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Lobelia,
the Intelligent Healing Plant

My Grandpa and the Natives

My grandpa back in Europe used to smoke cigarettes made of lobelia.
This habit has helped his chronic asthma tremendously.
He was not the first one to do this: North American Indians smoked it for various benefits.

It contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which is somewhat similar to nicotine. But not the same, it is NOT addictive. It is helpful and offers health benefits. although not exactly miraculous this herb may help some people quit smoking by quenching the desire for nicotine.

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Breath Easier

Lobelia is, in my opinion, among the most beneficial herbs for the respiratory system. It has several interesting characteristics, but - most of all - it is considered a very effective expectorant.

All my kids (all 4 of them) were given extract of this plant for non-productive cough.

It is an excellent brochodilator, which means it opens the respiratory passages. People with asthma confirm that.

My Son's Story

My son Mik was diagnosed with asthma when he was 2.
The pediatrician prescribed some kind of pharmaceutical nostrum (can't recall the name of the drug). It was supposed to be administered in the form of mist that Mik needed to inhale.

From the local pharmacy we rented a special pump with a mask and tried it. But Mik did not tolerate the drug at all.

Out of desperation we turned to natural remedies for asthma.
I ordered Lobelia Essence from Nature's Sunshine. Mik was good after 7 days.

No more "asthma" ever since.

Well, I believe that Mik has never had asthma. In my opinion asthma is grossly over-diagnosed these days. It would appear that anything not quite alright with breathing is just too quickly classified as asthma.

Scaremongering

I've heard opinions and warnings from the establishment that the herb is poisonous and should never be given to children under any circumstances.

Well, read on.

One day our babysitter whom we had requested to give Mik some extract in our absence made a mistake. She overdosed. She gave him twice the amount required.

And what happened then?

Not much.

The child threw up, that's all. That wasn't an easy day for the babysitter.
But there wasn't much to worry about. The herb has certain compounds in it that will cause vomiting if too much has been taken.

Sort of safety mechanism. You will throw up.

This is how the body is telling you it had too much of the herb administered in a single dose.

And speaking of children: the herb will help ease teething pain. Just rub a tiny amount into child's gums.

Safety Mechanism

Of course it should not be given in extremely large doses.
This herb is NOT a poison, but without a doubt, its improper use might be dangerous, although the same is true of many drugs, coffee, alcohol etc.

Under ordinary circumstances it is very safe due to emetic action (will induce vomiting in large doses - is also know in tradition as Puke Weed). I am not aware of any reports of anyone dying from it.

Asthma, Bronchitis and Cough

The herb promotes the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract.
This is especially true for an old, solidified mucus and phlegm present in the upper respiratory tract.

Traditional uses of it include help with asthma, chronic bronchitis, epilepsy, and whooping cough.

According to tradition this herb may be used to relax the pelvic muscles in preparation for childbirth.

Dr Christopher on Lobelia

The most prominent herbalist of the twentieth century, dr John R. Christopher wrote:

"(it) is known as a selective herb. When a fetus is dead, or in an extremely weakened condition, (it) will cause it to abort.
However, if the fetus is well and healthy, and the mother is weak, it will cause the mother to heal and strengthen, enabling her to carry the child until the proper time of delivery.

It accurately and intelligently selects which way it is to go. It is truly a "thinking" herb."

In cases of emergency involving narcotic or poisonous overdoses, large doses of lobelia will induce vomiting, diarrhea and urination to purge the body, and may also provide a sedative-like effect afterward."

What I Recommend

Overall, this is very valuable herb. But it will lose its medicinal properties if leaves or seeds are boiled. I recommend it in an extract form. Start small with this herb and work your way up to a therapeutic dose.

Use pure extract (essence) of the herb prepared in alcohol and water. The alcohol and water are removed and then diluted in 43 - 50% ethanol, approximately 37% water and 5% apple cider vinegar to give a final concentration of 1:1.
Here's the Lobelia Essence from Nature's Sunshine Your Herbalist's First Choice among lobelia products.

Lobelia Question Answered!

Consult your doctor before using any of the above if you are currently taking any prescription medication. Do not discontinue use of any prescription medication without your doctor’s knowledge and approval. Nothing written or portrayed in this website should be taken as prescription, diagnoses or a substitute for consultation with a competent medical doctor. For educational purposes only. See Terms of Use

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