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Lobelia is known as Indian tobacco. Its scientific name is Lobelia inflata. It is also known as the puke weed in layman language. It is an herb found in Eastern North America. It is known as the puke weed because doctors induce vomiting in their patients so that any toxin in the gut could be eliminated. This was common in the 19th Century.
Lobelia is an annual or a biennial plant that grows to about 50-100cm. It has ovate leaves, which are about 8 cm long. Its flowers are violet with a yellow tint on the inside. Its stem is hairy, and the leaves are toothed. This herb is commonly used in homeopathy, a home treatment routine that is an alternative medicine option. It is employed in small doses since large prescription amounts may cause adverse effects such as rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, coma, and death.
Small doses are prescribed to clear the airway of mucus. The other side effects of Lobelia include diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, nausea, and tremors. There are no adequate scientific studies to back up claims of the mentioned medicinal attributes of Lobelia. However, since there is evidence of historical success, some herbalists include Lobelia as part of the treatment for Asthma. The Cherokee (Native Americans) used to burn the leaves of the Lobelia plant to get rid of gnats.
It was once thought that Lobelia plant contained Lobeline as an active ingredient. Hence, Lobeline was used as a substitute for nicotine in products aimed at alleviating nicotine addiction. It soon became evident that products with Lobeline were not effective in curbing nicotine dependence. Since people were not getting any help in quitting smoking, the FDA (US) banned products with Lobeline in 1993.
Scientists now believe that Lobeline affects the release of a chemical in the brain called Dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for causing drug addiction in patients. Researchers suggest that Lobeline may reduce nicotine addiction if it affects Dopamine release. However, there are no studies to support these claims.
It is suggested that Asthma, Bronchitis, and Coughs can be treated using a combination of the Lobelia herb and other herbs.
In homeopathic medicine, Lobelia is prescribed for quitting smoking, insect bites, ringworm infection, poison ivy rash, bruises, vomiting, muscle relaxation, nausea and other respiratory infections. Lobelia is available as an herbal tea, tinctures, capsules and liquid extract. It can also be applied topically as an ointment or a lotion.
Some herbs require the supervision of a medical practitioner. Not all herbs are safe to use in moderate or large quantities. Moderation expertise is needed in these cases. Lobelia is an herb that needs such care since it is a potentially toxic herb and massive amounts ingested, can lead to death. Lobelia is known to irritate the gastrointestinal tract. It may, therefore, worsen the symptoms of ulcers and other diseases associated with the GI tract such as the bowel Inflammatory Disease.
People with heart infections and anomalies, high blood pressure, kidney and liver complications, paralysis, shortness of breath, seizures, sensitivity to tobacco and anyone in shock recovery at any stage should not use Lobelia in any form, even in tea. Expectant mothers and breastfeeding women are also advised against using any form of Lobelia.