Lobelia Remedies

Although modern medicine has come a long way in helping patients afflicted by certain conditions, many still believe in the benefits of herbal medicines such as lobelia. Lobelia is also known as Indian tobacco, Indian weed, pokeweed, asthma weed, gagroot and many other names. In recommended forms and dosages, All4Natural Health suggests this herbal medicine can be used to effectively treat such conditions as stomach upset or blockage, the common cold and asthma. It also can be used to help smokers kick their habit.

Lobelia for Upset Stomach or Blockage

• When used to treat an upset stomach, take lobelia in liquid or pill form. This shouldn't be taken by anyone younger than 10 years of age and drugs.com cautions that you follow dosing guidelines on the package. The recommended daily dosage is no more than three pills or no more than three teaspoons a day. Some properties in lobelia cause spasms within the stomach and or the intestines that may cause you to vomit or clear the blockage, but if you take too much you can harm your stomach or digestive track.

Lobelia for the Common Cold

• Lobelia also can be used in the same relative manner to cure the common cold. Taken in the same form as it is for stomach upset and blockage, properties in the lobelia can clear up blockages in the sinuses and allow for the drainage of mucus in the sinuses and in the lungs. Spasms within the lungs are also caused by the medicinal qualities of this herb, which All4Natural Health suggests may be beneficial as an expectorant removing the symptoms of a cold from the body. Lobelia also can be useful for asthma patients due to these same properties.

Lobelia for Smoking Cessation

• Smoking the leaves of the lobelia can help patients quit smoking and can even help asthma patients. Smoking lobelia plant leaves in place of tobacco is beneficial to smokers because it helps clear their lungs and helps to reduce the desire to smoke tobacco. Asthma patients can benefit from smoking the leaves of the plant because the smoke has the same medicinal qualities mentioned above, which helps to open up the airways. Lobelia is most beneficial to use for asthma sufferers to calm spasms in the throat and lungs.