5.18.2009

Lobelia


There are over 300 species of Lobelia which grows rampant in San Diego. The shades come in shocking hues of purples and blues. It is a great accent in my garden.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata ), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Native Americans historically have smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma. In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed lobelia to induce vomiting in order remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "puke weed." Today, lobelia is considered effective in helping clear mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Although few studies have thoroughly evaluated the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists today incorporate lobelia into a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma.

22 comments:

Marie-Noyale said...

It's so strange to read... They smoked to cure their asthma!!!! but I guess they were right and they knew it long before we did!!!

Miranda McAfee said...

Great color!

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear Nancy! This Lobelia is beautiful and it is a surprise that information about homeopathic properties !
By the way what an amazing shot!I loved the colour!
Kind regards
Léia
( I'm curious about your garden...Do you have any catnip there too?I'm always afraid of give it to little Luna, but all cats looks crazy about it! )

Lowell said...

It certainly is pretty, but I have a hard time getting my mind around the idea of smoking something for asthma...

Kay said...

The blue is almost phosphorescent. It's such a pretty plant. Your background on it is very interesting. Pukeweed, gosh!

Buenos Aires Photoblog said...

I didn't know that. It seems that we can learn a lot from the Indians and from each other. Thanks.

Buenos Aires Photo

joo said...

Lobelia is one of my favourites - it's so lovely and modest little flower!

That is the chicken said...

Intense colour!

B SQUARED said...

I think I smoked some of it by mistake once, man. I smoked everything else, man. Man.

Barb said...

I love the color and info....Barb

Kate said...

Shocking colours is right! They're beautiful. I could have used some of their medicinal powers in March while living in Mazatlan, Mexico with a mysterious sore throat and cough. The good doctors there could not figure it out, but my own doctor "cured" me in 10 days upon my return with some meds and an inhaler. Home remedies might have done the trick!!

Thanks for visiting my blog!!

AB said...

Yes, a very shocking and pretty blue.

Babzy.B said...

Wow , beautiful blue !

Unknown said...

Your lobelia is such a deep hue! The variety in my garden back home was a bit brighter, less purplish.

Hi, I saw your graffiti comment on phonecam365, and would love to hear more about what it is that repulses you. Is it just gang tags that bother you, or all of it? Do you disagree with the social commentary or is it just disturbing? It is interesting how it can create such strong gut reactions (positive and negative) in people.

Nancy said...

Kobico - I don't like buildings or personal property defaced - especially by gangs. I was shocked on my first time to Paris - seeing all the graffiti on the old buildings.

~ Julie ~ said...

What a gorgeous photo!

Unknown said...

Ah, so it is an issue of leaving a finished work, particularly one that is personal property, well enough alone, regardless of whether it is someone like Banksy or just a random kid. Thank you for your candor!

Sam said...

I plant lobelia every year in hanging baskets - but I never thought of smoking it!
Beautiful colour in the photo.

Alex said...

The color in this plant is excellent. Very interesting to learn about the remedies to go along with it also.

Café Ciza said...

i want to dive into this deep blue ... and float in it forever ...

Heartshapedbox18 said...

Amazing i never knew that an for being healthy for you they do look nice as well

Toni Tralala said...

I wonder if they have this wonderful flower in the valley area.

I've got asthma so I'll be getting double benefits from it. I'll get to admire the beauty and cleanse my lungs.

Wonderful post!