Lobelia
Lobelia, also known as Indian Tobacco, Asthma Weed, Pukeweed, Vomitwort, or Eyebright, is native to North America, Canada, and Kamchatka. It is named after the Belgian botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538-1616) and was made popular across the United States as a medicinal aid by the herbalist Samuel Thompson in the early 1800s. However, the Native Americans had been using Lobelia for ages to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, as well as a purgative. Today, it is used to treat asthma and bronchitis, convulsive and inflammatory disorders, food poisening, and as a physical relaxant and an emetic. Lobelia was also used as part of smoking cessation programs. One species, Lobelia chinensis (ban bian lian) is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Lobelia Constituents and Medical Uses
Lobelia’s activity is dependent on a liquid alkaloid named Lobeline of which the seeds contain a much higher percentage than the rest of the plant. Lobeline is similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. It also stimulates nerves in the central nervous system and was therefore used as a nicotine substitute in anti-smoking products. However, in 1993 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibited the sale of Lobeline-containing smoking products, as they lacked effectiveness in helping people quit smoking. Lobelia further contains gum, resin, lignin, fixed oil, chlorophyl, salts of lime, and potassium. Native Americans had been using Lobelia since ancient times to treat respiratory ailments, such as cough, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, but also to treat muscle disorders. In the 19th century, Lobelia was prescribed to induce vomiting in order to remove toxins from the body. Today, Lobelia is used as an effective expectorant as it is very effective in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract. Some herbalist incorporate Lobelia into their treatment plans for asthma, although there are not many studies that have evaluated its safety and effectiveness. Lobelia is further used as a physical relaxant, easing tension and panic, and as an emetic. In TCM it is mainly used to reduce edema, promote urination, and to regulate waterways. Externally it is used to treat a number of skin conditons, such as ulcers, lesions, swellings, eczema, sores, fungal infections, and shingles.
Lobelia Dosage, Risks, and Precautions
Lobelia is available in liquid extract, tincture, and capsule form. It is a potentially toxic herb. In very small doses (homeopathic doses) it can be safely used, larger doses, though, may cause serious adverse effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, profuse sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, mental confusion, hypothermia, and even coma and death. A total dosage of 20 mg per day should not be exceeded. Doses higher than 500 mg are extremely toxic and could be fatal. People suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, paralysis, tobacco sensitivity, seizure disorder, or those recovering from shock, should not take Lobelia. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Lobelia, either. There are no known interactions between Lobelia and conventional medication.
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