Lobelia – Cardinal Flower, Medicinal Herb
Lobelia Herb
Lobelia, commonly known as Indian tobacco. The flower, seed and roots are used for medicinal purposes.
Lobelia has been a noted herbal remedy used for centuries to treat asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. The Native Americans used lobelia to treat breathing issues. In the 19th century, lobelia was used to detoxify the body. The American herbalist Samuel Thomson was a firm believer in lobelia and saw the plant as a cure all.
The herb lobelia has an alkaloid and other substances that have properties believed to relax the muscles. The effects of lobelia are similar to those of tobacco. Since the alkaloid make up have the same chemical nature, lobelia has been used to help those wishing to kick the smoking habit.
Those that wish to grow their own herbal garden, lobelia plants prefer full sun and moist soil. Lobelia is part of the campanula family that has bright red, blue and other varieties of flowers. It is best to harvest the plant between August and September. This seems to be the best time to collect the seeds to grind for later use.
When looking for lobelia at the herbal store, lobelia will come in three forms, liquid extracts, tinctures and dried herbs for teas. A good herbalist is available at most herbal or green stores to discuss symptoms and a tincture can be made. Lobelia can be mixed with other herbs to make capsules or special mixtures to be steep for sipping teas.
Lobelia has relaxing properties when used externally or internally. Lobelia can be made into a poultice to use to reduce bruises, insect bites and reducing inflammation. The poultice and other mixtures such as lotions to treat ringworm and poison ivy irritations can be made at home and purchased through an herbal store. Check with an herbalist on mixtures as using too much of the herb can lead to irritations and in some cases toxicity can be reached.
Taking lobelia outside the recommended use can lead to these side effects:
• vomiting
• stomach upset/nausea
• irritable bowel/diarrhea
• rapid heart beat
• can irritate ulcers or intestinal infections
Lobelia is an effective asthma and respiratory treatment when combined with other herbs such as cayenne, mullein and coltsfoot. Valerian combined with lobelia and the herb skull cap has shown to reduce excessive nervousness. Lobelia has been used to treat nicotine addiction and some programs are using it in some drug addiction programs. Traditional medicine practioner use Lobelia to treat not only asthma, chronic bronchitis, diuretic. Lobelia is an excellent expectorant as it reduces inflammation while stimulating respiration in respiratory sufferers.
Lobelia is potentially can be toxic with over dosing or interactions with other medications. Take only as prescribed and discuss this and any herbal remedies with the family physician.
SOS Asthma Tincture
Use 4 teaspoons of fresh lobelia with 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 4-5 cups of cider vinegar (apple is recommended). Using a food processor, crush up the plants, and then cover with vinegar in a glass bottle. Allow to steep for one month is a dark place, stirring several times a week. After one month strain the mixture preserving the liquid. This is a rescue remedy to be used in case of an asthma attack. Three to five drops in a 6 ounce glass of water should ease the attack. If needed, the remedy can be repeated after 10 minutes, but do not to exceed three doses. Seek medical attention if asthma symptoms to not cease.
Lobelia makes a great sipping tea. By steeping ½ teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water and allow to steep for at least 30 minutes, then straining the liquid off. Adding other herbs is always recommended and to use honey to taste. Take in small doses up to 4 times daily. Lobelia is potent with a little going a long way in opening of the respiratory system.
Samuel Thomson had many recorded uses for Lobelia that is still used by herbalist and naturalist today. One is an itch ointment. Take 1 quart of myrrh tincture and 1 quart of lobelia tincture and add ½ quart of spirits of turpentine. Mix together and apply to bug bites or other skin irritations two times daily.
As a poultice and mixed with other herbs, lobelia has the ability to stimulate other herbs. To make a simple poultice to use on sprains to relieve pain and inflammation; take 2 teaspoons slippery elm, 1 teaspoon lobelia and 1 teaspoon ginger. Mix the herbs in warm water until a paste consistency and then place on area to ease the pain and inflammation from injuries. If the skin is raw, the ginger can be left out as it does have a burning side effect on raw skin.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES, HERBAL TEAS, HERBS
