February 2020
Sanja Jelic, MD

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a plant used in herbal and homeopathic medicine. Said to expel mucus from the respiratory tract, it is used to treat respiratory problems. In addition, some individuals use lobelia to help them quit smoking, soothe muscles, support alcoholism recovery, and more.

While this wide range of uses is attractive, lobelia is listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Poisonous Plant Database as a potentially toxic herb.1 It should be avoided. It is banned in Bangladesh and Italy.

If despite this, you do decide to use lobelia, it's best to consult your medical provider and use extreme caution. Since there are limited human studies, not much is known about its effects.

Health Benefits

To date, research on the potential health benefits of lobelia has yielded mixed results. Advocates tout lobelia as a natural remedy for the prevention or treatment of the following health problems:

  • ADHD
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Asthma 
  • Bronchitis 
  • Cough 
  • Depression
  • Pneumonia
  • Smoking addiction