Also known as Indian tobacco, lobelia has long been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments. Native Americans used lobelia to treat asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. To this day, the herb is uses as an expectorant, helping the body clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
In the nineteenth century, lobelia had other names: puke weed, gag root, and asthma weed. American physicians used the herb to induce vomiting in order to clear toxins from the body. The leaves and seeds of the plant are primarily used in medicine. Dried lobelia tastes and smells sort of like tobacco.
Modern studies have shown that an active ingredient in lobelia is similar to nicotine in how it acts on the body, stimulating the central nervous system. Lobelia was popular for a while in anti-smoking products until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibited the sale of such products in 1993. Their reasoning? They felt that lobelia lacked effectiveness in helping people reduce or quit smoking. Although lobelia may act similarly to nicotine, it doesn’t seem to have an impact on the addiction.
In large doses, lobelia is thought to be toxic. Short term side effects can include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Adverse side effects from overdose include dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, convulsions, and even coma; although there are few if any published reports of fatalities caused by lobelia. Talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner before using lobelia to treat respiratory problems. The herb is available as a liquid extract, tincture, and dried in capsule form. Experts suggest a maximum of 20mg of lobelia per day for up to one month. Doses above 500mg can be highly toxic.
Lobelia is not recommended for use in children under six, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.