LOBELIA
(Lobelia inflata)
Indian tobacco, pukeweed , gagroot, asthma weed,
bladderpod
Description:
Annual, hairy, up to 1-3 ft. tall. Contains a milky sap, much
branched with an erect, angular, hairy stem. Alternate, hairy
leaves with obvious veins, lanceolate and bluntly serrate. Pale
violet, tubular flowers have a 2-lipped corolla with 2 erect upper
lobes and 3 spreading lower lobes, occurring rather far apart
in loose spike-like racemes. As flowers mature, an inflated ovoid
pod is formed, containing numerous small brown seeds. Eastern
and central U.S. in fields, waste areas.
Medicinal:
Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, sedative.
The whole plant is used to treat asthma, whooping cough, fevers,
sore throats, to induce vomiting. Used in lozenges, patches and
chewing gums to appease the need for nicotine without addictive
effects. Considered toxic. Use only with professional medical
advise.
