Lobelia Herb Treats Respiratory Problems and More

Lobelia (officially lobelia inflata) aka Indian tobacco, is a common herb prescribed by early North American doctors. Its main use is in the healing of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. The stem of the plant, which has several branches, is smooth at the top while the bottom is rough and hairy. The lower leaves, which are about two inches long, have stems, while the taller, smaller ones do not. Pale green or yellow leaves have a sharp taste and a slightly irritating odor. The flowers rarely appear outside in purple and pale yellow.

Lobelia is made up of various alkaloids, bitter glycosides (lobelacrin), volatile oils (lobelianin), resins, gums, chelidonic acids and fats. Alkaline alkaloids are the main ingredient and exercise. Others include lobelidine, lobelanine, nor-lobelaine, lobelanidine, nor-lobelanidine, and isolobenine, as well as fourteen pyridine alkaloids.

Lobeline works like nicotine in its effects on the central nervous system but without addiction. In fact, it is the main ingredient of many smoking cessation treatments. Lobels act as relaxants as a whole and are used to treat colon and spastic muscle problems. It also enlarges the bronchiol, thereby increasing the respiration and helping the lungs.

The main use of Lobelia is to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release the hormone epinephrine, which causes the respiratory tract to relax. Lobelia is a strong volunteer and clears barriers. It relieves the stomach (a common problem in asthma children) as it widens the bronchial compartment. In fact, many people have used it to stop the asthma attack at the inhaler.

Other practical ways to use quality lobbying include this. Rub the colored lobelia or extract it on the shoulders of the restless child; this is the best way to help him sleep. Rub the extract on the baby's gums. Take it internally to expel mucus, remove congestion from the stomach, and promote blood circulation. Poultice can be used for skinny worms, bruises, and insect bites. Catnip and lobelia enemas are good for treating blisters on men. As a sedative, it is said to rank somewhere between veratrum and aconite.

Use lobelia to treat laryngitis in children and cough. Ellingwood recommends lobelia for the following pathologies: "spasmodic asthma, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, baby cramps, cough, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, paraxysma hysteria, diphtheria, seizures hysteria, tonsilitis, pneumonia," among others.

Lobelia can be used for indoor use as a dry herb, in the form of liquid extracts, and as tinctures. Externally, it is available in ointments, lotions, suppositories, and plaster. You can make tea by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs with eight ounces of water. Then let it steep for 30 to 40 minutes. Take two ounces of this four times a day but, be warned, many find it tasty! Take 6 to 2 ml daily. This is based on 150 adults. Adjust doses for children proportionally.

Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. Special care is advised when using it. Symptoms of lobular poisoning may include weakness, heartburn, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and collapse. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivities, paralysis, and seizure disorders should not take lobelia. Lobelia is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Lobelia can be an aggressive emetic, even in relatively small doses if the system is highly toxic. The resulting nausea and vomiting, while unpleasant, will benefit the patient.

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