A hardy annual, 20-60 cm (8-24 in), it has hairy stems and ovate leaves, toothed at the edges. Inconspicuous flowers borne in terminal racemes are pale violet, tinged with pink, followed by two-celled, oval capsules.
History and traditions
This North American plant gained its common name from the local tradition of smoking it to relieve chest infections and asthma. It was enthusiastically adopted by early settlers as a cure-all for a wide variety of complaints and promoted in the early 19th century by the herbalist Samuel Thomson, who was charged with murder after one of his patients died from its effects. The generic name Lobelia (there are over 350 species) is named after the Flemish botanist Matthias de L’Obel (1538-1616). The specific name is a reference to the inflation of the seed capsule as it ripens.
Growth
Grow in rich, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Propagated by seed. Parts used Whole plant cut when flowering.
Uses
Medicinal
It contains alkaloids that increase the rate of respiration and induce vomiting. It is also an expectorant and emetic. In small doses it dilates the bronchioles and is used for conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and pleurisy, but is for use by qualified practitioners only. Used in proprietary cough medicines.
