Lobelia inflata vs Sundew

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lobelia inflata

Respiratory

Drosera rotundifolia

Respiratory

Lobelia inflata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Sundew

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

North American herb used by Native Americans and Eclectic physicians; powerful respiratory antispasmodic.

A carnivorous plant that digests insects, whose enzymes have been used medicinally for respiratory spasms and dry cough.

Active Compounds

lobeline, lobelanine, lobelanidine, lobelidine, beta-amyrin, flavonoids

Plumbagin, Droserone, Flavonoids, Proteolytic enzymes

Traditional Uses

asthma, smoking cessation, croup, bronchitis, whooping cough

Whooping cough, Dry cough, Bronchitis, Asthma

Modern Uses

bronchodilator, expectorant, antispasmodic, nicotine receptor modulation

Antispasmodic (bronchial), Antitussive, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

0.2-0.6ml tincture 3 times daily - professional use only

1-2ml tincture 3x daily or 1g dried herb as tea

Contraindications

heart disease, pregnancy, hypertension, children

Pregnancy, Tuberculosis

Side Effects

nausea, vomiting at high doses, respiratory depression toxicity

GI irritation, Skin irritation (fresh plant)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E