The Strength & Potency of Lobelia

Function

• Besides helping loosen up mucus, lobelia is also a stimulant much like tobacco, and it's sometimes recommended to help smoking cessation. It's also sometimes used for respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

Significance

• Lobelia's medical benefits haven't been proven scientifically, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's also unsafe for pregnant women and people with heart conditions and problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Risks

• Lobelia must be taken at low doses or it can have negative side effects. If taken at more than 500 mg, lobelia can even result in death, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Common side effects include nausea and sweating.