herbs - Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

What is it?

Lobelia is a plant native North America and has been used by the American Indians for hundreds of years. It was often smoked and is also known as Indian tobacco. The leaves are most commonly used in herbal medicine.

Action

Lobelia contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which acts as a powerful tonic to the lungs. It not only increases the depth and volume of breathing, but is also expectorant in action, clearing lungs of mucous congestion. In addition, lobeline is similar to nicotine in structure, but does not have the addictive effects.

Lobelia also has emetic effects (feeling of nausea), when taken in high doses.

Uses

Our experts recommend Lobelia for:

• Asthma
• Coughs - It is also a common ingredient in many licensed herbal cough mixtures.

Other information

Lobelia has been used to help people with various lung disorders such as:

• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD

Other uses include:

• Poisoning – To induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning
• Smoking – to reduce cravings for nicotine and help people give up cigarettes
• Intestinal cramps.

Lobelia is available in tablets or is found in herbal cough mixtures.

Cautions

• There are generally no side effects using taking Lobelia, however at high doses it causes vomiting.



• It is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and for children under 6 years of age.



• It is probably best avoided if you are already using medicines that help you give up smoking as these are based on nicotine.



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with Lobelia.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.