Lobelia(Lobelia inflata)
Other Names:
Indian tobacco, puke weed
Range:
Family:
Campanulaceae - Bellflower Family.
Growth Type:
Annual or biennial
Height:
Can grow to 3 or more feet tall.
Leaves:
Toothed, ovate, leaves up to 3 inches long.
Stem/Trunk:
Erect pubescent stems
Root:
Shallow fibrous root mass
Flower Season:
Summer persisting into autumn
Flower Appearance:
Violet flowers with yellow tinted interiors.
Seed/Fruit:
Inflated seed pods. This is where L. inflata gets its name.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
Sunny, well drained, disturbed, soils. Can sometimes be found in partially shaded areas.
Parts Used:
Aerial parts of the plant
Culinary Uses:
None Kown
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
The broncodilating properties of this plant make it an excellent choice for the the treatement of Asthma and other lung ailments. I recommend 3-20 drops of tinctured lobelia placed under the tongue to combat asthmatic attacks. In higher doses this plant does possess emetic properties. This means that it may cause nausea and vomiting in some people. Usually this is only in rather large doses though.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Antiasthmatic,
Broncodilator,
Emetic,
Tonic: Nerve
Herbal Preparations For Lobelia inflata
Tincture
Part Used: Flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:4
To make your healthful tincture, add 188 grams of fresh plant material to a quart mason jar and then pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 5-20 drops up to 4 times daily as needed to manage asthma symptoms
Acetum (Vinegar) Extract
Extracts made from dried plant material is inferior to that of fresh. It is however, best when made as an Acetum (vinegar) extract.
Part Used: Herb
Plant State: Dried
In Vinegar:
Plant to VInegar Ratio: 1:5
To make your Acetum extract, place 150 grams of dried plant material into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of white vinegar. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the vinegar extract can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the Extract has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your Acetum extract will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 10-20 drops as needed
