Lobelia

28Jan08

Lobelia
Lobelia inflata

AKA: Bladderpod, Indian tobacco, Wild tobacco

Portrait: Annual or biennial. Native to Canada and the eastern US but found in much of North America. Grows wild by roadsides, pastures, meadows, and areas with acidic soil. Aerial parts contain a milky, acrid juice. Pale blue flowers that appear from June to November give rise to small, brown seedpods that indicate readiness for harvest.

Medicinal Element: Leaves, stems

Herbal Properties: Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, nervine

Summary: Once considered a panacea for all ailments, lobelia has now fallen out of favor by many modern herbalists in favor of safer and more marketable herbs. Traditionally, lobelia is used in small amounts to relax the bronchial muscles of the chest to relieve symptoms such as chest congestion and paroxysmal coughing associated with asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and influenza. It possesses constituents that induce nicotine-like actions in the central nervous system – in fact, the extract of lobelia is sometimes used to relieve withdrawal symptoms from smoking cessation. Additionally, some herbalists suggest smoking lobelia as both a cleansing agent for the lungs and as a substitute for cigarettes. A lobelia poultice may be used to soothe insect bites and stings, poison ivy irritations, and deep-tissue injuries (sprains, strains, bruises) accompanied by muscle tension. Fresh lobelia is toxic and must be adequately cured for safe ingestion. Large doses of this herb can be fatal, therefore, only use under the guidance of a knowledgeable and reputable herbalist who is very familiar with the actions of lobelia. Avoid this herb if pregnant or breast-feeding.

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