilis, hence the species name siphilitica.  It was also placed in the bed of quarreling couples years ago to help them regain their love. Lobelia was also both chewed & smoked by Native American Indians.

The part of the plant typically used include the leaves, flowers, and seeds. The primary known constituents include piperidine alkaloids (lobeline, isolobeline), lobelic acid, chelidonic acid, glycoside (lobelacrin), essential oil, resins, and fats.

Priest & Priest tell us that Lobelia is a "general systemic relaxant with diffusive stimulation - best where arterial action is strong. Equalizes circulation and relieves vascular tension. Vaso-motor stimulant - increases the activity of vegetative processes. Influences glandular system and respiratory tubuli. Contra-indicated in nervous prostration, shock and paralysis. Of brief continuance in asthenic conditions." They further give the following specific indications: "Dislocations, trauma and hernias. Spasmodic and membranous coup, pertussis, bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pleurisy. Hepatitis, jaundice, nausea and hepatic congestion. High blood pressure, intestinal obstruction and neurasthenia."

Lobelia has a general depressant action on the central and autonomic nervous system, and also on the neuro-muscular action. It may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their effectiveness if relaxation is needed.

The high regard that the eclectics held Lobelia in is reflected by Ellingwood's recommendation for the following conditions: "spasmodic asthma, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paroxysms, hysterical convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paroxysms, hysterical convulsions, rigid uteri, diphtheria, tonsillitis, pneumonia."

In fact, Ellingwood considered it specific for "irritable, spasmodic and oppressed breathing, and in respiratory from exalted nerve force and nerve irritation. It is contra-indicated in general relaxation and in dyspnoea from enlarged or fatty heart, or from hydropericardium, or enfeebled heart, with valvular incompetence. It is specific in threatening spasm with exalted nerve action - a high degree of nerve tension with great restlessness and excitability, flushed face and contracted pupils. It is a prompt emetic in full doses."

In the past, Lobelia has been used particularly for its antispasmodic qualities to treat asthma and whooping cough, and also in large amounts to induce vomiting. Externally, this herb can be made into a poultice for bruises, insect bites, sprains, felons, ringworm, and poison ivy irritation. Lobelia has also been used for decades as a systemic relaxant with a slight depressive effect on the central and autonomic nervous systems.

Use of Lobelia is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or for those prone to faintness. However, as an emetic, it may cause vomiting, which is sometimes a desirable therapy to help the body eliminate a poison or stop an asthma attack. The species Lobelia siphilitica, with blue flowers, is milder and less likely to cause vomiting than Lobelia inflata. The Lobelia inflata species is much more emetic, and has even caused death when misused. Avoid overdoses.

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Last modified: December 12, 2006