Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Lobelia herb (Lobelia inflata) is a North American plant traditionally used in very small amounts for tight, spasmodic coughs and wheezy breathing, and it is one of the few common herbs where the safe amount and the unpleasant amount sit close together. Its main alkaloid, lobeline, acts on the same nicotinic receptors as nicotine, which is why lobelia was once sold to help people quit smoking, and why taking too much brings on nausea and vomiting.1, 4
That is the whole story of lobelia in two sentences: useful in a pinch, harmful in a handful. Old herbalists called it "Indian tobacco" and "pukeweed," and both names are honest. This guide covers what lobelia is, what the research does and does not show, how much is too much, a measured tea, who should avoid it entirely, what our customers ask us, and the lab results for our current lot, which you can read alongside our guide on how to read a Certificate of Analysis.
The lobelia we sell right now is wild-crafted lot LBLA4202. Its bag tasting notes read straw, witch hazel, and pepper, and a fresh lot should smell sharply pungent the moment you open it, with an acrid, peppery bite on the tongue. A flat, dusty smell is the first sign a lot has aged past its best.
Key Takeaways
- Lobelia's main alkaloid, lobeline, acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and at higher doses causes nausea, vomiting, tremors, and dizziness.1, 4
- A professional drug monograph lists 0.6 to 1 gram of lobelia leaf as a toxic dose and 4 grams as potentially fatal, so lobelia is measured in fractions of a teaspoon.4
- The FDA prohibited over-the-counter lobeline smoking-cessation products in 1993, and a Cochrane review found no good evidence that lobeline helps people quit.3, 4
- Sacred Plant Co lobelia lot LBLA4202 is wild-crafted and tested not detected for four classes of pesticide residues at a 0.01 ppm detection limit.10
- Sacred Plant Co's lobelia bag lists tasting notes of straw, witch hazel, and pepper, and its lab sheet describes a pungent aroma and acrid taste.
- In 85 Sacred Plant Co orders that included lobelia herb, 22 were lobelia alone, and mullein leaf was the most common pairing.
What Is Lobelia, and What Is It Used For?
Lobelia is a small wild plant of eastern North America whose dried leaves, stems, and seed pods are used in tiny amounts, mostly in blends, for spasmodic coughs and tight breathing, and historically as an emetic.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is an annual or biennial herb of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) traditionally used as a respiratory antispasmodic and emetic, characterized by the alkaloid lobeline and its inflated, balloon-like seed pods.
Search for "lobelia" and you will find mostly garden advice, because the name also covers the trailing blue bedding plant (Lobelia erinus) and the scarlet cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). The herbal lobelia is a different, plain-looking plant: one to three feet tall, hairy-stemmed, with tiny pale violet-blue flowers that give way to the inflated pods behind its species name. It grows in fields, roadsides, and open woods, and the herb in commerce is usually wild-crafted, harvested from wild stands rather than farmed. Our current lot is wild-crafted.10
Lobelia in Native American and Early American Medicine
Native peoples of eastern North America used lobelia for breathing complaints and as an emetic, and in the 1800s it became the central remedy of Samuel Thomson's botanical medicine movement before later physicians scaled the doses down.
Ethnobotanical records describe Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Cherokee, and other eastern peoples using lobelia for respiratory complaints, as an emetic, and externally as a poultice.5 In the early 1800s, Samuel Thomson made lobelia the cornerstone of his patented "Thomsonian" system, giving it in large doses specifically to cause vomiting, which he believed cleared disease from the body.6 His heavy-handed use drew lawsuits and criticism even then. The Eclectic physicians who followed him kept lobelia but used far smaller doses, mainly as a relaxant for spasmodic coughs and asthma, often combined with other herbs.7 That shift, from dramatic doses to careful ones, is the lesson modern herbalists still teach about this plant.
What Does the Research Show About Lobelia?
