Lobelia Inflata Effects

Lobelia inflata is an herbal remedy long known to Native Americans for its medicinal qualities. Famed herbalist Samuel Thomson made the Lobelia popular during the early 19th century, using it to treat a variety of ailments, from asthma to anxiety. Lobelia inflata has been known by many names, including Indian tobacco, gagroot, and pukeweed. When dried, Lobelia inflata tastes and smells similar to tobacco, and is often used as a tobacco substitute.

Facts

• Native to eastern North America, Lobelia inflata grows to a height of about 3 feet. Its hairy, erect stem is angular and branches at the top. The leaves, which are green or yellowish, possess an irritating odor and bitter taste. Flowers tend to be pale violet outside and yellow inside, although there aren't many blossoms per stem.

Uses

• The University of Maryland Medical Center states Lobelia inflata has proven effective in treating asthma, bronchitis and cough. Herbalists have employed it to relax muscles and sooth nerves, making it useful in treating such conditions as anxiety, epilepsy, kidney stones, insomnia, menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. Lobelia may also be used to induce vomiting.

Benefits

• Lobelia inflata's main benefit is in treating ailments involving the lungs. It aids in removing mucus from the respiratory tract and has a soothing effect on the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Because of these qualities, Lobelia is often given for asthma.

Effects

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some common side effects of Lobelia inflata include dry mouth, stomach pain, heart burn, nausea, and dizziness. Large doses may cause more serious side effects like profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat, tremors, mental confusion, and convulsions.

Considerations

• The main ingredient in Lobelia inflata is lobeline, which lowers dopemine levels in the body. Dopemine is an important neurotransmitter and has been linked to addiction. For this reason, Lobelia inflata could be useful in treating drug addictions and helping smokers quit cigarettes. However, the same dopamine reduction means it could also interfere with certain prescription drugs and aggravate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Types

• Lobelia inflata is normally administered as a tincture, with 20 to 60 drops taken three times a day. It's also available in liquid extracts or in capsules containing the dried herb. Dried versions may be used to make tea.

Warning

• Lobelia inflata can be toxic in large doses. Never exceed Lobelia's suggested daily amount of 20 mgs. Ingesting more than 500 mgs a day can prove fatal. Pregnant and breast-feeding woman should not take Lobelia, nor should those suffering from high blood pressure, tobacco sensitivity, seizure disorder or severe liver or kidney disease.