Lobelia
Lobelia inflata · herb
Also known as: Indian tobacco, Pukeweed, Asthma weed
Parts used: Aerial parts (dried herb)
Active compounds
Piperidine alkaloids, primarily lobeline (chemically similar to nicotine)
Pharmacology
Lobeline acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with effects on respiratory drive and bronchodilation. Higher doses are emetic. Classical Western herbalists used very small doses ("drop doses") for acute bronchospasm.
General dosage
STRICTLY in practitioner-directed drop-doses only. Tincture: typically 5-15 DROPS (not ml), not more than 3 times daily.
Contraindications
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, heart disease, hypertension, history of seizures, GI ulceration.
Interactions
Caution with nicotine, sympathomimetics, antihypertensives, and CNS depressants.
Safety notes
Narrow therapeutic window. Toxic at modest overdose. NOT a self-care herb. Listed in many regions as a restricted herb.