Modern research on lobelia focuses on lobeline's action at nicotinic receptors in the lab; there are no good clinical trials of lobelia for breathing problems, and the evidence that it helps people quit smoking is weak.
| Use | Evidence level | What it rests on |
|---|---|---|
| Spasmodic cough, tight breathing | Traditional | Eclectic and Thomsonian practice; no modern trials7 |
| Emetic (to cause vomiting) | Well documented, not recommended | Historical use; the reason for its "pukeweed" name4, 6 |
| Quitting smoking | Not supported | Cochrane review found no adequate trials; FDA prohibited OTC products in 19933, 4 |
| Nicotinic receptor activity | Laboratory | Pharmacology studies of lobeline1, 2 |
| Topical use for muscle tension | Traditional | Herbalist practice with infused oils8 |
Lobeline binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and also affects how nerve cells store and release dopamine, which is why researchers have studied it as a possible aid for stimulant addiction.2 Its action is dose-dependent: in the lab, low doses stimulate breathing while larger ones can do the opposite.1 Lobelia was widely sold as a smoking deterrent until 1993, when the FDA prohibited over-the-counter lobeline products for smoking cessation, and a Cochrane review later found that none of the available studies were good enough to show it works.3, 4 For breathing support with a much wider safety margin, start with mullein leaf, compared with lobelia here, and our guide to herbs for respiratory health.
How to Use Lobelia Carefully
Herbalists use lobelia in very small amounts, about 1/4 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of tea, usually blended with gentler herbs like mullein, and stop at the first sign of nausea.
Weigh or measure lobelia with real measuring spoons, not by the pinch. A level 1/4 teaspoon of cut herb is a fraction of a gram, well under the amounts listed as toxic, but individual sensitivity varies a lot, so start lower if you are new to it. Lobelia is rarely taken alone; in traditional blends it is the smallest part, about 10 to 15 percent of the mix, alongside soothing herbs. Tinctures are measured in drops; follow the label exactly. Our guide to herbal tinctures for lung health covers how drop-dosed extracts compare.
Measured Lobelia, Mullein, and Thyme Tea
- 1/4 teaspoon dried lobelia herb, level
- 1 teaspoon dried mullein leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried licorice root
- 10 to 12 ounces water, just off the boil
Directions: Put the herbs in a teapot, pour the water over them, cover, and steep 12 to 15 minutes. Strain through a fine strainer or cloth, since mullein's tiny hairs can tickle the throat. Sip slowly. Do not double the lobelia to make it "stronger," and stop if you feel queasy.
A note from Patrick: Lobelia's the smallest scoop in this pot, but you'll know it's in there. The mullein and licorice make the cup soft and a little sweet, then about a second after you swallow there's this dry, peppery tingle at the back of the throat. Use a real quarter-teaspoon, level it off with a knife, and keep the lid on so the thyme doesn't all go up with the steam.
How Much Lobelia Is Too Much? Safety and Who Should Avoid It
Lobelia becomes unsafe quickly: a professional monograph lists 0.6 to 1 gram of leaf as toxic, and it should be avoided entirely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, heart disease, and with nicotine products.
Contraindications and Warning Signs
Too much: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, tremors, dizziness, sweating, and a racing heart are signs of too much lobelia. Stop immediately; seek emergency care for severe or persistent symptoms. Doses of 0.6 to 1 gram of leaf are listed as toxic and 4 grams as potentially fatal.4
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use. Safety evidence is lacking and adverse effects, including loss of uterine tone, have been documented.4
Children: Do not give lobelia to children. Gentler herbs such as mullein and thyme are better choices.
Heart conditions: Lobeline can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Avoid it if you have a heart rhythm problem, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Nicotine and medications: Do not combine lobelia with nicotine products, nicotine replacement therapy, or medicines that act on the nervous system or heart without your doctor's approval.
Asthma: Lobelia is not a substitute for prescribed asthma medicines or a rescue inhaler.
This content is educational and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified health professional before using lobelia, and keep it out of reach of children.
Traditional and Energetic Considerations
Traditional Western herbalists describe lobelia as a "diffusive relaxant," an herb that spreads quickly through the body and releases tension, particularly in the chest. In that tradition it is used for tight, spasmodic, constricted states, and paired with soothing, moistening herbs to soften its edge. These are traditional descriptions, not safety rules.
Can You Smoke Lobelia?
Lobelia has a long history in herbal smoking blends, but we do not recommend smoking it: any smoke irritates the lungs, and lobeline is still absorbed, so the dose is hard to control.
Lobelia's nickname "Indian tobacco" comes from its use as a smoking herb, and it still shows up in blends today. Burning any plant produces tar and fine particles, and with lobelia you also cannot measure what you are taking in. If you are exploring herbal smoke, read our evidence-based guide to safe herbs to smoke and safer alternatives first, and see our guide to herbs used for smoking for gentler options.
