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ASTHMA
WEED
Lobelia
inflata |
| Also
known as: Indian Tobacco, Brown
Lobelia, Emetic Herb, Puke Weed, Wild Tobacco.
Lobelia is
considered by many contemporary herbalists to be a
valuable herb for respiratory complaints. It is said
to act as an anti-spasmodic, a decongestant and an
expectorant, and has therefore been used
traditionally for asthma & bronchitis.
Common
use: Asthma;
bronchitis; bronchial spasms; cough; colds;
excessive mucus; fever; pleurisy; muscle spasms;
muscle relaxant. |
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This controversial but prized
herb is smoked by North American Indians to relieve asthma and
related conditions. However, it is more often used in tea,
capsule or in an extracted form. Interestingly, Lobelia
can be found as a main ingredient in some anti-smoking formulas,
as it is thought to decrease the desire for tobacco. In
other applications, it has been used externally as a poultice
for boils, bruises, insect bites, poison ivy, and other skin
irritations.
Tea: Pour one cup of boiling water
over 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful of herbs and allow to steep 4 to 7
minutes; strain. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups daily; one
before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired, add honey
and/or lemon to suit taste.
To prepare as
"instant" tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1/4 to
1/2 teaspoonful of herbal powder. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups
daily; one before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired,
add honey and/or lemon to suit taste.
Capsules: Take as an addition to the daily diet. Take 1
or 2 capsules three times daily with water at mealtimes.
Poultice For Shingles Pain & Itch: Take 4 oz of
Lobelia powder, Glycerine and Mineral or distilled water.
Mix all three ingredients together until it has a paste-like
consistency. Put on affected area, wrap with a towel, and leave
on for 8 hours. Wash off with soap and water, then apply Olbas
Oil.
 Not
to be used during pregnancy. Do not exceed recommended dose. May
cause nausea and vomiting.
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