Did not know this about lobelia just read this article so may check into it more. I believe in herbs for health purposes also.
Lobelia is one of the greatest herbs ever given to the world! After studying hundreds of natural medicines, I find no plant that is more harmless in its effect on the human body -- and none more powerful in removing disease than Lobelia. It is known as a "general corrector' of the whole system, since it is easily diffused and able to influence the entire body.
Because Lobelia has so many actions and uses, it is one of my favorite natural remedies. I use it in capsule, tea, and tincture form for various maladies. There is so much information on the benefits of it, I can only list the highlights.
Lobelia is an efficient relaxant and is believed in herbal medicine to be one of the best natural counter-irritants. Its action is felt immediately on the muscular, nervous, and respiratory systems. That's why it is a great "anti-spasmodic" in case of an asthma spasm.
Lobelia causes immediate relaxation and expansion of any contracted parts of the respiratory system like the bronchial tubes, esophagus, glottis, and larynx. This allows the "breath of life' (oxygenated blood) to flow freely in the tissues.
Lobelia is especially important in removing obstruction and congestion within the body, primarily the blood vessels. It helps balance the vasomotor system and strengthen the muscular action of the vessel walls which propel blood.
Alternative practitioners often recommend Lobelia for angina pectoris, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, constipation, cramps, hyperactivity, inflammation, insect bites, poison ivy symptoms, ring worm, spastic bowel, swelling, ulcers, and earache. Because of its muscle relaxing properties, Lobelia has been used topically for inflammation of muscle tissue, rheumatic nodules, back pain, muscle pulls, and sprains. The tincture can be made into a rub with olive oil, St. John's wort, and mullein.
Lobelia has even been used as a tobacco substitute in over-the-counter formulas to help people quit smoking. It contains an alkaloid called lobelinewhich is similar in molecular structure to nicotine. Lobeline has been found to naturally help quench the desire for nicotine and block nicotine-induced increased heart rate.1
Another benefit to smokers is that Lobelia helps strengthen and rebuild the respiratory system, stimulating the respiratory center within the brain to produce deeper, stronger breathing. In fact, lobeline is often used in natural medicine to stimulate the breathing in newborns.
While there are no known drug interactions when taking Lobelia, it is not recommended for people with heart complaints or for pregnant women.
Reference
Lobelia, in Herb Allure Resource Toolkit, Herb Allure, Jamestown, New York, 2007.
[Ed. Note: Candace Booth holds a Doctor of Naturopathy degree and a PhD in nutrition. She has a natural health consulting practice In Mt. Dora, Florida.
Lobelia report for health
You made me look into this as I like the flower but hadn't noticed it in my herbal reference books.
Please consider using it with caution tho as The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism states
Contra-inications POISONOUS - may be fatal. Large doses cause purgation, vomiting, convulsions, medullary and respiratory depression.
Rodales Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs states
if too much is administered, it slows respiration and lowers the blood pressure drastically. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea and uncontrollable vomiting, tremors, paralysis, convulsions, coma and death. As little as 50 milligrams of dried herb or a single milliliter of lobelia tincture has caused these reactions.
They do recommend its' use externally by making a rub, steeping the plant in vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Think I will have to pass on this one, please use it with caution. pod
i have enough health problems will not use this at all.
Hope43 ~ that is how I feel. I always want to look further when an herb has the generic warning
it is not recommended for people with heart complaints or for pregnant women.
There are all sorts of lobelia. Lobelia inflata is a medicinal herb, also known as pukeweed. Yes, because if you use just a little too much, you vomit. However, given by a good herbalist who knows how to make the proper tincture, it can be very effective in helping with asthma. My husband and I have both used it and it has helped many times. This is NOT an herb to use by just anyone.
The red-flowered lobelia (cardinal flower) is NOT the medicinal herb. Latin is very important when you are talking herbs, both genus and species.
I noticed the different references referred to different L. cultivars. Thanks for the info.
I thought there might be different kinds. Thanks, Herbalbetty and Podster.