Lobelia, also called Indian tobacco, is a controversial herb that has been referred to in the past as a "cure-all", and maybe an herb with a bright future. Recent research has claimed that the herb may be helpful to smokers that would like to "quit the habit", and have tried all other remedies without success. It is believed to make the taste of nicotine repulsive. Lobelia leaf has also been used to calm the nerves and to relax the muscles of the body, some say it even helps to ease mild depression. Lobelia is commonly used both externally and internally to relax all spasms. This stimulant acts as a bronchodilator, which means it helps to ease coughs, asthma attacks, bronchitis symptoms, chronic cough, and pneumonia.
Lobelia has a very long history of use in connection with respiratory health. An active constituent, lobeline, in the plant extracts, work very similar to nicotine in the effects on the lungs. It acts as a relaxant overall while dilating the air passages. This action helps to increase respiration and can be helpful for lung congestion. Its activity on asthma consists of stimulating the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine, which helps the airways relax. Lobelia extract works as an antispasmodic which both smoothes muscle contractions and prevents spasms. Its ability to increase blood pressure and act as a respiratory stimulant has been found to be useful for reviving newborns experiencing asphyxia, in gas, narcotic and alcohol poisoning. It has also been used to revive drowning victims and those who experience electric shock and collapse. Lobelia leaf extract may come in very handy for the treatment of ear infections, stiff neck, tonsillitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, croup, colds, and fever.
Lobelia leaf has a paradoxical effect. First it stimulates the nervous system and secondly, it depresses the autonomic nervous system. It has sometimes been referred to as the intelligent herb because it goes wherever it is needed to promote healing in the body. Lobeline has a chemical construction similar to nicotine, only it has the opposite effect. Lobeline exhibits the ability to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and make the muscles relax. These make the herb popular in herbal medicine as one of the best antispasmodics and one of the most relaxing herbs available in the plant kingdom. It eases muscle tension and increases blood and lymph flow. This can be very helpful for easing any kind of cramping pain, including muscle aches and pain, menstrual pain, severe colic, intestinal gripe, and pelvic rigidity during childbirth. It has also believed to relieve mild depression, hyperactivity and may even induce a state of euphoria.
Lobelia leaf tincture is often used in liniments and poultices (may be mixed with Cayenne and Myrrh) to reduce swelling in sprains and strained ligaments and for congestion in the muscles. Also when used externally (and best with Slippery Elm Bark and soap), Lobelia will bring abscesses and boils to a head. It has also been found to be a beneficial herbal remedy for the treatment of poison ivy, insect bites, and stings, snakebites, sores, lesions, shingles, ulcers, abscesses, and swellings.
When overused it will cause vomiting, drowsiness, weakened pulse and respiratory failure; and care should be exercised with its use. It is recommended that Lobelia is used with a consultation from a health care provider.
Ingredients: Lobelia Leaf, Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.
Non-Alcohol: Lobelia Leaf, Structured Water, Vegetable Glycerin.
Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications: Great care should be exercised with the use of Lobelia since it has poisonous potential and is controversial. Overuse is very dangerous to one's health, and the herb should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Pregnant and nursing women and people with high blood pressure should not use Lobelia. Overdoses of the herb (many times the recommended amounts) produce vomiting, sweating, pain, paralysis, depressed temperatures, rapid (but feeble) pulse, collapse and possibly coma and death. The plant itself is harmful if eaten, and the U.S.F.D.A. has declared it poisonous; therefore, this herb should always be used under the supervision of a health care provider when taking it for specific ailments. Before taking Lobelia, speak with your doctor first if you smoke, chew tobacco or use nicotine substitutes (Nicoderm®, Habitrol®, Nicotrol®), Nicorette®), taking them together may make you have more side effects of nicotine.
Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.
