SO DYK
GENERAL IMMUNITY

Lobelia

Lobelia inflata

also known as Indian tobacco

Weak — and a real toxicity concern
Lobelia — Köhler 1887 botanical illustration

A small North American plant historically called 'puke weed' for good reason — it causes vomiting at modest doses. Used traditionally as a respiratory herb and smoking-cessation aid, but lobelia's narrow safety window makes it inappropriate for casual self-use. This is a herb for trained practitioners, not the supplement aisle.

  • Traditional use as a respiratory herb — antispasmodic action on the lungs
  • Lobeline, the main active, weakly stimulates the same nicotine receptors as tobacco — historically used for smoking cessation
  • FDA reviewed lobelia for over-the-counter smoking cessation products and rejected it for lack of efficacy
  • Long history of use by trained herbalists at carefully measured doses
Causes nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremor, and confusion at modest doses — toxicity comes on quickly
High doses can cause seizures, coma, and respiratory paralysis
Avoid with heart disease, high blood pressure, or seizure disorders
Avoid with tobacco cessation aids like nicotine replacement and varenicline
Avoid with sedatives and anesthesia
Avoid during pregnancy — can stimulate the uterus
Avoid during nursing
Not a herb to self-experiment with — historical use was always carefully dosed by trained practitioners
Several US states have restricted retail sale due to safety concerns
Research

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

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