Lobelia inflata

Lobelia

Botanical Name: Lobelia inflata Botanical Family: Campanulaceae Definition and Etymology: Inflata refers to the inflated seed pods. Numerous of the common names refer to its use as an emetic including: puke weed, vomit weed, vomit wort, gag weed. Common Names: Lobelia, puke weed, vomit weed, vomit wort, gag weed History: Samuel Thomson in early 1800s used it to remove canker or wastes from the body, as a relaxantand a diffusie agent to move the vital force from the bodys core to the surface removing obstacles along the way. In a time when regular physicians were using bloodletting, Samuel and other physicans were prosecuted and accused of murder. HE introduced it the the eclectics who lauded it was one of the most valued vital stimulants. It was applied topically to the chest for bronchopulmonary afflicitions. Was given in low doses as a cardiac stimulant when the pulse was full sluggish oppressed and doughy. Another indication was nausea with a full, pale, broad, flabby, heavily coated tongue at the base, engorged tissue, difficulty breathing, and a bruised, oppressive feeling in the chest. Folklore: Identification: Herbaceous perennials with stems that exude milky latex. The linear elliptic leaves .5-1.5cm wide are basal or alternate on the stem. Inflorescences are usually racemes with bilaterally symmetric flowers on twisted pedicels, resulting in upside down flowers. The calyces and corollas have tubular bases with 5 narrow often outspread loves. The bilabiate corolla is red, blue or white the upper lip has 2 lobes and the lower lip has 3. The connate stamens enclose the style and extend past the corolla. The usually inferior two-chambered ovary develops into a many-seeded two-valved capsule, or a berry enclosed within the persistent calyx. Habitat: Large genus of plants growing mostly in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and the America’s. the species Lobelia inflata is found in temperate North America. Grows in moist, often poor soil in woods and fields and along roads throughout southern Canada and the Eastern US Parts Used: The leaves and flowering tops. The seeds are also used but more likely to induce nausea in moderate doses Herbal Actions: Analgesic, Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Anxiolytic, Calmative, Diaphoretic, Emetic if high dose, Expectorant, Purgative if high dose, Nervine, Counterirritant, Sedative Energetics: Hot, acrid, bitter, and astringent Constituents: Pyridine alkaloids, resin, gum, fats, lobelic acid, chelidonic acid, and fixed and pungent volatile oils Indications: "Used with caution and consumed in small quantities. Potent smooth muscle antispasmodic effective for respiratory spasms. Alleviates dry hacking, unproductive cough with difficult expectoration and dyspnea. Aids in treating couch, cold, dry bronchitis, pleurisy, croup, whooping cough, pneumonia, and dypsnea. Aids in respiratory symptoms that worsen when an individual is laying down. Consuming a low dose before sleep reduces insomnia related respiratory spasms. Useful for easing digestive spasms when gentler remedies have been exhausted. Effective for treating acute spasmodic asthma attacks. Especially when consumed onset. 5-15 drops as needed has reduced inhaler use. Treating muscles spasms and rigidity, myalgia, and neuralgia Nervine and central nervous system sedative that affects the sympathetic nerve ganglia. It should be used as a last resort when gentler nervine herbs are ineffective. Calms nervous system in individuals with severe anxiety, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, tremors, or seizures. Slows the hear rate and deepens respiration and lowers elevated blood pressure. Reduces sense of pain and oppression in the cheat. Improves circulation by relaxing blood vessels. Reduces nicotine withdrawal. Due to its lobeline content that fills nicotinic receptors. Lobelia poultice eases pain and inflammation due to insect bites and stings, bruises, sprains, strains, swelling, arthritis, swollen joints, tendonitis, carpel tunnel, boils, and bunions. Compress eases itching due to poison oak or poison ivy Eases neuralgia, neuritis and myalgia For insect bites combine the powdered herb with clay and water and apply to the inflamed area" Cautions and contraindications: Used cautiously with asthma medications. Contraindicated with prescription narcotics, analgesics, sedatives, and steroids. Excessive doses of lobelia especially the seeds or dry plant can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cold sweats, headaches, respiratory depression, convulsions, and collapse. Lobelia will cause emesis before a poisonous amount can be ingested therefore it will not cause fatal results. Limit topical application to a small localized region. Do not consume while operating heavy machinery. Lobelia is eliminated by the kidneys. Pregnancy and Lactation: Contraindicated Preparations: "Use caution when making medicine with lobelia, overexposure will cause nausea. Tincture: Fresh flowering herb 1:4 70 - 95% ETOH, Recently dried herb 1:5 50% ETOH, Dry seeds 1:5 50 - 60% ETOH Acetum Extract: Dry herb 1:5 ACV Tea: not recommended as it is difficult to regulate the dosage of Lobelia Topical: fresh plan poultice, oil with ETOH intermediary, tincture diluted with water as a liniment" Dosages: "Tincture: fresh and recently dried herb 5 - 30 drops in 2- 4 ounces of water, up to four times daily for acute conditions. Dry seeds consume 5 - 15 drops in 2 - 4 ounces of water up to four times daily for acute conditions (use seed extract cautiously as an excessive voice can cause vomiting). Acetum Extract: Apply topically Tea: NA Topical: As needed"