Lobelia

Lobelia has been used for a broad range of diseases combined with many different herbs. Two reasons for this are. 1. To gain full advantage of lobelia’s quickly dissipating stimulating effect and to balance its relaxing effect lobelia is combined with other stimulating herbs such as peppermint or cayenne. 2. Lobelia is a thinking herb, or catalyst helping other herbs work better. It lends its valuable properties very nicely to many different herbal formulas.[1]

Samuel Thomson was the first to bring lobelia into widespread use as a medicinal agent. And since he was first I decided to list the Thomsonian formulas first. Here are examples of Thomson’s remedies with directions for preparation, uses and dosage that were included with the formulas in the original texts.

Pills – No. 1.

Take of lobelia seed……………….4 oz.

Cayenne………………………4 oz.

Valerian………………………4 oz.

Slippery elm…………………..4 oz.

Dandelion extract……………..4 oz.

Mix and roll in slippery elm. Designed to relax the system gradually, so as not to produce vomiting. Useful in all cases of constriction or fever, head-ache, liver complaint, &c.

Dose. – from one to four at night, or as often as the nature of the case may require.[2]

Pills. – No 2.

Take of butternut extract...……….…………2 oz.

rhubarb (Rheum)……….…..…….…2 oz.

Cayenne...……………..……………2 oz.

cinnamon…………….……………..2 oz.

lobelia seed…………………………1 oz.

aloes……………………..……….1/2 oz.

goldenseal (Hydrastis)……..….……2 oz.

slippery elm……………….………..2 oz.

Moisten with gum arabic water. Mix and make into pills. These pills are designed for universal application in all cases not accompanied with looseness of the bowels. Their efficacy in biliary obstructions and costiveness has been unprecedented.[3]

Injection Powder

Take of bayberry (Myrica)……..…….....4 oz.

Cayenne…………………………1 oz.

lobelia herb………………………4 oz

slippery elm……………..……....2 oz.

valerian……………………….....2 oz.

All finely pulverized, and well mixed.

Dose. – Two teaspoonfuls in a gill of hot water, given about blood warm.[4]

Antispasmodic Tincture, or Third Preparation of Lobelia

Take of lobelia seed, pulverized…....1 lb.

Cayenne…………………………….4 oz.

valerian……………………………..4 oz.

Holland gin………………………….1 gal.

Infuse for ten days in a closely-stopped vessel, shaking it every day; then strain off for use.

This preparation is valuable in violent attacks of any form of disease, such as lockjaw, fits, hydrophobia, suspended animation, to expel poison of any kind from the system; as an external application, it is useful in sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, &c.

Dose. – A teaspoonful, repeated as often as the nature of the case requires, in some warming tea.[5]

EMETIC POWDER

Take of lobelia, herb………….……4 oz.

lobelia, seed………………….……..4 oz.

bayberry (Myrica)………….…….....2 oz.

Cayenne…………………………….4 oz.

valerian……………………………..2 oz.

All finely pulverized, and well mixed.

Dose. – Put four teaspoonfuls in a cup of hot water, and give four teaspoonfuls of the tea, after the sediment settles, once in ten minutes until it operates freely as an emetic.[6]

COUGH POWDER.

Take of Cayenne…………………..1/4 oz.

lobelia, herb……………..…………….1 oz.

slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)……………2 oz.

skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus)…….....1 oz.

wake robbin (Trillium)…………......…1 oz.

valerian…………………………..……1 oz.

prickly ash (Zanthoxylum)………...…..1 oz.

All finely pulverized and well mixed.

Dose. – Half a teaspoonful in hot water, sweetened, once in two or three hours. Valuable in all cases of cough, consumption, croup, asthma, hoarseness, &c.[7]

COUGH DROPS.

Take of lobelia herb…………………………4 oz.

hoarhound (Marrubium)……………2 oz.

comfrey……………………………..2 oz.

elecampane (Inula)………………….2 oz.

boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)…..4 oz.

Boil in three quarts of water to three pints, strain and add two pounds of white sugar and one pint of Holland gin.

Dose. – Two or three teaspoonfuls once an hour; for asthma, croup, cough, whooping cough, consumption, &c.[8]

TINCTURE OF LOBELIA.

Take of lobelia herb………………………4 oz.

alcohol……………………………………1 pt.

water……………………………………...1 pt.

