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Lobelia inflata (Campanulaceae)
LOBELIA, PUKEWEED, INDIAN TOBACCO
One of the key herbs of early
North American medicine, dried lobelia is given herbally for asthma, chronic
bronchitis, and rheumatic and muscular problems. It also alleviates nicotine
withdrawal.
North American Indians smoked lobelia to cure asthma and related respiratory problems.
The herb was one of the most important to the physio-medical school of herbal medicine that flourished in North America in the 19th century,
and it first appeared in Europe in 1829. It is an annual or biennial with hairy oval to oblong leaves
that have a finely toothed margin and blue flowers in the summer, followed by small round capsules containing two seeds.
PARTS USED
Whole herb collected during fruiting.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Alkaloids, including lobeline, lobelidine, lobelanine, isolobelanine, and
isolobelanidine; chelidonic acid; resin; gum.
ACTIONS
Respiratory stimulant; anti-asthmatic; reduces muscle tension and spasm; causes vomiting in large doses.
MEDICINAL USE
Used internally to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis and externally for rheumatic and muscular inflammation.
It can also help alleviate nicotine addiction in people giving up smoking and is contained in some over-thecounter antismoking products.
PREPARATIONS
Herbal cigarettes, dried herb, tincture, over-the-counter products.
CAUTION
Use only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
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