What Good Lobelia Looks, Smells, and Tastes Like
Good dried lobelia is dark green to green-brown cut leaf and stem with visible small seed pods, smells pungent and a little like dry tobacco, and tastes sharp and acrid with a peppery bite.
The lab sheet for our lot LBLA4202 describes it as dark green-brown, cut and sifted aerial parts with a pungent aroma and an acrid taste, and our bag lists the tasting notes as straw, witch hazel, and pepper.10 In practice that means a dry, hay-like smell when you open the bag, a faintly astringent, woody note like witch hazel, and a peppery, throat-catching finish.
Look for recognizable leaf, stem, and the little papery pods, not powder. Lobelia that has gone gray or smells of nothing has lost much of its character; anything musty or damp should be discarded. Store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard, clearly labeled and out of reach of children. Our guide to buying and storing herbs in bulk covers containers and labels.
What Our Customers Buy With Lobelia, and What They Ask Us
Our customers most often pair lobelia with mullein leaf, burdock root, and passionflower, buy it by the half pound or pound, and most often ask us where our lobelia comes from.
These numbers come from our own order records: 85 orders that included our lobelia herb, from June 2023 through November 2026. Lobelia is a specialist's herb, and it shows. Only 22 of those 85 orders were lobelia alone, but that is a far higher share than for gentle teas like chamomile, which tells us many buyers know exactly what they want it for. The half-pound bag appeared in 57 orders and the 1 lb bag in 28.
| Also in the order | Lobelia orders | Why it pairs |
|---|---|---|
| Mullein leaf | 15 of 85 | The classic gentle partner in respiratory blends |
| Burdock root | 9 of 85 | Traditional apothecary staples bought together |
| Passionflower | 8 of 85 | A calming partner in evening and smoking blends |
| Raspberry leaf | 7 of 85 | A mild leaf for blending |
| Damiana, skullcap, licorice, lavender | 6 of 85 each | Blend ingredients for tea and herbal smoking mixes |
Where does your lobelia come from?
This is the question we get most about lobelia. Our current lot, LBLA4202, is wild-crafted Lobelia inflata, cut and sifted, and not heat or chemically sterilized. Sourcing is tracked lot by lot, and the QR code printed on every bag links to that lot's record, so you can always see which lot you have. The full lab results for LBLA4202 are below.
Why do some customers buy lobelia by the pound?
About a third of our lobelia orders are for a full pound, often from small apothecaries and herbalists who make their own tinctures and blends. Because lobelia is used in such small amounts, a pound goes a very long way, and keeping it in a sealed, dark container keeps it in good shape until it is used.
For more on how lobelia fits into mucus-clearing traditions, see our guide to herbs for phlegm in TCM and Western herbalism, and for calming herbs with a wide safety margin, our guide to herbs for anxiety relief.
Shop Lobelia Herb and Tincture
Lobelia Herb (Lobelia inflata), Cut and Sifted
Starting at $13.56
Tasting Notes: straw, witch hazel, pepper
Caffeine-FreeWild-crafted aerial parts for carefully measured teas, blends, and homemade tinctures, in 1/2 lb and 1 lb bags.
Shop Lobelia Herb
Lobelia Tincture
Starting at $9.77
Caffeine-FreeLiquid lobelia extract in 1/2 oz and 1 oz dropper bottles, for measured, drop-by-drop use as directed on the label.
Shop Lobelia TinctureLobelia Lab Results: Lot by Lot
Wild-crafted herbs come from open land, so the two things we most want to know before releasing lobelia are what grew on it and what was sprayed near it. This lot was tested for microbial safety and screened for four major classes of pesticide residues, and we publish those results here rather than asking you to take our word for it. Our lab testing page lists every lot we have on record.
