Lobelia: Ease your asthma and cold symptoms with the little-known herb lobelia

Lobelia is a traditional herbal remedy that has long been appreciated for its ability to ease cold symptoms, unblock sinuses and clear catarrh. According to Potters Encyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, lobelia is one of the most valuable remedies ever discovered. Its efficacy as a respiratory stimulant and an expectorant herb has made it a bestselling herbal remedy in Greece, where they have high levels of pollution and breathing problems.

Although we normally feature brand new products, this month we wanted to introduce you to this herbal medicine that has been around for a very long time but is largely unheard of in the UK.

It seems particularly timely to talk about lobelia, since we are all more vulnerable at this time of the year to colds.

Lobelia: Eases asthma by helping you breathe deeper and stronger

In addition to being anti-asthmatic and antispasmodic, lobelia has been recognised as an effective means of controlling breathing without the risk of side-effects, which can be important to asthma sufferers. Side-effects of asthma preventers and relievers can include an increased heartbeat, muscle trembling, especially in the hands, hoarseness and an increased risk of mouth and throat infections caused by thrush, a yeast that lives normally on the bodys mucous membranes.

The secret of lobelias effectiveness is that it contains chemicals known as alkaloids, the main one being lobeline.1,2 Lobeline stimulates the respiratory centre in the brainstem and in this way encourages deeper and stronger breathing.

As well as encouraging better, more efficient breathing, lobelia stimulates the coughing up of phlegm. Lobelia has a fast-acting expectorant action promoting the discharge of mucus from blocked passages both in the sinuses and in the lungs.

Lobeline also has a similar pharmacological action to that of nicotine and it is thought that, because of this, lobelia can help those suffering withdrawal from tobacco addiction, since it can deter the desire to smoke.

Lobelia: Get rid of the lingering symptoms of a cold with lobelia

June Crisp, Sales and Marketing Director of Bio Health, which offers lobelia here in the UK, says that an increasing number of people are buying lobelia to help them deal with blocked sinuses, catarrh and the effects of coughs and colds.

Its a highly effective treatment for respiratory problems, she says. Lobelia is very well used. We have been selling a lot to Greece because of the pollution, especially in Athens, and because of the link between pollution and respiratory problems. Theres no reason why it couldnt be just as popular in London.

So many people have reoccurring respiratory disorders and I would say to them that if they know its not a serious complaint, such as bronchitis, then lobelia will certainly alleviate all their unpleasant symptoms.

She says that its particularly good for helping to clear up the symptoms of a lingering cold. When you get left with catarrh and you cant get rid of that thick catarrh in the chest or nose, lobelia can be effective. Its a very good over-the-counter-remedy, a very important self-help medication and this product is licensed, so you know that its perfectly safe.

Lobelia: After 15 years, lobelia is still a popular alternative

Ersi Klimentidou, Marketing Director of Power Health Hellas, distributor of lobelia in Greece, says her company introduced it to Greek pharmacies 15 years ago and the market is still growing today.

Lobelia is an alternative medicine for those who are not satisfied with other medicines and who wish to be cured without side-effects, she says. The quality, safety and efficacy of lobelia have kept the Greek consumer devoted to it. Even though we are not allowed to advertise, we have experienced continually increasing sales.

If you suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma, then you may want to consider lobelia as a complementary addition to your regular mainstream treatments. However, before you try lobelia, you should consult your doctor.

Lobelia: What to take for best results

One product called, Lobelia Compound contains 60mg of lobelia, 30mg of gum ammoniacum (a natural expectorant and antispasmodic) and 30mg of squill extract (a natural expectorant that also helps to break down mucus) in each tablet.

It is recommended that three Lobelia Compound tablets are taken per day. It is suitable for adults and for children aged 10 upwards. Lobelia should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There have been no recorded side-effects when taken at the recommended doses.

Sources:

1. JAOAC 1971;54:1423-5
2. Sci Pharm 1980;48:365-9