Lobelia is a summer annual in the bellflower family grown as a garden border and
edging plant due to its deep green foliage and remarkably vibrant dark purple
flowers. Regrettably, however, despite the lure of its beauty, lobelia is
considered a symbol of malice in the Victorian language of flowers.
Still, the
powdered herb makes a fine salve, ointment, poultice or chest rub. The preferred
methods of preparation include infusion and tincturing using vinegar instead of
alcohol as the macerate.
