Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), or Indian tobacco, is a flowering herb that is named after the Belgian botanist, Matthias de l’Obel.¹ It was formerly used as a substance to aid in smoking cessation, but has since been discontinued because of mixed results.

In a broader sense, lobelia can refer to a wide variety of flowering plants, with some botanists claiming that these varieties belong to a separate family, Lobeliaceae.² One of the most common and popular variety of lobelias is the Lobelia inflata variety. Other varieties of lobelia plants include both Lobelia siphilitica and Lobelia cardinalis. These varieties normally can be distinguished from the Lobelia inflata through their flowers’ different colors.

Lobelia siphilitica is the most cultivated variety of this plant and is often called the “great blue lobelia” because of its vivid blue flowers, as opposed to the pale color of Lobelia inflata.³ Lobelia cardinalis is also much easier to differentiate because of the distinct bright red color of its flowers.⁴

Because of its dainty flowers, lobelia plants are usually planted in the garden or in window boxes to accentuate the ambience of the surroundings. However, its beauty sometimes leads to its nutritional components being overlooked.

Nutritional Benefits of Lobelia Inflata

Here are some of the benefits that you’ll likely receive when you start using lobelia therapeutically:

• Respiratory stimulant and antispasmodic — Lobelia may help the bronchial tubes relax, stimulating breathing and loosening phlegm.⁵
• Expectorant — Lobelia decreases the viscosity and promotes the excretion of mucus produced in the respiratory system. It works by triggering the cough reflex and is said to be more effective than other expectorants. It is commonly used to ease pneumonia and bronchitis.⁶
• Muscle relaxant — In small doses, lobelia may help constricted areas in the body relax, promoting better blood circulation. It may also aid in easing stomach cramps and other body tensions.⁷

Scientific studies have also linked lobelia to seizure prevention and neuron protection in those with Parkinson’s disease. In a 2014 study published in the journal Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, lobeline, an alkaloid from lobelia, was found to inhibit dopamine transportation by blocking DAT-mediated uptake. This helps protect dopaminergic neurons from toxins that may trigger neuron damage and death.⁸

In a 2012 study from the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, mice were given isolated lobeline to measure the preventive effects the alkaloid has on pentylenetetrazol- and strychnine-induced seizures. The anticonvulsant properties of lobeline were found to be effective in increasing GABA, which helps offset seizures.⁹

How Do You Use Lobelia?

Applied externally, lobelia may help relax smooth muscles through its antispasmodic properties.¹⁰ It can also be added to your bathwater. For oral ingestion, lobelia can be dried and then brewed into tea.¹¹ For best results, consult your physician to determine the appropriate dosage for you, so that you can avoid ingesting too little or too much of this herb.

Here’s How You Can Grow Your Own Lobelia

Lobelia is commonly planted in regions with low temperatures. But while they thrive well in cold climates, they are actually very sensitive to frost. Listed below is a step-by-step guide on how to successfully plant lobelia in your backyard either for ornamental or medicinal purposes:¹²

Try This Recipe for This Muscle Relaxer Tea

Because of the strong effects of lobelia when taken in it’s pure form, some people choose to incorporate it into their various tea recipes. One such example is this recipe from Living Herbal Tea, which combines lobelia with other tea leaves:¹³

Watch Out for These Contraindications and Possible Side Effects of This Herb

Even though it has a variety of health benefits when taken in moderation, lobelia may actually be poisonous when ingested in large quantities. It’s also poisonous for pets and other animals, and should be removed from the vicinity where these pets reside to avoid them from being harmed.¹⁴ If you have pets, do not plant this herb in an area that’s accessible to them. Some of the side effects that you may experience when you ingest lobelia include the following:¹⁵

Severe symptoms may arise if you overdose on lobelia. If you observe the following side effects, immediately seek the attention of a healthcare professional:

• Low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Fast heartbeat
• Convulsions

Lobelia should also be avoided when you suffer from the following conditions and diseases:

• High blood pressure and heart disease — Lobelia is a vasomotor stimulant and may cause an increase in blood pressure. This may worsen the symptoms of high blood pressure and could even cause irreversible damage.¹⁶
• Tobacco sensitivity — Lobelia contains lobeline, a substance that has the same effect of nicotine in the human body. This alkaloid contains about 5 to 20 percent of nicotine’s potency.^17,18

Lobelia should not be used by people who suffer from liver or kidney disease, seizures or shortness of breath. Like other herbs and medications, lobelia should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it may cause adverse effects.¹⁹