Eucalyptus Leaf & Lobelia

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Lobelia is also known by the names Indian Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Emetic Herb, Emetic Weed, Asthma Weed, Rag Root, Vomit Wort, Pukeweed and Bladderpod.  The herb is named after the botanist, Matthias de Lobel, a native of Lille, who died in London in 1616. The common name, Lobelia, also includes the species Lobelia siphilitica, Lobelia cardinalis, and Lobelia chinensis, all of which are used interchangeably with Lobelia inflata. Lobelia is native to North America, and was both chewed and smoked by Native Americans. The root of Lobelia was used by the Iroquois Indians to treat syphilis, hence one species' name, siphilitica.  Historically, this herb was placed in the bed of quarreling couples to help them regain their love.  The plant was also known to the Penobscot Indians and was widely used in New England long before the time of Samuel Thomson, who is credited with its discovery.  It was brought into general professional use by Cutler of Massachusetts. The leaves of this plant are used primarily, because the seeds and root are more potent, and are considered more likely to cause side effects.  Lobelia was frequently used by midwives as a sedative for its muscle-relaxing effects in preparation for childbirth. Today, Lobelia is used as an effective blood cleanser, and also to treat a variety of respiratory problems.  As one of the most useful muscle relaxants, Lobelia is rich in vitamins A and C and manganese. It is used as an expectorant, expelling phlegm from the lungs, and relieving congestion that is typically related to asthma and bronchitis. Lobelia has also been known to reduce cold and flu symptoms, suppress coughing and to stimulate perspiration that cools down the body to help break fevers.  Lobelia is considered beneficial for treating mild depression, reducing inflammation and pain, easing muscle tension and calming the nerves.  It also acts as a mild laxative for alleviating constipation.  Lobelia is often used as a tobacco substitute to help those who wish to quit smoking; the alkaloid Lobeline mimics the effects of nicotine.  It has long been used to treat poisonous stings and bites. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include piperidine alkaloids (lobeline, isolobeline), lobelic acid, chelidonic acid, glycoside (lobelacrin), essential oil, resins and fats. The activity of Lobelia is dependent upon a liquid alkaloid first isolated by Proctor in 1838, who named it lobeline.  Lobelia also contains gum, resin, chlorophyll, fixed oil, lignin and salts of lime and potassium, along with ferric oxide.  Lobelia may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their efficacy.