14 Jun Thu 2018
Ask Arlene about the uses of Lobelia ©
Ask Arlene about the uses of Lobelia ©
By Arlene Wright-Correll
An email question asks, “What is Lobelia good for?”
First off Lobelia is a pretty annual herb. All its parts above ground are used and it is harvested in the fall. It has a pretty white, purple or pink flower in various shades, depending on which seed you plant, and it is a great addition to any garden.
Lobelia is perfect for severe muscular spasm, epilepsy and any other situation that requires a supreme relaxant and Lobelia is a very strong antispasmodic with a special affinity for the respiratory system. It is effective for emergency asthma treatment, congestion, asthma (exercise induced, bronchial and spasmodic), bronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia and hiccups. In the digestive system it is effective for food poisoning, hiatal hernia, as an emetic and for heartburn.
It is not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid lobelia.
You will discover that Lobelia likes to be combined with other herbs to mellow its effects and if you are using it alone, use only one to two drops of tincture at a time. You may continue to use these small doses until the desired result is achieved. Stop when salivation or nausea occurs.
If you are a holistic healer than any tinctures you leave around should be labeled clearly and carefully so they can be distinguished by any one other than yourself and please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Home Farm Herbery has been growing it for years and we sow the seeds each spring and harvest it in the fall. You can buy our Lobelia seeds at our online store.
Why not plant some in your garden this coming spring? This plant needs your help and when you sow a package of Lobelia seeds each year you are taking part in the preservation of healing plants worldwide.
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
Arlene Wright-Correll