In small quantities lobelia acts as a stimulant and in larger doses as a relaxant Applied externally, lobelia relaxes muscles and reduces tension. Internally, it can also relax the muscles of the smaller bronchial tubes providing relief from asthma and aiding in the clearing of other respiratory congestion. Lobelia can also induce sweating and vomiting. Used in combination with other herbs, it enhances their effectiveness. As Atwood points out in Spirit Herbs , caution is in order, especially when consuming the plant fresh.
Small quantities are best.
These plants represent only a small sampling of our native healing plants, persecuted as weeds while they could be celebrated as food, tonics, or medicines. Native American children once grew up learning about the properties of plants as part of the world around them. Inc. Built on a Macintosh with Frontier . Report site problems to Ross Thompson .