Lobelia (lobelia in tagalog)

(Lobelia inflate) Part used: Plant and seeds. Properties: Antispasmodic, emetic, nervine, expectorant. What it affects: Nerves, lungs, stomach, muscles, and circulation.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 1 Tbsp. as needed. Tincture: Take 10-30 drops as needed. Fluid extract: Take 5-30 drops as needed. Powder: Take 1-2 #0 capsules (1-10 grains) as needed.

Purposes: Lobelia is both a relaxant and stimulant and is a powerful helper.

Internally, in very small doses (5-10 drops of the tincture or one gelatin capsule), it is extremely relaxing for all spasms, both internally and externally; and it is used for lung congestion and as an antispasmodic in herbal formulas. In slightly larger doses (15 drops), it acts as sedative. In large doses (40 drops of the tincture, or 2 gelatin capsules or more), it is a powerful emetic and can be used to vomit up something which you want to get out of the stomach fast! For most conditions (unless you want to induce vomiting), you will only use small doses.

• In small doses: Lobelia is very good for asthma and whooping cough. It is outstanding for relieving spasms associated with lung and respiratory conditions. As an expectorant, it is useful in all respiratory treatments, especially the spasmodic type, in expelling phlegm. Add it to all cough medicines. Combine it with lady’s slipper for convulsions. Lobelia is also used for headaches, heart palpitation, indigestion, allergies, arthritis, asthma, chicken pox, contagious diseases, fevers (all kinds), jaundice, pleurisy, pneumonia, St. Vitus dance, teething, toothache. It relaxes the heart and lowers rapid pulse. Combined with skullcap and lady’s slipper, it is good for lock jaw.

• In larger doses: It is invaluable for clearing the stomach of its contents, food poisoning, etc.

• Small doses: Externally, lobelia is a wash for infected or itchy skin diseases. It is put in baths, fomentations, poultices, and liniments for muscles spasms. A few drops of the tincture placed in the ear will relieve earaches. It is used in poultices for bruises, sprains, felons, ringworm, erysipelas, poison ivy, snake and insect bites, and tumors. Add it to liniments for sore muscles, pains, and rheumatism. 

Warning: Do not give very large doses of lobelia! Although it is poisonous in large amounts, it will be vomited so fast as to unlikely cause any permanent harm.