using lobelia
Lobelia is also known as gagwort, vomitwort, and pukeweed. As you can
imagine from its name, large amounts of the herb can induce vomiting.
However, that’s not what lobelia is used for most in modern herbal medicine.
Over the years, Native Americans used lobelia as a treatment for respiratory
problems. In fact, it was delivered to the body by smoking it. And while we
now know that smoking isn’t the healthiest way to deliver a chemical to the
bloodstream, it is effective.
In modern medicine, lobelia has been used in many ways. It’s been used as a
powder, tea, poultice, and some people even still smoke it. Lobelia has many
uses for the body beyond helping to induce vomiting.
If you’re suffering from asthma, whooping cough, or bronchitis, lobelia can
be used as an expectorant to thin out the mucous that’s giving you grief. If
you’re having a hard time getting rest at night, lobelia is an effective
sedative that can help you fall asleep more soundly.
If you’re suffering from fever, lobelia can help to return your body
temperature to normal. And if you have an insect bite, lobelia can help to
reduce the inflammation and swelling. When you fall and suffer a sprain or
bruise, lobelia can help you to reduce the pain and inflammation of the area.
One of the most interesting uses of lobelia, however, is as an anti-smoking
aid. It has been thought that lobelia has some of the same properties and
effects on the body as nicotine, but without the addiction and the toxic
effects that come from nicotine. However, once scientific studies were
conducted it seemed that this wasn’t the best use of lobelia.
Lobelia can also have some toxic side effects if used improperly. If you
chose to use lobelia at home, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s
directions to the letter. It’s even better if you can be supervised by a
healthcare professional while you’re taking lobelia to make sure you don’t
suffer from toxic side effects.
Overdoses of lobelia can lead to side effects that are severe such as
nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and it can sometimes lead to respiratory
failure. That’s why its critical that you don’t take more than necessary and
that you make sure to get the supervision of a healthcare professional who
can monitor your use. While lobelia has some helpful uses and can be a great
treatment for respiratory problems, it’s critical that you pay attention to
safety.