Infuse twelve days, and strain. This is a convenient form to administer in many cases, especially for children, and for external application in eruptive forms of disease.

An acid tincture is prepared by putting 4 oz. lobelia herb into a quart of vinegar.[9]

ELM POULTICE.

Take of slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)……………..2 teaspoonfuls.

lobelia herb…………………..1 teaspoonful.

ginger (Zingiber)…………….1 teaspoonful.

Mix in warm water. Useful in cases of pain and inflammation; if the skin is off, the ginger may be omitted.[10]

SUDORIFIC POWDERS

Take of lobelia, herb…………………………4 oz.

pleurisy root (Asclepia tuberosa)…………..4 oz.

skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus)…………….4 oz.

crawley root (Coralorhiza)………………….4 oz.

Dose. – A quarter of a teaspoonful once an hour, until a gentle perspiration is produced. In typhus or scarlet fever it may be increased as the case may require. Valuable for producing perspiration and equalizing the circulation; highly useful for a cough, and admirably adapted to break up a cold.[11]

ITCH OINTMENT.

Take a tincture of myrrh (Commiphora)……….1 qt.

tincture of lobelia……………………….1 qt.

spirits turpentine………………………1/2 pt.

Mix and apply to the entire surface night and morning.[12]

CATARRH SNUFF.

Take of blood root (Sanguinaria)………………….2 oz.

skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus)………....1 oz.

lobelia……………………………………1 oz.

snake root (Asarum)……………..……..1/2 oz.

slippery elm………………….…………..1 oz.

All finely pulverized, sifted and well mixed. Useful in catarrh and stoppage in the nose.[13]

Vinegar was and still is the menstruum of choice over alcohol when making a simple tincture of lobelia. The vinegar tincture was most often referred to as acid tincture of lobelia. The basic recipe for the acid tincture of lobelia is as follows: Lobelia herb 2 oz., Crushed lobelia seed 2 oz., Apple cider vinegar 1 pint. Soak for two weeks in a well-stoppered bottle, shaking every day. Then strain and it is ready for use. This is also good used as an external application, rubbing between the shoulders and on the chest in asthma. Dr. H. Nowell used it regularly in this way and had some surprising results in cases where the breathing had been most difficult. Dr. Nowell’s formula was only slightly different in that he used malt vinegar, the best he could find. Still others made their acid tincture of lobelia with homemade raspberry vinegar. The acid tincture can be added to horehound, hyssop, sage or other teas, or may be added to the composition tea in doses of a teaspoonful to a cupful of the herb tea for cough, asthma, colds, etc. It is also extremely useful as an emetic when one feels that the stomach should be thoroughly cleansed.[14]

Other formulas added 1 teaspoonful of cayenne to the same amount of vinegar and less of the herb. I found one such lobelia - cayenne combo labeled SOS tincture with the statement that “This is a remedy to be used in case of emergency during an angina or asthma attack, anxiety attack or hysteria: use very small dose of 3 to 5 drops diluted in a little water. It will take between 5 and 10 minutes to take effect.”[15]

If you don’t like the taste of vinegar I also found a lobelia syrup. The recipe for syrup of lobelia is “2 ½ ounces Lobelia herb (Lobelia inflata), 2 pints Distilled or d-cell water. Preparation: Simmer this mixture down to 1 pint. Strain and dissolve 2 pounds of raw sugar or 1 pound of honey into it. Dosage: 1 teaspoonful (for coughs); ½ to 1 cupful as an emetic.” –“School of Natural Healing”[16]

Next to the simple acid tincture of lobelia, no other formula has been so widely used as the antispasmodic tincture, or third preparation of lobelia, as some herbal practitioners called it. “A most effective compound . . . useful in many violent cases such as epilepsy, convulsions, lockjaw, delirium tremens, fainting, hysteria, cramps, suspended animation, etc.” – “Back to Eden”

The recipe for antispasmodic tincture is “one ounce each of; lobelia seed, crushed skullcap, skunk cabbage root, gum myrrh, black cohosh and one-half ounce of cayenne.” Directions are “Macerate in at least 1 pint of grain alcohol (use enough alcohol to cover all the herbs) in a tightly capped vessel, and shake well at least once a day. After 10-14 days, strain, squeeze or press out the liquid.” Dosage: 1 to several drops.[17]

