Lobelia: Benefits, Uses & Safety - A Comprehensive Guide

Although lobelia has potential health benefits, it should only be taken in small amounts under the direction of a health practitioner, for an overdose can be fatal. The herb also goes by the nicknames "puke weed" and "Indian tobacco."

Respiratory Ailments

• This herb has been used to stimulate the air passages to help people suffering from conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma breathe better.

Smoking Cessation

• Native Americans have used lobelia as a substitute for tobacco; herbalists also recommend the herb to help smokers give up cigarettes.

Expectorant

• If you have a cough, the herb can assist your body by acting as an expectorant that loosens and expels mucus.

Fever

• You can bring down a fever with lobelia by taking 1/2 teaspoon of the herb's extract or tincture made from it every four hours.

Vomiting

• Significant doses of lobelia can be administered to induce vomiting if someone overdoses on medication or ingests a toxic substance.