Lobelia’s official name is lobelia inflata but it is also known as Indian tobacco. It was a very common herb prescribed by early North American doctors. Its main use was in healing respiratory ailments such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and coughs. The plant stem, which has only a few branches, is smooth on top while the lower part is rough and hairy. The lower leaves, about two inches in length, have stalks, while the upper, smaller ones don’t. The leaves are pale green or yellow and have a sharp taste and an uninviting odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet-blue on the outside and pale yellow on the inside.

Lobelia is made up of chelidonic acid, pungent volatile oil (lobelianin), various alkaloids, a bitter glycoside (lobelacrin), a resin, fats, and gum. The alkaloid lobeline is its most important ingredient. Others include lobelanine, lobelidine, lobelanidine, nor-lobelaine, nor-lobelanidine, and isolobenine, and it also contains fourteen pyridine alkaloids.

Lobeline works much like nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system but without the addictive properties. In fact, it is a main ingredient of many quit smoking treatments. Lobeline acts as a relaxant overall and is used to treat spastic colon and muscle problems. It also dilates the bronchioles, thereby increasing respiration and helping the lungs.

Lobelia’s claim to fame is its success in treating respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia. One thing it does is to stimulate the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine. This causes the airways to relax. As we said, lobelia is a strong relaxant and clears obstructions in the breathing passages. It also relaxes the stomach, a common need for asthmatic children. In fact, many people have used it in place of inhalers to stop asthma attacks.

Other practical ways to use lobelia’s qualities include these. Rub lobelia tincture or extract on the shoulders of a restless child; this is an excellent way to help him go to sleep. Rub the extract on the gums of a teething baby. Take it internally to expel mucus, remove congestion from the stomach, and to encourage the flow of oxygenized blood. A poultice can be applied for ringworm, bruises, and insect bites. Catnip and lobelia enemas are good for treating mumps in males. As a sedative it is said to rank somewhere between veratrum and aconite.

Lobelia is also useful in treating laryngitis in children and to get rid of barking coughs. Ellingwood recommended lobelia for the following problems: “spasmodic asthma, membranous croup, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paraxysms, diphtheria, hysterical convulsions, tonsillitis, pneumonia,” and several others.

In what form is it purchased? Lobelia is available as bulk herbs, in a liquid extract form, and as tinctures for internal use. For external use it is available in ointments, lotions, suppositories, and plasters. To make the awful tasting tea, mix