Lobelia Tea

💨 Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Also known as: Indian Tobacco • Puke Weed • Asthma Weed
Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)
Origin: North America
Parts Used: Aerial parts and seeds
Primary Use: Internal (in small, guided doses), External, & Smokeable

---

✨ Description

Lobelia is a powerful lung and nerve herb, long cherished by Native healers and traditional herbalists for its ability to open the lungs, relax the nerves, and expel congestion. Known historically as Indian Tobacco, it acts as both a bronchodilator and expectorant, helping to clear phlegm, ease breathing, and support deep, calming respiration.

Though intense in nature, Lobelia is a catalyst herb, amplifying the benefits of other botanicals such as Mullein, Coltsfoot, Horehound, and Blue Vervain. In both teas and smoke blends, it brings balance — relaxing tension in the chest and mind while gently stimulating oxygen flow.

---

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a respiratory and nervous system tonic:

• Lung Support: Opens airways, reduces phlegm, and calms spasms.
• Anti-Spasmodic: Relieves coughing fits and muscle tension.
• Circulatory Stimulator: Improves oxygen and nutrient flow.
• Nervine: Calms anxiety and nervous exhaustion.
• Detoxification Aid: Assists in clearing lung toxins, especially for those quitting smoking.

Directions (Internal Use):
Use ¼–½ teaspoon per cup of hot water. Steep for 10–15 minutes.
Combine with Mullein, Horehound, or Peppermint for balanced lung and sinus relief.

Note: Lobelia is potent. In larger doses it can cause nausea or vomiting — this was once used intentionally in cleansing rituals but is not recommended today.

---

🌬️ Smoking & Aromatic Use

Lobelia has a long history in herbal smoking blends — both medicinal and spiritual.
When smoked in moderation, it produces a mild, smooth smoke that relaxes the lungs and encourages full breathing. It’s often used as a tobacco substitute or transition herb for those quitting nicotine.

• Flavor: Mildly earthy, slightly peppery, with a cool exhale.
• Effect: Opens the chest, reduces coughing, and relaxes the nervous system.
• Best Paired With:
  • Mullein (for lung support and smooth burn)
  • Blue Lotus (for calm, euphoric focus)
  • Damiana (for mood elevation)
  • Passion Flower (for stress and relaxation)

Smoking Tip:
Use sparingly — about 10% or less of the total blend. Lobelia acts as a “carrier herb”, amplifying the effect of other smokeable herbs and helping them integrate smoothly.

---

💧 External Uses

• Chest & Muscle Rubs: Mix with olive oil or castor oil to ease tension.
• Compresses: Useful for cramps, spasms, and localized pain.
• Poultices: Traditionally used for bites, bruises, and sore joints.

---

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Element: Air
Energy: Expansive • Cleansing • Releasing

Lobelia embodies release and clarity — the breath after struggle, the calm after chaos.
In energetic practices, it’s burned or infused in smoke rituals to clear stagnation, ease anxiety, and open the throat chakra for honest communication.

Affirmation:

“I release all that constrains my breath — I speak, move, and breathe freely.”

---

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

• Mullein & Horehound – for lung and respiratory cleansing
• Blue Vervain & Skullcap – to relax the body and mind
• Peppermint or Lemon Balm – to lighten flavor and soothe digestion
• Damiana or Passion Flower – for stress and mood balance

---

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Lobelia herb is wildcrafted in North America, harvested as the seed pods mature, when its active compounds peak. It is naturally air-dried and cut for easy blending in teas, tinctures, or smoke formulas.

---

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

• Taste: Sharp, acrid, slightly bitter.
• Energetic Profile: Cooling, stimulating, releasing.

---

⚠️ Warnings

• Use only in very small amounts. Overuse may cause nausea or vomiting.
• Not for use during pregnancy, lactation, or with heart or respiratory medications.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Intended for occasional or guided use.

---

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Lobelia is an herb of release — powerful, direct, and transformative.
It reminds the lungs how to breathe and the body how to let go.
Used in balance, it clears what is heavy — emotionally, energetically, or physically — and makes space for renewal.