Spotlight Herb: Lobelia
Welcome back to our weekly blog series where we discuss a new herb, its history and common uses. This week’s herb is one that has been used by indigenous peoples in North America for thousands of years, lobelia!
Lobelia, also known under the common name "Indian" tobacco, is a powerful antispasmodic herb that is native to North America and is a traditional remedy used by North American indigenous peoples for many conditions. It is commonly used as a “puke weed” to induce vomiting, as a remedy for worms, venereal disease, and as an expectorant. Lobelia was also used by indigenous peoples as a substitute for tobacco, and was reputed to share some of its magical capabilities.
Lobelia contains the chemical compound lobeline, which can help to stimulate the respiratory center in the brain stem, helping to produce stronger and deeper breathing. This makes lobelia very valuable for asthma, particularly bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis, because it helps relax the muscles of the smaller bronchial tubes. This helps open the airways, stimulating breathing and promoting phlegm expulsion.
In anglo-American herbal traditions, lobelia is always used with cayenne. The heating action of the cayenne helps circulate blood to the muscles that lobelia has helped relax. This makes lobelia an amazing herb for external application such as topically with a salve. Lobelia’s antispasmodic action helps to relax muscles, especially smooth muscle. It is especially useful for sprains and for back problems where muscle tension is a factor. In combination with cayenne, it can also be used as a chest and sinus rub.
Another common use for lobelia is to aid in smoking cessation. Lobelia’s active compound, lobeline, is a piperidine alkaloid which has similar effects to the nicotine found in tobacco. This is why some herbalists employ it to help patients wean off of tobacco products.
At Green Magick Apothecary, lobelia is a main ingredient in our Mystikal Muscle Rub line because of its antispasmodic properties. Our salves use it in conjunction with cayenne as it works to increase blood flow and relax muscles. We feel strongly that it is a big reason that people are finding relief with our products! This is by far our fastest selling line, and when you try it, you’ll see why!
Warnings: Lobelia is toxic in high doses and should not be taken by mouth by certain people like those with a heart condition, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Because it can irritate the GI tract, people with digestive issues like crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should not take lobelia by mouth. It is unlikely that topical application carries these risks.