Wholesale Lobelia

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on lobelia

description
Lobelia inflata, a member of the Campanulaceae family, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 15–100 centimeters (5.9–39 in) tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs. Its leaves are usually about 8 centimeters (3.1 in) long, and are ovate and toothed. It has violet flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and usually appear in mid-summer and continue to bloom into fall.

common names & nomenclature
The word lemon may be Middle Eastern in its origin.

The name lobelia is after the botanist Matthias de Lobel, a native of Lille, who died in London in 1616.

Also known as:
indian tobacco, puke weed, gagwort, gag root, vomitwort, pukeweed, athsma weed, bladderpod, eyebright

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for lobelia

Lobelia inflata is native to eastern North America, from southeastern Canada (Nova Scotia to southeast Ontario) south through the eastern United States to Alabama and west to Kansas.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting lobelia

climate
Lobelia herb grows in meadows, fields, roadsides, waste places and open woods, in full sun or light shade.

soil
Lobelia grows well in heavy clay soils and prefers a slightly acid soil.

growing
Propagation is usually accomplished from cuttings or seed. Seeds are sown in containers in mid spring or mid fall. The seeds take about 2 weeks to germinate.

harvesting
The entire plant is harvested when the lower fruits are ripe and it is used either fresh or dried.

preserving
Store dried lobelia pieces or dried lobelia powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

lobelia history, folklore, literature & more

using lobelia
Lobelia herb is also known as gagwort, vomitwort, and pukeweed. As you can imagine from its name, large amounts of the herb can induce vomiting. However, that’s not what lobelia is used for most in modern herbal practice.

Over the years, Native Americans used lobelia for respiratory support. In fact, it was delivered to the body by smoking it. And while we now know that smoking isn’t the healthiest way to deliver a chemical to the bloodstream, it is effective.

In modern day, lobelia herb has been used in many ways. It’s been used as a powder, tea, poultice, and some people even still smoke it. Lobelia has many uses in herbal practices focused on rest and unwinding.