Lobelia: A Sickening Natural Treatment for Many Symptoms

Lobelia Has a Rich but Unpleasant Tradition as a Natural Remedy

Lobelia or "pukeweed" has a background as a medicinal herb. In some doses, however, it can be fatal, and even a very small piece (which I chewed to prepare this article) has a memorably awful taste. It was one of the herbs Native Americans used to purify themselves by making themselves vomit. Nowadays dismissed as a weed, it was a traditional favorite in English country gardens.

Known by a variety of colorful names, including wild tobacco, gagroot, and asthma weed, Lobelia inflata, a North American native, grows wild throughout much of the United States. Altogether, there are more than 200 species of lobelia, in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.

Lobelia is commonly used to treat upper respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, colds and flu, bronchitis, coughs. Some Native Americans smoked it for lung diseases, hence, its name Indian tobacco. Today, it is used to alleviate the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It is also being tried as a treatment for alcoholism, hangover, and even methamphetamine addiction. Lobelia is applied to the skin to treat bruises, sprains, arthritis, insect bites, ringworm, and poison ivy.

Tinctures are made from the leaves and seeds of the lobelia, the dried herb can also be smoked or used as a tea, and lobelia can be compounded into a salve.

Lobelia has undergone a variety of scientific experimentation, perhaps because its growth and use are so widespread. Scientists have identified in its leaves a compound known as beta-amyrin palmitate, which has an antidepressant effect. It is also high in chromium.

Although lobelia has been used for many years by many people, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to consumers, and the Australian government has severely restricted the availability of lobelia.

Lobelia is one herb that you especially need to talk about with your health care professional. If you are using any medications, including herbs, your health care provider should be aware of them. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should avoid lobelia. If you suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, you should not take lobelia.