Lobeliais a genus of flowering plants, some of which have been used as herbal medicine for centuries. over 300 vehicles lobelia type Although it is the most commonly used type, Lobelia inflata. Lobelia inflataIt has pale colored flowers compared to its cousin species and belongs to the Lobeliaceae plant family.
Studies, In lobelia inflata shows that the compounds can help solve asthma, depression, and other health problems. But be careful because high doses can be toxic and cause serious side effects.
What is lobelia?
LobeliaIs a group of flowering plants native to North America. With long green stems, long leaves and small purple flowers lobelia inflata There are hundreds of types, including
Native Americans in the New England region of the United States for centuries Lobelia inflata They were used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
It is mostly used to help vomiting as a result of food poisoning, It was burned as incense to treat asthma and muscle disorders. Because of this variety of applications, names such as Indian tobacco and vomit herb were given to the plant.
lobelia inflata continues to be used for medical purposes today. Studies show that its main active compound, lobelin, can protect against depression, help treat drug addiction, and improve memory and concentration.
Plant compounds present in lobelia in addition to the lobelin compound are:
- Lobelanine
- Alkaloid
- C vitamin
- Calcium
- magnesium
Potassium
This medicinal herb is used for its ability to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation and help quit smoking.
It is also available as a capsule, tablet, and liquid extract, as well as using its dried leaves to make tea.
What Are the Lobelia Benefits?
Lobeliacontains compounds that provide several different alkaloids, therapeutic or medicinal effects. Well-known alkaloids include caffeine, nicotine, and morphine.
Lobelia The most prominent alkaloid in inflata is the lobelin, which can protect against the following ailments.
Reduces inflammation
Various animal and laboratory studies lobeliaIt has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Overproduction of cytokines can cause especially inflammatory conditions, immune-related conditions, and cancer.
Asthma and other respiratory disorders
LobeliaIt is used alongside traditional medicines to treat symptoms of asthma attacks such as wheezing, uncontrollable cough, and chest tightness.
Because the lobelin relaxes the respiratory tract, facilitates breathing and cleans the mucus in the lungs.
Lobelia pneumonia, which are two types of lung infections that also cause coughing and breathing difficulties, among other symptoms, and bronchitisused to alleviate business.
LobeliaAlthough it is often recommended by both herbalists and doctors to treat asthma and related problems, no human studies have examined its effects on respiratory ailments.
Only one animal study found that injecting lobelin into mice helped fight lung damage by stopping the production of inflammatory proteins and preventing swelling.
It can improve depression
LobeliaCompounds found in May can help protect against mood disorders, including depression.
In particular, lobelin can block some of the receptors in the brain that are involved in the development of depression.
An animal study in mice revealed that lobelin significantly reduced depressive behavior and stress hormone levels in the blood. Another mouse trial noted that this compound could enhance the effects of common antidepressant medications.
Despite these studies, lobelia It cannot be recommended as an alternative treatment for conventional antidepressant drugs.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Lobeliacan help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Lobelin can alleviate some symptoms such as hyperactivity and difficulty focusing by improving the release and uptake of dopamine in the brain.
One study involving nine adults with ADHD noted that taking up to 30mg of lobelin per day helped improve memory for 1 week.
Substance abuse
Lobeliahas been studied as a potential treatment for substance abuse. Because lobelin has similar effects in the body as nicotine, it has long been considered a possible tool to help people quit smoking.
Some studies show that lobelin may be beneficial for other drug addictions as it can interact with the brain receptors responsible for the release of drug addictive neurotransmitters.
An animal study in heroin-dependent rats found that 1-3 mg of lobelin injections per kg of body weight reduced rodents' cravings for heroin.
Antioxidant capacity
Other lobelia types of compounds, especially In Lobelia cardinalis It has been stated that the alkaloid lobinalin found functions as antioxidants.
Antioxidants They are compounds that fight free radicals. These are reactive molecules that can damage cells in the body and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
One study found that in addition to fighting free radicals, lobinaline helps brain signaling pathways.
Therefore, this compound may play a beneficial role in diseases that result from free radical damage and affect the brain, such as Parkinson's disease.
Relieves muscle pain
Lobelia It is used topically to relieve muscle pain and joint lumps triggered by rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat insect bites and bruises.
The plant lightens the muscles and improves blood flow in the human body. Thus, it can also help relieve menstrual cramps and muscle cramps. Indeed, it was used in the 19th century to reduce pelvic stiffness during childbirth.
What Are the Benefits of Lobelia Tea?
As with many herbs with healing and medicinal properties, Benefits of the lobelia plant also occurs when brewed as tea.
Lobelia tea It is prepared as follows:
Materials
Dry lobelia leaves
Su
Honey
How is it done?
- Boil the water in a pot, a spoon into it dry lobelia leaf add.
– Leave to infuse for five minutes and strain the leaves.
Before drinking the tea, add some honey to it. It will help increase the flavor and eliminate the pungent taste. You can also use other herbal teas for flavoring.
Lobelia teaThe main benefits are:
- For those who want to quit smoking lobelia tea It is recommended. It acts as a nice and natural alternative to e-cigarettes or other smoking cessation products.
- To avoid any toxicity or health problems lobelia tea It is necessary to limit its consumption to two cups a day.
Lobelia Side Effects and Dosage
Lobelia There is no standard dosage or recommendation as research on it is limited.
One study in adults with ADHD showed that up to thirty mg of lobelin per day in tablet form was safe.
However, nausea, bitter taste in the mouth, numbness of the mouth, arrhythmia and some side effects such as increased blood pressure.
The second reason to use the lobeliais known to cause vomiting and can be toxic – even deadly – in very high doses. Ingesting 0.6-1 gram of the leaf is said to be toxic, and four grams can be fatal.
Children, individuals taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to lack of safety studies lobelia should avoid their products.
If you want to use Lobelia, be sure to seek advice from a doctor.
Lobelia teaThe use of may cause interactions with nicotine substitutes and psychiatric drugs. Therefore, it should be consumed with caution.
As a result;
Lobeliais a flowering plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Some studies, lobelia inflataIt shows that lobelin, the active compound in, can help with asthma, depression, ADHD and substance abuse.
However, research in humans is limited and lobelia can cause adverse side effects or death at very high doses. For this reason, it should not be used without a doctor's advice.
