Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Root, Fruit

Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Neutral, Slightly Bitter

Caution: Many adverse effects limit the use of lobelia. Because of its similarity to nicotine it may be dangerous to certain populations (children, pregnant women, those with cardiac disease) Excessive use can cause vomiting or nausea. The chemical alkaloid compound lobeline may cause dizziness. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous/toxic if eaten in large quantities and can cause exhaustion, dilated pupils, convulsions and coma.

History/Folklore: In China it is considered to be one of the “fifty fundamental herbs” in TCM. The Chinese use it successfully to treat end-stage schistosomiasis (infection due to parasites from worms) and end-stage cirrhosis of the liver.  As it balances circulation of Qi and Blood it is also good for treating acute heart failure and treating either high or low blood pressure.

In the west lobelia is being clinically tested as a treatment for multi-drug resistant tumor cells. Certain species (L. sihilitica, L. Erinus and L. cardinalis) have been used as a cure for syphilis.

The leaf used in tea form is good for treating colds, croup, and nosebleeds. As a purgative it helps induce vomiting and thereby eliminates harmful toxins from the body.

In the Victorian language of flowers lobelia symbolized malevolence and ill will.

Native Americans used it to treat respiratory difficulties, muscle disorders and as a purgative.

This herb was a mainstay of the system of herbal medicine introduced by Samuel Thomson, a famous self-taught American herbalist from the early 19th century, who has been called the “Father of American Herbalism.”

Lobeline, which can be modified to Lonelane is a compound that can decrease methamphetamine in rats, making this compound a possible treatment for meth drug dependency. The seeds contain the highest amounts of lobeline, more than any other part of the plant.

A tincture of the whole plant is said to help treat paralysis of the lungs and tongue.

Native Americans used to smoke the dried leaves and as Lobeline has a similar chemical makeup as nicotine, the plants are sometimes commonly called “Indian Tobacco.” The Iroquois used the root to treat leg sores, venereal diseases (often combined with cherry bark) and ulcers. It was also used to discourage the presence of gnats. The Crow Tribe used it in religious ceremonies. The plant was so valued that some tribes used it as an article of trade.

Often used as good ornamental plant in the garden as it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.