Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Synopsis
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a North American herb traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as a respiratory stimulant, expectorant, and antispasmodic. It contains several active alkaloids, most notably lobeline, which has pharmacological effects on the nervous system similar to nicotine, including mild stimulation of respiratory and sympathetic nerve activity. Lobelia has been used to relax bronchial muscles, promote the clearing of mucus, and support breathing in cases of asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and respiratory congestion.
In low doses, lobelia acts as a bronchodilator and nervine, often included in cough syrups, lung tonics, and anti-spasmodic blends. In higher doses, it can induce nausea or vomiting, which is how it earned the historical nickname “pukeweed.” This emetic action was once seen as part of its cleansing and detoxifying role.
Though less common today due to regulatory caution over its strong alkaloids, lobelia is still used in herbal protocols for smoking cessation, muscle relaxation, and severe asthma—especially in traditional Western herbalism and some naturopathic practices.
Historical Use:
Lobelia has deep roots in Native American medicine, where it was used by tribes such as the Cherokee and Penobscot for respiratory ailments, as a ceremonial emetic, and in poultices for muscle and joint pain. Native healers also used it in small doses to calm coughs and treat tobacco withdrawal, which may explain its later use for smoking cessation.
In the early 19th century, Samuel Thomson, founder of the Thomsonian system of medicine, adopted lobelia as a cornerstone herb in his anti-establishment, populist healing model. He used it as an emetic and stimulant to "open the pores" and restore the body's innate heat and vitality. Thomson considered lobelia a universal remedy—his widespread use of it led to both high praise and legal controversy.
In Eclectic medicine (a 19th-century school of herbal-based American medicine), lobelia was used more precisely—as a relaxant, antispasmodic, and expectorant rather than an emetic. It was a key herb in formulas for bronchial asthma, laryngitis, and even convulsive disorders. It was sometimes combined with capsicum (cayenne) or valerian to modulate its intensity.
Due to its potent effects and narrow dosage range, lobelia became less favored in mainstream herbalism during the 20th century. However, modern herbalists continue to use it in microdoses, particularly in respiratory, muscular, and neurovascular formulas—respecting both its strength and its traditional role as a lung-supporting and nervine herb.
Body Systems
Bronchials (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Ears (Traditional)
Eyes (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Sweat Glands (Traditional)
Tonsils (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Vocal Cords (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)