LOBELIA. 171 



LOBELIA. Lobelia Inflata, Linn. 



N.O. Cantpanulaet. 

 5yn. Indian Tobacco, Puke Weed. 



Parts used Herb, seeds. 



Action Expectorant, emetic, diaphoretic, ant- 

 asthmatic, stimulant. This plant is extensively 

 employed, and is regarded as one of the most valuable 

 remedies ever discovered. It is chiefly used as an 

 emetic, and may be prescribed wherever one is indicated. 

 In bronchial troubles and pulmonary complaints its 

 action is speedily and wonderfully beneficial. All accu- 

 mulation of mucus is instantly removed after a full dose 

 of the infusion, and many lives have been saved by its 

 timely use. In croup, whooping cough, and asthma it 

 is specially valuable, and it may be regarded as certain 

 to give relief in the distressing paroxysms which charac- 

 terise the last-named disease ; in fact it may be used 

 wherever there is bronchial spasm. In cases of infantile 

 cough and bronchitis, when the child seems likely to be 

 suffocated by phlegm, a dose will remove obstruction. 

 Dr. Thomson recommends Lobelia in nearly every 

 complaint, and there is no doubt of its general applica- 

 bility in some way to most diseases. In liver or 

 stomach troubles an emetic of Lobelia will remove all 

 immediate obstructions, and pave the way for the use 

 of other remedial medicines. Mixed with powdered 

 Slippery Elm it forms a stimulating poultice for inflam- 

 mations, ulcers, swellings, &c. The infusion of i ounce 

 of powdered herb in a pint of boiling water may be 

 taken in doses of -1 wineglassful. 



Preparations Powdered herb : Dose, 5-60 grains. 

 Fluid extract : Dose, 10-20 drops. Solid extract, ale. : 

 Dose, 2-4 grains. Acid tincture: Dose, 1-4 drachms. 

 Tincture U.S. P. : Dose, 1-4 drachms. Ethereal tinc- 

 ture B.P. : Dose, 5-15 drops. Syrup : Dose, 1-4 

 drachms. Oil of seed : Dose, i drop rubbed well up with 

 20 grains of sugar, and divided into 6-12 doses. Lobelin : 

 Dose, J-3 grains. 



Distinctive character Stem slightly hairy, angu- 

 lar. Leaves alternate, 1-3 inches long, sessile, ovate- 



