Lobelia is more commonly known as the Indian Tobacco, Emetic Herb, Pike Weed, Gagroot, Vomitroot, etc. The parts we consume or apply through tincture and infusions are the leaves, tops and seeds. It is found throughout the United States.
Useful for
Lobelia has been known to control symptoms such as asthma, bronchitis, infantile convulsions, epilepsy, hemorrhagic diphtheria, acute heart attacks, heatstroke, hysteria, migraine, ovarian spasms, intestine spasms, spinal meningitis, tetanus, tonsillitis, whooping cough.
Internal Use
The action of Lobelia is upon the central nervous system. It is generally classed as a gastro-intestinal irritant because in sufficiently large doses it produces irritation. The action of small doses is upon the cardiac area, slowing heart action and is followed generally by a more or less accelerated pulse. The action of small, frequent doses is to stimulate; of large doses to first relax and is followed by stimulation to organic action. Small doses stimulate digestion, the secretions and poor circulation.
Loss of Appetite
In loss of appetite and slow digestion this agent is of great value. It is best given in small doses and may be combined with other indicated agents. It is decidedly valuable in the atonic types of indigestion and dyspepsia associated with sick headache due to gastric disturbances; in such cases it is best given in small, frequent doses.
Respiratory Disorders
In chronic respiratory disorders it increases or decreases the secretions according to the dosage. In dry, barking or hacking coughs where mucous rales are heard and there is difficulty in raising the sputum, Lobelia is most valuable, and is equally serviceable in chronic coughs if combined with other indicated agents. It is of great service in the coughs of measles where sluggish circulation is present and eruptions are slow to appear or fail to fully develop.
Measles & Influenza
In measles, Lobelia causes determination of the blood to the skin and promotes tardy eruptions and helps to reestablish when dangerous retrocession occurs for some reason. Lobelia is an invaluable agent in all stages of influenza; is a vital stimulant; regulates imperfect circulation and controls cough and expectoration.
External Use
Lobelia is a valuable ingredient in all forms of poultices where relaxation is desired. Infusions or alcoholic extracts may be used or powdered Lobelia substituted. It well combines with flax-seed or slippery elm in the relief of insect bites, bruises and sprains and of various pains.
Powdered Lobelia is well combined with lard and applied warm in acute thoracic diseases or any form of soreness of the chest. Lobelia in any form may be effectively combined with other agents and used in the pains and inflammation present in pneumonia, broncho-pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, arthritis, inflammatory rheumatism and for all localized pains in the joints' and muscular structures.
Conclusion
Lobelia is one of Nature's few dual agents in the relief of human ailments. It is both a relaxant and a stimulant; depending altogether on how it is prescribed. So many claims have been made for this agent, and so many more could be honestly made for it where its virtues fully understood, that it has been most unfortunately called a quack remedy.
Unfortunately and most unjustly, Lobelia has been, and continues to be, labeled a poison. If this is to indicate that an unlimited amount may not be prescribed without harmful reactions then such labelling is justified, otherwise not. To find more useful articles on herbs, please visit Herbal-Nutrition-Supplements-Guide.com.
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