How to Make Lobelia Extract

Lobelia is a flowering plant also known as asthma weed, Indian tobacco, pukeweed and vomitwort. Native Americans used this plant as an herbal remedy to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, and as a purgative. Today it is used in the treatment of asthma, food poisoning, smoking cessation and as a physical relaxant. The extraction process draws out the soluble portion of a plant or herb by using alcohol and evaporating the solution. Making your lobelia extract is inexpensive and can be done in a few simple steps. The extract lasts for years.

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar with tight fitting lid
• Sharp knife
• Strong grain alcohol
• Purified water
• Cheesecloth
• Strainer
• Large glass bowl
• Amber bottles

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Instructions

• 1

  Chop fresh 2 oz. fresh lobelia finely, using a sharp knife. Alternatively, you may use a blender or coffee grinder.

• 2

  Place the chopped lobelia in a clean, dry glass jar the size of a canning jar.

• 3

  Mix grain alcohol and room temperature, purified water together in a combination of 50% alcohol and 50% water. Pour the grain alcohol mixture into the jar until the mixture level is 3 inches above the lobelia.

• 4

  Put the tight fitting lid on the container, placing a plastic bag between the lid and the jar top edge to keep rust contamination from the extract. Shake the jar, mixing the contents thoroughly. Place in a dark, cool spot for six weeks. Shake the jar contents every few days during that time period to accelerate the extraction process.

• 5

  Strain the herbs into a large glass bowl after six weeks, using a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Tightly squeeze the cheesecloth to extract every drop.

• 6

  Pour the strained extract into bottles, preferably amber colored bottles, since this color protects the extract from light. Bottle size is personal preference. Store your extracts in a cool, dark place. The extracts have a shelf life of at least 3 to 5 years.