Lobelia
Botanical name: (Lobelia inflata)
Also Known As: Asthma Weed, Indian Tobacco,Pukeweed, and Vomitwort.
Lobelia has a long history of use in connection with respiratory health.
Lobeline, an active constituent in the lobelia plant, is very similar to nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system. Lobeline acts as a relaxant overall while also dilating the air passages, thereby increasing respiration and possibly helping the lungs. Its anti—asthma activity consists of stimulating the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine, which causes the airways to relax.
Lobelia has been used medicinally as an expectorant, emetic, anti—asthmatic, stimulant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and nervine. Lobelia is an excellent expectorant. It reduces inflammation and stimulates respiration. Lobelia has been used especially for its antispasmodic qualities to treat asthma and whooping cough. Lobelia is a powerful relaxing agent as well as being beneficial for allergies, coughs, colds and headaches. Lobelia was also considered a usefulpain reliever and in higher amounts was used to induce vomiting in people who had been poisoned.
Lobelia has a relaxing and diffusing influence on inflamed, feverish, hypersensitive and irritable conditions in the body. Lobelia can be made into a poultice for bruises, erysipelas, felons, insect bites, ringworm, sprains, and poison ivy irritation. Lobelia is used as a sedative, which depresses spinal chord function excessively. Lobeline is an active respiratory stimulant, which relieves the bronchial spasms. Lobelia has also been used to help with nicotine addiction. An active ingredient in the lobelia plant, lobeline, is similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. Like nicotine, it stimulates nerves in the central nervous system.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We at eSutras do not recommend internal use of supplements or herbs without prior consultation with your doctor or herbalist.