The antispasmodic formula has been used with remarkable results. A drop or two thrust into the mouth of a baby in convulsions stopped the problem immediately according to Dr. Christopher and other herbal doctors. In another account a man rolling in agony and moaning with pain was given one teaspoonful of antispasmodic tincture in half a cup of sweetened warm water and all traces of cramps and spasms were gone within fifteen seconds. Used for lockjaw with good success. Here is Dr. H. Nowell’s account after pouring a teaspoonful of the antispasmodic tincture full strength between a man’s clenched teeth “before a second teaspoonful could be poured from the bottle the locked jaws had relaxed and the patient asked, “My God! What have you done?” The old time herbal doctors said of antispasmodic tincture “It traverses the system with most remarkable rapidity, and we verily believe that in cases of suspended animation, locked jaws, spasms, and cramps it stands unequalled in the whole realm of therapeutic agents.”[18]

Mr. Hool, of Lancashire’s, recipe was slightly different in that he used equal parts of the herbs, ½ ounce of each to one and a half pints of alcohol. He also used valerian instead of black cohosh and used lobelia herb in addition to the seed. Jethro Kloss quoted Hool’s writings extensively in his herbal “Back to Eden”. Since what he said illustrates the tremendous good of this formula and its method of use so well I am quoting him also. Hool wrote “The above tincture will be found superior to any other single agent, as its purely innocuous character renders it a safe and reliable remedy for patients of all ages. In . . . mucus and spasmodic croup the tincture must be administered promptly and in full teaspoonful doses in warm water and repeated at intervals of every ten or fifteen minutes until free vomiting ensues, as it is necessary in all such cases to induce complete relaxation of the system, by means of full emetic doses repeated at suitable intervals.” Further instructions of Mr. Hool were “Where the case is very severe or the tincture is difficult to administer, as in the case of infants, it should be rubbed well into the neck, chest, and between the shoulders at the same time. Two or three drops of the tincture in a raw state should be placed in the mouth and washed down with teaspoonful doses of warm water and the patient kept warm in bed. In all such cases relief will be experienced in a few minutes, and by repeating the same treatment every one or two hours a cure will soon be effected and the patient brought to a state of convalescence.”

In cases of typhoid, typhus, spotted fever, scarlet fever, etc. Dr. Christopher’s instructions were, “Give 1 teaspoonful of Antispasmodic tincture in a little warm water every ½ hour. Wash the body daily, with 2 parts of hot water and 1 part apple cider vinegar. Change bedclothes and sheets daily, and give the patient warm water every 2 hours.” And for rheumatic fever the instructions were “Rub the whole body from the neck to the toes with antispasmodic tincture. In bad cases (where the patient cannot sit up or move the arms or legs), give one teaspoonful of antispasmodic tincture in a little hot water every ½ hour until the patient perspires freely. Keep the patient in bed and allow him to cool down; then wash him with apple cider vinegar and hot water. Give the patient 1 teaspoonful of Antispasmodic tincture in hot water every 2 hours during the first day, and every 3 hours for a few days thereafter. When the case demands, rub some Antispasmodic tincture externally at the base of the skull and neck and along the sternum, and be sure to sponge the patient with apple cider vinegar and hot water.” This is the same instructions that Mr. Hool gave in Lesson 26, Dominion Herbal College, Ltd., 1962. Mr. Hool said “If this course is followed, the practitioner will find both himself and his patient surprised at the speedy recovery the case will make.”[19]

In regards to its action Mr. Hool asks and answers the question, “But how is the result brought about? The properties of the lobelia, by immediate action on the muscular and mucous parts of the esophagus, glottis, larynx, windpipe and bronchial tubes, cause immediate relaxation; the parts previously contracted are made to expand and breathing is made easier. The properties of the cayenne pepper warm and stimulate the blood, allay the inflammation of the parts, cause better secretions and action of the mucous membranes. “The skullcap and valerian being nervines, allay the irritation of the nerves and prevent too much straining and excitement and by that means prevent rupture of the small vessels, while the action of the properties of the skunk cabbage and gum myrrh is to keep canker away and to brace up the system.”[20]

