Lobelia

Indian Tobacco / Pukeweed

Lobelia inflata

This remedy is most appropriate for people who have an over exaggerated anxiety about their health, particularly those who fear death from a disease of the heart or lungs. Lobelia is commonly prescribed for breathlessness and asthma accompanied by great anxiety. Characteristic symptoms include a rattling sound in the chest, despite the presence of little or no mucus, and a feeling of oppression and constriction in the chest. Further symptoms may include excessive salivation, retching, hiccuping, a sensation as if there is a lump in the throat, nausea, and a sinking feeling in the stomach. Nausea with giddiness, and vomiting with profuse perspiration, may also be helped by this remedy.

Lobelia was used by native Americans as a tobacco substitute, and to induce vomiting or expectoration.

The whole, fresh plant in flower, including the seeds and roots, is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.