The Lobelia Plant(Western Herb)
LATIN NAME: Lobelia inflata The Lobelia plant is also known as Indian Tobacco, Puke-weed, Asthma Weed, Gagwort, Vomitwort, and Bladderpod. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION: The Lobelia herb is a hairy plant that grows up to three feet high and contains a milky sap. The fruit is a puffy capsule filled with tiny black seeds, which are the most potent part of this plant. The Lobelia plant has soft, pointed leaves and loose spikes of small pale-blue flowers. The Lobelia herb is native to North America and grows wild in pastures, meadows, and around the edges of cultivated fields. It is also cultivated in Russia and India. TARGET AILMENTS: Take internally for: * asthma * bronchitis * whooping cough * fevers * emphysema * pneumonia * nicotine withdrawal Apply externally for: * muscle sprains * bruises * insect bites * poison ivy * fungus infections PREPARATIONS: The plant is available in capsules, tinctures, powder, and dried bulk. It can be used as an infusion, poultice, and tea. Parts used: Leaves, stems, flowering tops Collection: The above ground parts are collected in early autumn after flowering. This is when the seed capsules are developed and ripe. Constituents: Lobeline, lobelidine, gum, resin, chlorophyl, fixed oil, lignin, salts of lime and potassium Actions: Expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-asthmatic Combinations: Lobelia combines well with Cayenne, Grindelia, Pill-bearing Spurge, Sundew, and Ephedra in the treatment of asthma. SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS: Serious: * Large doses of Lobelia herb (as little as 50 milligrams of the dried herb) can lead to severe nausea and vomiting, stupor, convulsions, and ultimately, fatal respiratory failure. * This herb can be poisonous and has been implicated in deaths from improper use as a home remedy. WARNING: * Use only in doses prescribed by a practitioner. * Do not use if you are pregnant.
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