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Home >
Research Department
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Supplement Articles
> Lobelia (Inflata) |
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Supplement Articles |
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LOBELIA (INFLATA)
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Lobelia, despite its many not so complimentary common names, such as gagwort, pukeweed and vomitwort, has been used for centuries not only as an emetic but for a variety of ailments involving the respiratory tract. ... |
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LOBELIA |
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Lobelia can be very beneficial for those quitting smoking |
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Lobelia was a traditional Native American remedy for asthma and bronchitis. The leaves, stems and flowering tops were dried and smoked to quiet bronchial spasms. They also chewed the leaves for sore throat and cough. |
It was later prescribed to reduce fevers and induce vomiting, which was considered cleansing. Poultices made of the root and leaves were applied externally to relieve sprains, bruising and insect bites. Today it is most commonly used as a bronchodilator, making breathing easier for patients with asthma or other pulmonary disorders.
Lobeline is the most active among the many alkaloids that lobelia contains. Lobeline is a cousin to nicotine with the ability to activate nicotine-like receptors in the brain, without the addictive side effects. This prompted the addition of lobelia into many anti-smoking aids to cure habitual tobacco use. More recent research has indicated that lobelia's toxic effects may be exaggerated when combined with nicotine and the use of lobelia in these products has decreased.
Lobelia should only be used for medicinal use under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is safe in appropriate and small doses, but even a small overdose can have side effects, including slowing respiration and drastically lowering blood pressure. In large doses, lobelia can cause severe nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and even complete respiratory failure. For most individuals, as a liquid extract (1:1 ratio in 50 % alcohol) take .2-.6 ml three times/day. As a tincture (1:8 ratio in 60% alcohol) take .6-2ml three times/day. As a dried herb, combine 200-600 mg steeped with 1 cup of boiling water three times/day. |
Lobelia –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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leaves, stems, flowering tops. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, to induce vomiting (as an emetic)
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·Use under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare provider. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Grindelia, drosera, lungwort and crampbark |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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Even a small overdose of lobelia can have life threatening side effects. Always use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. |
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For
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 -
2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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