Lobelia, Closeup
(also referred to as...)
Indian Tobacco, Pukeweed
Latin Name: Lobelia inflata
Family: Lobeliaceae
Description
Lobelia has long been used by the Penobscot Indians and was named after the 17th century French botanist Matthias deLobel. Lobelia is native to Canada and the Northern parts of the United States where it grows in dry places. Numerous varieties can be found in gardens throughout England where it is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful blue flowers.
Lobelia, Young Plant
Ailments / Situations Where Used Lobelia is a powerful expectorant and anti-asthmatic herb where, when taken, the effects are felt all the way down to the toes. It is an ideal method of controlling difficult breathing without any adverse side effects. Lobelia is used for chest complaints, sore throat, sinusitis, middle ear infection, urinary tract infection, and chronic bronchitis. The plant is a wonderful antispasmodic which relaxes muscles and nerves and is used during asthma or bronchial spasms, whooping cough or muscle spasms, twitching, epilepsy, hysteria, pain and lockjaw. According to herbalist David Hoffman, "lobelia has a depressant action on the central and autonomic nervous system and on neuro-muscular action".
A constituent of the plant, lobeline, is similar in its structure to nicotine and has been used quite successfully in counteracting the desire for tobacco. A few drops of the tincture can be placed in the ear to relieve an earache or an infection and is all the more powerful when combined with mullein flowers and garlic. Lobelia can be given during labour to lessen the contractions during a natural childbirth. Before administering lobelia, a stimulant should be taken, and a cup of peppermint tea would be suffice. Externally it can be used for muscle spasms, boils, and ulcers.
Source
Aerial portions of plant.
Preparations
Infusion: Infuse one teaspoon with one cup boiling water for 10 minutes and take three times daily.
Tincture: Take 20 to 30 drops when needed, up to three times daily. The best lobelia tinctures are made with apple cider vinegar, as this fully extracts the plants alkaloids.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Do not use in a feeble pulse or nervous response, shock, paralysis, and especially pregnancy.
Large doses of the plant will induce vomiting, hence the name pukeweed.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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