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Lobelia, sometimes referred to as “Indian tobacco,” has been used in American medicine for hundreds of years. Lobelia was frequently used by midwives as a sedative, for its muscle relaxing effects, in preparation for childbirth. Today, lobelia is used as a blood cleanser and to treat a variety of respiratory problems. As one of the most useful muscle relaxants, lobelia is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. It is used as an expectorant, expelling phlegm from the lungs, relieving congestion that is typically related to asthma and bronchitis. Lobelia has also been known to reduce cold and flu symptoms, suppress coughing, and stimulate perspiration, cooling down the body to to help break fevers. Lobelia is considered beneficial for treating mild depression, reducing inflammation and pain, easing muscle tension, and calming the nerves. It also acts as a mild laxative alleviating constipation. Lobelia may be used as a tobacco substitute to help stop smoking.
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