What is Lobelia Powder?

Lobelia Powder is the ground dried aerial parts of Lobelia inflata, an annual plant in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) native to eastern North America. It was historically called "Indian Tobacco" by colonial settlers.

About the plant

The plant has small, pale blue-purple flowers and inflated seed capsules that give the species its name. In the 19th century the herbalist Samuel Thomson built an entire system of Western herbalism around lobelia as a central herb. Its characteristic alkaloid, lobeline, structurally resembles nicotine. The folk names "Puke Weed" and "Asthma Weed" reflect how potent the plant is, and traditional use was always in very small amounts.

Lobelia Powder: form & sizes

We carry Lobelia Powder as ground aerial parts, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Lobelia Powder in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Lobelia Powder at a glance

Botanical name

Lobelia inflata

Family

Campanulaceae

Native region

eastern North America

Plant part

aerial parts

Also known as

Indian Tobacco, Puke Weed, Asthma Weed

Characteristic alkaloid

Lobeline

Form

ground aerial parts

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb