Lobelia is a common garden plant that is native to the southeastern regions of Canada as well as many of the states in the eastern part of North America. One of the other names of lobelia is “Indian tobacco” because Native Americans actually smoke the herb — it has a compound that works just like nicotine.
The flowers and seeds of lobelia are the ones commonly employed for various therapeutic and medicinal properties due to the fact that high concentrations of the herb’s biological compounds can be found in those parts.
Extracts, tinctures, capsules, teas — these are the usual forms that lobelia comes in. Regardless of the form, the herb should be used in gradually increasing dosages to give the body plenty of time to get accustomed to it. For as long as lobelia is used according to an herbalist’s directions, the herb can be very beneficial to one’s health.
And what are the benefits that lobelia offers? Some of them include:
It Relieves Various Ailments Concerning the Respiratory System
One of the most popular traditional uses of lobelia is for the treatment or control of many different problems that have something to do with the respiratory system, in particular the upper airways.
For instance, it has long been used for the treatment of the common cold and cough. Individuals who are suffering from whopping cough, most especially, can benefit from lobelia’s use. The herb is also known to be beneficial for those who are combating asthma, chronic bronchitis and even pneumonia.
It Works as a Smoking Cessation Tool
Earlier, it was mentioned that Native Americans smoke lobelia. However, many of those who wish to quit cigarette smoking can actually count on lobelia to help facilitate the switch to a healthier lifestyle. According to proponents, what makes lobelia work as a promising smoking cessation tool is the fact that it produces the exact opposite of the symptoms brought about by nicotine usage.
Because of its effectiveness in controlling cigarette smoking addiction, some people believe that lobelia may actually be used in battling many other types of addiction.
It Helps Flush Poisonous Substances Out of the Body
One of the many other names of lobelia is “puke weed”. Clearly, the herb got that name from the fact that it’s something that can induce vomiting.
This is exactly the reason why lobelia is commonly given to individuals who accidentally consumed poisonous substances. By inducing vomiting, they can be flushed out before they have the opportunity to endanger the health.
It Alleviates Various Aches as Well as Inflammation
Lobelia is commonly employed topically for the elimination of painful and swollen muscles and joints. The herb owes its ability to control the said problems to the anti-inflammatory properties that it has.
Additionally, lobelia is capable of promoting blood circulation, which is a good thing for those who are bugged by achy and inflamed muscles and joints. By increasing blood flow to injured or overused areas of the body, both nutrient distribution as well as waste product elimination can be accelerated.
Just a Few Words of Warning
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should refrain from using lobelia or any herbal preparation that contains it because it has a compound that works pretty much just like nicotine. In higher doses, lobelia can put one’s health in danger. The herb should be used only under the direct supervision of an herbal expert. The use of lobelia or any other herb should be discontinued right away at the first sign of unfavorable side effects.
If you are intending to use lobelia for therapeutic or medicinal reasons, make sure that you inform your doctor first. This is most especially true if you have a medical condition, and currently taking prescribed drugs for it.
Sources: snaplant.com