Dr. Christopher one of the greatest herbalists of the 21^st century, if not the greatest, knew and utilized lobelia’s, one of the greatest herbs in the world, medicinal properties. He used lobelia in formulas for cleansing and healing the bowel, kidneys, glands, lungs and respiratory tract, nerves, prolapsed organs and adrenal glands. For the following conditions and needs; incontinence, allergies, hearing loss and earache, arthritis and rheumatism, infection, colitis and malfunction in bone, flesh and cartilage. He put it in calcium assimilation, anti-miscarriage, prenatal, anti-gas, antispasmodic, anti-plague, memory formulas and even a gum strengthening tooth powder. Dr. Christopher used both black cohosh and valerian in his antispasmodic tincture with equal parts of each herb.[21]

To list and discuss all the formulas containing lobelia that I am aware of would take considerable pages. To find more information on Dr. Christopher’s wonderful formulas please refer to “School of Natural Healing” you will find all the formulas mentioned on the pages listed in the footnotes. It would certainly be worth your time to look them up as they are some of the very best formulas to be found and useful for such a broad range of problems. Nevertheless I have selected a few to discuss in more detail. They are as follows.

Resp-Free, Dr. Chrisopher’s formula for the lungs and respiratory tract has helped many people with asthma and other pulmonary conditions. Resp-Free contains equal parts of comfrey, mullien, chickweed, marshmallow root and lobelia. Dr. Christopher said “This combination of herbs is an aid to relieve irritation in the respiratory tract, lungs and bronchials. . . . an aid in emphysema as well as other bronchial and lung congestions such as bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, etc. . . . extremely valuable in strengthening and healing the entire respiratory tract.”[22] An unsolicited testimony “This formula has been a boon to our asthmatic son, soothing the wheeze. Our son Daniel has asthma. For many years he took Theophylline and used bronchodilator inhalers. He was so bothered by asthma that he couldn’t play hard without wheezing. Although the drugs gave temporary relief, he wasn’t improving or healing. Relief finally came when we found herbs like comfrey, mullein and lobelia to nourish his bronchials and lungs. As he took these herbs daily to strengthen his respiratory system, his attacks were less and less frequent until they became rare.”[23]

Dr. Christopher designed an herbal gruel with lobelia as the accentuating herb to assist in free, easy bowel movements. For additional assistance to the bowel, Dr. Christopher instructed “prepare flax or psyllium seed, licorice root, marshmallow root, comfrey root, each in three parts, and add one part lobelia herb. Sweeten with honey if desired. Use as little or as much as you require for assisting in free, easy bowel movements.” Why it works, “The flaxseed and the psyllium seed give bulk; licorice root is a mild aperient (mildest of laxatives); marshmallow root is used to assist clearance where hard stools are prevalent; comfrey root is the healer and rebuilder of weak areas and gives lubrication; and lobelia is the accentuating herb.”[24]

Two of Dr. Christopher’s simple formulas containing just two herbs have done a world of good, even saving lives. The glandular formula, an aid to relieve mastitis, thyroid malfunction etc. is comprised of 3 parts mullein and one part lobelia Dr. Christopher said concerning the necessity of a glandular formula “Through the accumulation of toxic waste in the body from improper diet, poor blood stream and sluggish circulation, the glands become congested and infected and swell up to cause much pain and misery.” Dr. Christopher’s directions for using the glandular formula were “make a tea of three parts mullein and one part lobelia herb and use as a fomentation over swollen or malfunctioning glands. Leave on all night, six nights a week until relief is obtained. Use a fresh fomentation as warm as possible each night. . . . In addition to the external fomentation, also drink a cup of this tea two or three times a day or take two of the capsules with a cup of steam distilled water.” [25] The other simple formula that has done tremendous good is the anti-miscarriage formula consisting of false unicorn and lobelia. Refer back to lobelia’s history of use (page 22) for a story of a life saved with the use of this formula.[26]

Dr. Christopher listed the following three formulas in his lobelia chapter in “School of Natural Healing”.

