Lobelia is both a relaxant and a stimulant. Small doses of the tincture (5 – 10 drops) will act as a tonic and stimulant; larger doses will act as a sedative. It is used internally for spasmodic lung and respiratory conditions (small doses, 10 drops of tincture or one gelatin capsule) to relieve spasms and to act as an expectorant. It is a great herb to add to all cough medicines. Externally, lobelia is used as a wash for infected or itchy skin diseases. In larger doses of the tincture (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon) it is an excellent emetic. (Induces vomiting)

Add lobelia to liniments for sore muscles, pains and rheumatism. As a expectorant it is valuable in all respiratory ailments, especially for the spasmodic type. Lobelia will relax the heart and lower rapid pulse when taken in small doses. Lobelia is suitable for fevers and is also excellent for cramps, epilepsy, hysteria, and convulsions.

Some herbalists consider lobelia to be one of the most valuable herbs available to humankind. Early nineteenth century physician Samuel Thompson recommended lobelia as a muscle relaxant during childbirth and as a poultice for wounds. He called it the most powerful, certain, and harmless relaxant that has ever been discovered. Water needs to be taken along with lobelia to aid in the elimination of toxins from the body. It is also known to reduce the desire for tobacco, and its action resembles a mild form of nicotine. This is a powerful herb that relaxes the nervous system.

Normal dosage causes dilation of the bronchioles and an increase in respiration. Overdose is not advised as it may cause respiratory depression, as well as other undesirable symptoms. Lobelia is powerful, but a little goes a long way. If you’ve taken too much, you will vomit. I remember a local woman who came to me for help years ago. She was a heavy smoker and her doctor discovered hardened masses of mucous in her lungs that he said she would have to live with. She had a difficult time breathing. Smoking wasn’t doing her any favors, and she didn’t express the desire to eliminate this nasty habit. She was on a limited budget and told me she could only purchase one supplement. I sent her home with an herbal combination that included lobelia. Within a week she contacted me and told me she had a miraculous healing arrive. Within a few days she began to feel differently in her lung area and said it felt like something was happening. She actually began to vomit up great amounts of mucous. Some in liquid form and some was thick like paste. She finished taking her bottle of herbs and upon her next checkup with her doctor ALL of the hardened mucous within her lungs was gone. Hurray for God’s pharmacy!

As I said, lobelia is a staple in our home. Both as a single herb in capsule form AND in tincture form. It’s also included in many herbal combinations that target the respiratory tract. It’s truly a treasured gift from God.

Feel free to visit my website SHOP page and click on the Nature’s Sunshine link. You will find lobelia there in tincture and capsule form and also discover many other herbal combinations that assist in respiratory health. http://www.healthyalternative.website