Campanulaceae
Lobelia
Lobelia inflata
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Indian Tobacco, Puke Weed, Asthma Weed, Bladderpod
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafSeed
Therapeutic Uses
Asthma (bronchodilator), bronchitis, croup, smoking cessation (lobeline similar structure to nicotine), respiratory spasm, muscle relaxant. Potent herb — must be used with professional guidance.
Herbal Actions
Bronchodilator (respiratory stimulant), antispasmodic, expectorant, emetic (large doses), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulator
Active Constituents
Piperidine alkaloids (lobeline — primary, lobelanine, lobelanidine), resin, gum, volatile oil, fats
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.25–0.5 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily — very low dose |
| Tincture | 0.5–1.5 ml (1:10, 60% ethanol) — VERY LOW DOSE HERB |
| Notes | VERY LOW DOSE HERB — small doses bronchodilate; large doses cause vomiting and respiratory depression. Start at 0.3ml and assess response. Used by Eclectic physicians for asthma — profound respiratory relaxant. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with nicotine products and smoking cessation medications. Avoid in cardiovascular disease. Use only under professional guidance.
Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting (emetic at slightly higher doses). Respiratory depression at overdose. Tachycardia. Dizziness. Death at very high doses.