Liver problems, jaundiced skin

1 part Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

1 part Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa)

1 part Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

1 part Bitter root (Apocynum androsaemifolium)

Preparation: Mix the herbs well and steep 1 teaspoon of this combination in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes; strain. Dosage: 2 tablespoonfuls every 2 hours, hot.[27]

Compound Lobelia capsules

(dyspepsia, rheumatism, inflammation, asthma, consumption, chills, jaundice and fevers)

1 ounce Lobelia herb powder (Lobelia inflata)

1 ounce Lobelia seed powder(Lobelia inflata)

1 ounce Cayenne tincture (Capsicum frutescens; C. minimum)

2 ounces Acacia vera or Gum Arabic powder (Acacia Senegal)

1 ounce Anise seed, powdered (Pimpinella anisum)

Preparation: Mix and fill into #0 capsules. Dosage: 2 to 6 capsules per day, as the case requires.[28]

Puerperal convulsions

2 teaspoons Lobelia fluid extract (Lobelia inflata)

4 teaspoons Ladies slipper fluid extract (Cypripedium calceolus)

½ teaspoon Cayenne tincture (Capsicum frutescens; C. minimum

6 ounces Honey Water or simple syrup

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful every ½ hour.[29]

John W. Keim author of the book “Comfort for the Burned and Wounded” recommends a salve containing lobelia called B&W Salve. B&W stands for burns and wounds. Its ingredients are; honey, wheat germ oil, aloe vera, olive oil, lanolin, marshmallow root, white oak bark, wormwood, comfrey root, lobelia, vegetable glycerin and beeswax. Keim’s slight variation to Dr. Christopher’s Burn dressing included lobelia as he felt “Lobelia takes the pain away” Ingredients for burn dressing: ½ cup honey, ½ cup wheat germ oil, enough comfrey leaves to make a thick paste and a small amount of shredded lobelia.[30]

The vast majority of formulas containing lobelia are for pulmonary afflictions. Even though John Lust warned against the use of lobelia he gave four formulas using lobelia in his herbal “The Herb Book” three of them for coughs and asthma. It seems no matter how dangerous they say it is, they can’t do without it, it is such a wonderful herb.[31]

Lobelia, garlic, Yerba santa, blackthorn, gum plant, euphorbia, ground ivy, blue vervain and cayenne were the ingredients of the formula John Lust gave for relief of asthma attack. No amounts were given so I assume equal parts are intended. Directions are “simmer 8 tbsp. mixture in 1 qt. water for 20 minutes and strain. Take 4 tbsp. as a first dose, followed by 2 tbsp. every half hour. When the attack subsides, take 4 tbsp. every 4 hours.” –John Lust. For relief of coughs he gave the following formula “Witch grass, 12 parts; aniseed, 12 parts; licorice, 18 parts; elecampane root, 11 parts; lungwort herb, 10 parts; thyme leaves, 8 parts; murillo bark, 4 parts; irish moss, 4 parts; lobelia herb, 1 part. Boil 2 tsp. mixture in 3 cups water for 2 to 3 minutes; let stand for 10 minutes and strain. Take 1 cup, morning, noon and night.” – John Lust. And to relieve bronchial cough John Lust gave “licorice [16 parts], lungwort [10 parts], spotted cranesbill [8 parts], aniseed [8 parts], wild cherry bark [8 parts], oswego tea [5 parts], irish moss [4 parts], and lobelia [3 parts].

Dr. Otto Mausert’s formulas that he published in 1932 which included lobelia were all for pulmonary conditions except one. I have included his formulas for historical interest. Some of the non herbal ingredients I would be much opposed to using.[32]

Formula No. 3, Powder for Asthma

Drachms

1. Dragon Turnip……………………………2

Facilitates expectoration.

2. Ephedra Herb……………………………..2

Useful in Bronchial catarrh and Asthma.

3. Lobelia Herb……………………………....1

Stimulates the respiratory tract, relieves spasms.

4. Cyripedium…………………………….….2

Quiets the nerves and relieves irritation

5. Quillaya Bark………………………….…..3

Loosens phlegm from Bronchial tubes.

6. Cinnamon Bark……………………….…...2

Acts as a local stimulant; pleasant aromatic

7. Licorice Root………………………….…..4

Relieves irritation; facilitates expectoration.

8. Elecampane Root……………………..……4

Allays cough and catarrh inflammation of air passages.

9. Comfrey Root…………………………..…..4

Acts soothing to respiratory tract.

