Lobelia inflata, known as Indian tobacco, is a small North American herb with distinctive inflated seed pods that Indigenous peoples smoked and ingested to support respiratory function and promote expulsion of phlegm. The plant's potent alkaloid profile, particularly lobeline, creates a powerful bronchodilating action that earned it central importance in traditional respiratory and circulatory preparations.
leaf, seed
tincture, tea, decoction, powder
10–15 drops tincture 2–3x daily; 0.5–1g dried leaf as tea once daily
Small doses only — can cause nausea in higher amounts. Not for use in pregnancy.
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