Lobelia – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, August 02, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Lobelia is a perennial herb that is valued for its strong antispasmodic effects that protect the body against a host of respiratory infections. The plant is characterized by its bushy growth and violet-pinkish flowers. The herb, also known as Indian tobacco, is commonly found in the Eastern part of the USA and Canada. Lobelia grows in abundance in British Columbia, Arkansas, and Nebraska.

List of known nutrients

Lobelia is loaded with natural compounds that help bolster the body’s overall health. According to an entry posted on Herbpathy.com, lobelia contains the following nutrients:

Alkaloids
Chelidonic acid
Cobalt
Copper
Iron
Labelianin
Lobelacrin
lobelanidine
Lobeline
Sulfur

Medicinal uses for lobelia

Lobelia has long been used by Native Americans as a potent remedy against respiratory diseases. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that the herb may be beneficial in clearing the body of respiratory infections. The herb is known to contain anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties. These properties contribute to the herb’s positive actions against congestion, asthma — be it exercise-induced, bronchial, or spasmodic asthma — and bronchitis as well as whooping cough, pneumonia, and hiccups. The herb’s expectorant properties help clear the lungs and the respiratory tract.

Lobelia is also notably effective in eliminating unwanted toxins from the body. An article posted on the health and wellness website Live Strong notes lobelia was once called “puke weed,” and for good reasons. Still according to experts at University of Maryland Medical Center, American physicians in the 19th century prescribed lobelia to patients to help induce vomiting and flush out toxins. In contrast, homeopathy practitioners use the herb to reduce nausea and vomiting.

In addition, the herb is known to alleviate muscle pain and bolster blood flow in the body. Thus, lobelia can be used as a topical remedy to rheumatoid arthritis. The superfood can also be used to soothe menstrual cramps. In fact, 19th century medicine made use of lobelia to reduce pelvic stiffness during childbirth. Aside from this, lobelia is found to counter the effects of nicotine, which makes it an ideal herb for smoking cessation. While nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure and contracts blood vessels, lobelia does the exact opposite by reducing blood pressure levels and heart rate, relaxing the muscles, and dilating the blood vessels. Moreover, health experts at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center suggest that the superfood may show potential in treating depression.

Body systems supported by lobelia

Lobelia is found to stave off a plethora of respiratory diseases and promote the system’s overall health. The herb is also useful in promoting a healthy digestive system. Likewise, its soothing effects help alleviate muscular and skeletal conditions. In addition, the superfood is shown to support the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Moreover, lobelia is valued for its positive effects on the nervous system and the female reproductive system.

Ways to use lobelia

Lobelia’s high nutrient concentration makes it an ideal treatment for a variety of ailments. It is recommended to make infused tea from lobelia in order to incorporate these nutrients into the body’s various organ systems. An article published on the Annie’s Remedy website features a step-by-step guide in brewing lobelia and other medicinal herbs into potent, healthy teas.