Lobelia is a plant that grows in Canada and the northern U.S. The above ground parts are used to make medicine.
Lobelia is used for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, quitting smoking, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Lobelia is also likely unsafe when taken by mouth.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Quitting smoking. Most research suggests that taking lobeline, a chemical found in lobelia, does not help people to quit smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
- Asthma.
- Bronchitis.
- Cough.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lobelia for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Lobelia contains chemicals that might thin mucus (phlegm) to make it easier to cough up. One chemical in lobelia has actions similar to nicotine.
When taken by mouth: Lobelia is LIKELY UNSAFE for most people. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, dizziness, and tremors. Large doses of lobelia may cause serious toxic effects including sweating, convulsions, fast heartbeat, very low blood pressure, coma, and possibly death. Taking 0.6-1 gram of the leaf is said to be toxic, and 4 grams may be fatal.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lobelia is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
It's LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to take lobelia by mouth. But lobelia is especially dangerous for people with the following conditions:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking lobelia is LIKELY UNSAFE. It can cause serious vomiting. Don't take lobelia if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Stomach or intestinal problems including ulcers, Crohn disease, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and others: Lobelia can irritate the GI tract, which might make these conditions worse.
Heart disease: Lobelia can affect the heart, especially when taken in large doses. Do not take lobelia if you have heart disease.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lobelia might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking lobelia might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Tobacco: Using lobelia along with tobacco may increase the harmful effects of nicotine.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of lobelia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lobelia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Asthma Weed, Bladderpod, Emetic Herb, Gagroot, Herbe à Asthme, Indian Tobacco, Lobelia inflata, Lobélie, Lobélie Brûlante, Lobélie Enflée, Lobélie Gonflée, Pukeweed, Tabac Indien, Vomit Wort, Wild Tobacco.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.