In our previous article, we learned about the impressive health benefits of Echinacea on immunity, anxiety, inflammation, skin health and blood sugar. Just as beneficial as Echinacea, we explained why you should try using Lobelia. But before we explore this further, let’s tackle first its history, and how it was introduced to people as herbal medicine.
The History:
Lobelia is one of the many flowering plants used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. It derives its name from a botanist Matthias de Lobel from Lille, Belgium. Lobel died in 1616.
The health benefits of Lobelia were already known and extensively used by Penobscot Indians. However, it was Samuel Thompson who made the herb’s medicinal properties well-known, after successfully discovering its benefits. Samuel Thompson was one of the great 18th-century herbalists. It was then used professionally by Cutler of Massachusetts.
Native Americans used to smoke lobelia to treat asthma. Moreover, it was also prescribed by doctors to induce vomiting.
Lobelia only grows up to 5 inches tall, with the exception of some varieties that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It comes in different colors such as white, pink, blue and red. However, violet-blue Lobelia is the most common and usually seen. They enjoy cool weather but also bloom in summer. It can possibly grow anywhere, even in hanging containers. Lobelia inflata is the name with most medicinal purposes.
