LOBELIA/ALFALFA     

16.40

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also known as Emetic Weed, Indian Tobacco, Asthma Weed, Pukeweed, and Bladderpod, is one of the most useful systemic botanical relaxants available. Lobelia's primary historic use has been in its application to bronchitic asthma and bronchitis. An analysis of the action of the alkaloids present in this herb reveals apparently paradoxical effects. Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant, while isolobelanine is an emetic and respiratory relaxant which will stimulate catarrhal secretion and expectoration while relaxing the muscles of the respiratory system. The overall action is a truly holistic combination of stimulation and relaxation!

The common name Lobelia also includes the species Lobelia siphilitica, Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia chinensis, all of which are used interchangeably with Lobelia inflata. The genus name honors the Flemish botanist Mathias L'Obel.  Lobelia is an indigenous North American annual or biennial plant found in pastures, meadows, and cultivated fields of the eastern U.S., as far west as Arkansas and Nebraska. The root of Lobelia was used by the Iroquois to treat syphilis, hence the species name siphilitica.  It was also placed in the bed of quarreling couples years ago to help them regain their love. Lobelia was also both chewed & smoked by Native American Indians.

The part of the plant typically used include the leaves, flowers, and seeds. The primary known constituents include piperidine alkaloids (lobeline, isolobeline), lobelic acid, chelidonic acid, glycoside (lobelacrin), essential oil, resins, and fats.

Priest & Priest tell us that Lobelia is a "general systemic relaxant with diffusive stimulation - best where arterial action is strong. Equalizes circulation and relieves vascular tension. Vaso-motor stimulant - increases the activity of vegetative processes. Influences glandular system and respiratory tubuli. Contra-indicated in nervous prostration, shock and paralysis. Of brief continuance in asthenic conditions." They further give the following specific indications: "Dislocations, trauma and hernias. Spasmodic and membranous coup, pertussis, bronchial asthma, bronchitis and pleurisy. Hepatitis, jaundice, nausea and hepatic congestion. High blood pressure, intestinal obstruction and neurasthenia."

Lobelia has a general depressant action on the central and autonomic nervous system, and also on the neuro-muscular action. It may be used in many conditions in combination with other herbs to further their effectiveness if relaxation is needed.

The high regard that the eclectics held Lobelia in is reflected by Ellingwood's recommendation for the following conditions: "spasmodic asthma, whooping cough, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, infantile convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paroxysms, hysterical convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paroxysms, hysterical convulsions, rigid uteri, diphtheria, tonsillitis, pneumonia."

In fact, Ellingwood considered it specific for "irritable, spasmodic and oppressed breathing, and in respiratory from exalted nerve force and nerve irritation. It is contra-indicated in general relaxation and in dyspnoea from enlarged or fatty heart, or from hydropericardium, or enfeebled heart, with valvular incompetence. It is specific in threatening spasm with exalted nerve action - a high degree of nerve tension with great restlessness and excitability, flushed face and contracted pupils. It is a prompt emetic in full doses."

In the past, Lobelia has been used particularly for its antispasmodic qualities to treat asthma and whooping cough, and also in large amounts to induce vomiting. Externally, this herb can be made into a poultice for bruises, insect bites, sprains, felons, ringworm, and poison ivy irritation. Lobelia has also been used for decades as a systemic relaxant with a slight depressive effect on the central and autonomic nervous systems.

Use of Lobelia is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or for those prone to faintness. However, as an emetic, it may cause vomiting, which is sometimes a desirable therapy to help the body eliminate a poison or stop an asthma attack. The species Lobelia siphilitica, with blue flowers, is milder and less likely to cause vomiting than Lobelia inflata. The Lobelia inflata species is much more emetic, and has even caused death when misused. Avoid overdoses

Alfalfa is a plant commonly cultivated by farmers around the world for use as an animal feedstock. Known by its Latin name, Medicago sativa, Alfalfa is also a popular herb belonging to the 'legume family', closely related to beans and peas. Called the "great healer" by legions of natural herbalists, the health benefits attributed to Alfalfa are broad, with attributes ranging from the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to the ability to cure stomach disorders; from stimulating the appetite to being an effective curative for diabetes. Alfalfa is also known by the names Lucerne, Purple Medic, Buffalo Grass, and Chilean Clover. The name Alfalfa is derived from the arabic al-fac-facah and means 'father of all foods'. The genus name, Medicago, refers to Medea in North Africa from where this plant is thought to have originated. The species name, sativa, means 'with a long history of cultivation'. Alfalfa was an important crop to the Arabs who fed it to their racehorses.

The primary properties of Alfalfa are considered to be anti-inflammatory, diuretic, galactagogue, nutritive, stomach tonic, phytoestrogenic, and tonic. The parts of the plant typically used are flowers, leaves, and sprouts. Primary known active constituents include chlorophyll, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, fluorine, electrolytes, isoflavones, coumrains, betaine, alkaloids (stachydrine), phytoestrogens, and antioxidant (tricin).

Alfalfa is promoted as a detoxifier, able to cleanse the liver and bloodstream. Claims link Alfalfa with enhanced pituitary functions, as well as treating high fevers, inflamed prostate, and alleviating allergic reactions related to plants and grasses. While there are few, if any, valid scientific studies supporting these claims, Alfalfa is generally recognized as a healthy and nutritious source of chlorophyll, beta carotene, calcium, and the vitamins D, E and K. Alfalfa leaves and sprouts are consumed around the world, and Alfalfa tea is widely touted as a health tonic. Alfalfa in tablet & capsule forms are readily available at most health food stores.

Pertaining to the claims for Alfalfa's curative powers, researchers have found that the Alfalfa Root, a part of the plant not generally used, contains saponins, a family of chemicals that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels in monkeys. To date, this research has not been repeated with human subjects. Other studies have found that alfalfa can inhibit the growth of some viruses. This ability seems to be associated with a non-protein amino acid called L-canaverine, which is found in Alfalfa leaves and roots. 

Where Alfalfa grows wild, it is an indicator of rich soil. It is often planted by farmers and turned under to fix nitrogen and enrich the soil. When cows consume it, it increases their milk production. Alfalfa is an excellent nutritive food for people convalescing. It is also a commercial source of chlorophyll.

Past topical uses of this herb include its use as a bath herb, facial steam, and hair rinse. Also, Alfalfa has been used as a poultice on wounds. The root of the plant can be peeled, dried and frayed (by hitting with a hammer) to be used as a toothbrush.

For culinary applications, the young leaves & flowers may be eaten as a salad or pot herb. After the seeds sprout, they are eaten as a salad vegetable.

Generally recognized as a safe, though somewhat undocumented as a health supplement, researchers have raised some specific health concerns relating to the excessive consumption of Alfalfa or Alfalfa containing products. Studies have noted a link between consumption of high doses of Alfalfa with the onset, or aggravation of, existing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting connective tissues. The likely culprit is the previously mentioned amino acid L-canavanine. Since one may be predisposed to Lupus and not be aware of it, it would be prudent to limit one's intake of Alfalfa products. Those diagnosed with Lupus should avoid alfalfa products entirely.