Lobelia
Lobelia inflata
Campanulaceae
Common name: Pukeweed, Indian tobacco.
Habitat: Eastern USA, cultivated elsewhere.
Part used: Aerial parts.
Collection: The entire plant above ground should be
collected at the end of the flowering time, between August and September. The
seed pods should be collected as well.
Constituents:
- Piperidine alkaloids, mainly lobeline, withlobelanidine,
lobelanine, and minor amounts of norlobelanine(=isolobelanine), lelobanidine,
lovinine, isolobinine, lobinanidine and others
- Chelidonic acid
Actions: Anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, emetic, nervine.
Indications: Lobelia is one of the most useful
systemic relaxants available to us. It has a general depressant action on the
central and autonomic nervous system and on neuro-muscular action. It may be
used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their
effectiveness if relaxation is needed. Its primary specific use is in bronchitic
asthma and bronchitis. An analysis of the action of the alkaloids
present reveal apparently paradoxical effects. Lobeline is a powerful
respiratory stimulant, whilst isolobelanine is an emetic and respiratory
relaxant, which will stimulate catarrhal secretion and expectoration whilst
relaxing the muscles of the respiratory system. The overall action is a truly
holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation!
Priest & Priest tell us that it is a
"general systemic relaxant with diffusive stimulation - best where arterial
action is strong. Equalizes circulation and relieves vascular tension. Vaso-motor
stimulant -increases the activity of vegetative processes. Influences glandular
system and respiratory tubuli. Contra-indicated in nervous
prostration, shock and paralysis. Of brief continuance in asthenic
conditions." They give the following specific indications:
Dislocations,
trauma and hernias. Spasmodic and membranous coup, pertussis,
bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pleurisy. Hepatitis,
jaundice, nausea and hepatic congestion. High blood
pressure, intestinal obstruction and neurasthenia.
Ellingwood considered it specific for
"irritable, spasmodic and oppressed breathing, and in respiratory from
exalted nerve force and nerve irritation. It is contra-indicated in general
relaxation and in dyspnoea from enlarged or fatty heart, or from
hydropericardium, or enfeebled heart, with valvular incompetence. It is specific
in threatened spasm with exalted nerve action - a high degree of nerve tension
with great restlessness and excitability, flushed face and contracted pupils. It
is a prompt emetic in full doses." The high regard that the eclectics held Lobelia
in is reflected by his recommendation for the following pathologies: spasmodic
asthma, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, membranous croup,
infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus,
hysterical paroxysms, hysterical convulsions, rigid os uteri,
diptheria, tonsillitis, pneumonia.
For a more detailed discussion of this important plant
please refer to pg. 235- pg. 242 of Ellingwood's American Materia Medica,
Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, and pg. 1199 - 1205 of King's American
Dispensatory.
Combinations: It will combine well with Cayenne,
Grindelia, Pill-bearing Spurge, Sundew and Ephedra in the treatment of asthma.
Preparation and dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of
boiling water onto 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful of the dried leaves and let infuse for
10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 1/2 ml of
the tincture three times a day.
Remedies For:
Anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, emetic,
nervine, diaphoretic, diuretic
Lobelia is one of the most useful systemic relaxants available. It has a general
depressant action on the central and autonomic nervous system and on neuro-muscular
action. It may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to
further their effectiveness if relaxation is needed. Its primary specific use is
in bronchitic asthma and bronchitis.
Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant, whilst
isolobelanine is an emetic and respiratory relaxant, which will stimulate
catarrhal secretion and expectoration whilst relaxing the muscles of the
respiratory system. The overall action is a truly holistic combination of
stimulation and relaxation.
Combinations: It will combine well with Cayenne, Grindelia, Pill-bearing Spurge,
Sundew and Ephedra in the treatment of asthma.
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