Lot LBLA4202 (wild-crafted; best by and retest date 04/03/2027)
| Test | Method | Result | Release Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microbial | ||||
| Total Plate Count | Petrifilm AOAC 990.12 | 2,600,000 CFU/g | <10,000,000 CFU/g | Pass |
| Yeast | Petrifilm AOAC 2014.05 | 2,000 CFU/g | <100,000 CFU/g | Pass |
| Mold | Petrifilm AOAC 2014.05 | 1,000 CFU/g | <100,000 CFU/g | Pass |
| Coliform | Petrifilm AOAC 991.14 | 260 CFU/g | <10,000 CFU/g | Pass |
| E. Coli | Petrifilm AOAC 991.14 | Negative | Negative | Pass |
| Salmonella | BAX (PCR) AOAC 2013.02 | Negative/25g | Negative/25g | Pass |
| Pesticide Residue Screen | ||||
| Methyl carbamates | Multi-residue screen | Not Detected | Detection limit 0.01 ppm | |
| Organohalides | Multi-residue screen | Not Detected | Detection limit 0.01 ppm | |
| Organonitrogens | Multi-residue screen | Not Detected | Detection limit 0.01 ppm | |
| Organophosphates | Multi-residue screen | Not Detected | Detection limit 0.01 ppm | |
Material: Lobelia herb (Lobelia inflata), aerial part, cut and sifted, wild-crafted. Color dark green-brown; pungent aroma; acrid taste. Sterilization method: untreated. Certified kosher. This report does not include heavy metal or foreign matter tests; we will add them for future lots as they are reported. No pesticides were used to grow this product, and it contains no additives, preservatives, solvents, or excipients. View the full COA for lot LBLA4202 (image).
New Harvest Alerts
Wild-crafted lobelia comes in small, lab-tested lots, and stock depends on each season's wild harvest. Join the list and we will let you know when a new lot of lobelia is ready to ship.
Sign Up for Harvest AlertsFrequently Asked Questions About Lobelia
What is lobelia herb good for?
Lobelia herb is traditionally used in very small amounts for spasmodic coughs and tight, wheezy breathing, usually blended with gentler herbs, though no modern clinical trials have tested it for these uses. It has a narrow safety margin, so measure it carefully.4, 7
Is lobelia safe?
Lobelia is only safe in small, measured amounts for healthy adults; 0.6 to 1 gram of leaf is listed as toxic, and it should be avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, and heart disease. Nausea is the signal to stop.4
Does lobelia help you quit smoking?
There is no good evidence that it does. The FDA prohibited over-the-counter lobeline smoking-cessation products in 1993, and a Cochrane review found no adequate trials showing lobeline helps people quit. Proven quit-smoking support is a better choice.3, 4
Why is lobelia called pukeweed?
Lobelia is called pukeweed because larger doses cause nausea and vomiting, and 19th-century Thomsonian practitioners gave it deliberately to make patients vomit, a practice modern herbalists reject. Its other old name, Indian tobacco, comes from its use as a smoking herb.6
How much lobelia tea is safe to drink?
Herbalists typically use no more than about 1/4 teaspoon of dried lobelia per cup, blended with gentler herbs, for short periods rather than daily, and stop at the first sign of nausea. Start lower if you have never used it.4, 8
Is lobelia the same as the lobelia in my garden?
No. Garden lobelias such as trailing blue Lobelia erinus and red cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis, are ornamental relatives; the herbal lobelia is Lobelia inflata, a plain wild plant with tiny pale flowers. Never make tea from garden plants.
Can you smoke lobelia?
Lobelia has a long history in herbal smoking blends, but we do not recommend smoking it, because smoke irritates the lungs and the amount of lobeline absorbed cannot be measured or controlled. See our safe herbs to smoke guide for details.
References
- Felpin FX, Lebreton J. History, chemistry and biology of alkaloids from Lobelia inflata. Tetrahedron. 2004;60(45):10127-10153.
- Dwoskin LP, Crooks PA. A novel mechanism of action and potential use for lobeline as a treatment for psychostimulant abuse. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2002;63(2):89-98.
- Stead LF, Hughes JR. Lobeline for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012;(2):CD000124.
- Drugs.com. Lobelia: professional natural product monograph (Wolters Kluwer). https://www.drugs.com/npp/lobelia.html. Accessed November 10, 2026.
- Moerman DE. Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press; 1998.
- Thomson S. New Guide to Health; or, Botanic Family Physician. Boston; 1822.
- Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 18th ed. Cincinnati: Ohio Valley Co.; 1898. Entry: Lobelia.
- Mills S, Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 2013.
- Sacred Plant Co. How to Read a Certificate of Analysis: Your Guide to Lab-Tested Herbal Quality.
- Sacred Plant Co. Certificate of Analysis, Lobelia Herb C/S, Wild Crafted (Lobelia inflata), lot LBLA4202.