Mix well and divide into 20 doses, using fine powdered material. Directions: Divide one dose in two parts and take one part in the morning and one part at night, either mixed with a little honey, or stirred up in some water. This combination of herbs is a valuable remedy in affections of the throat and lungs, where slimy accumulations obstruct the air passages and cause shortness of breath, wheezing, dry painful coughing. It aids to loosen the phlegm, facilitates expectoration, relieves spasms and stimulates the respiratory center.

Formula No. 6

Asthma Inhalation Powder

Note: This powder is used by inhalation only; the powder is burned and only the smoke is inhaled.

1. Stramonium leaves……………………..ounces 6

2. Henbane leaves…………………………ounces ½

3. Lobelia herb…………………………….ounces ½

4. Belladonna leaves………………………ounces ½

5. Cascarilla bark………………………….ounces ½

6. Nitrate of Potash………………………..ounces ½

Mix well and keep in a dry place, using powdered material. Directions: Place about half a teaspoonful of the mixture on a piece of tin or porcelain, light it with a match and inhale the fumes through the nostrils. This should be done immediately upon sensing the approach of an Asthmatic Paroxysm.

Formula No. 39

For Bronchial Cough, In Powder Form

1. Sea Onion……………………………..40 grains

2. Ipecac Root……………………………20 grains

3. Lobelia Herb…………………………...1 drachm

4. Chondrus…………………..………….8 drachms

5. Quillaya Bark…………..……………..2 drachms

6. Fennel Seed……………..…………….8 drachms

7. Comfrey Root……………..…………..4 drachms

Mix well and divide into 70 doses, using finely powdered material. Directions: Divide one dose into two parts and take morning and night, either before or after meals. It may be taken in water, or mixed with honey, jelly or jam. found especially valuable in coughs and colds affecting the bronchial tubes and lungs. Dry and painful coughing with soreness and hoarseness of the throat will be greatly benefitted by the soothing and healing effect of these herbs. They tend to relieve irritation and congestion in chest and air passages, facilitate expectoration and stimulate the respiratory organs.

Formula No. 81

Tea for Coughs drachms

1. Thyme leaves…………………………………..4

2. Quillaya………………………………………..2

3. Couch grass…………………………………….6

4. Lobelia herb…………………………….……1/2

5. Lungwort herb…………………………………5

6. Chondrus…………………………………….…2

7. Elecampane root…………………………….5 ½

8. Licorice root……………………………………9

9. Anise seed………………………………………6

10. Comfrey root…………………………………...6

Mix well and divide into 20 doses using herbs especially cut for tea. Directions: Add one dose to three cups of boiling water, cover, boil slowly for about 2 to 3 minutes, let it stand for ten minutes, then strain and take one third in the morning, noon and at night before or after meals.

Formula No. 315

Whooping Cough Syrup

1. Thyme leaves fluid extract……………1 drachm

2. Ipecacuanha root fluid extract……..1/2 drachms

3. Lobelia herb fluid extract………..…1/2 drachms

4. Chestnut leaves fluid extract………..…1 drachm

5. Oil of Wild Thyme……………………...8 drops

6. Anisated Spirits of Ammonia….……..2 drachms

7. Syrup of Honey enough to make……….8 ounces

Directions: One teaspoonful every three hours.

He also had a formula for poison oak and ivy with lobelia in it.

Formula No. 252

For Poison Oak and Poison Ivy

1. Grindellia plant……………………….…7

2. Lobelia herb…………………………….2

3. Quillaya bark……………………………5

4. Hay seed………………………………...4

5. Sage……………………………….…….2

6. Comfrey root……………………………4

Mix well and divide into 10 doses, using herbs especially cut for tea. Directions: Add one dose to a pint of boiling water, boil slowly for about 10 minutes, let stand until cool, then strain and apply cold to affected parts on saturated linens. Continue the application until the swelling is down and the itching has ceased, then apply ointment Formula No. 282. This treatment should be kept up until normal condition is restored.

Jethro Kloss considered lobelia to be one of the herbs especially useful for making poultices. Two of his recipes follow. Lobelia and Slippery Elm Poultice: Mix one-third part lobelia with two-thirds part slippery elm. It excellent for blood poisoning, boils, and abscesses. Also use it for rheumatism. Lobelia poultice: Mix 1 ounce of powdered lobelia and 1 ounce of powdered slippery elm; excellent for wound, fistulas, boils, felons, erysipelas, insect bites and stings.[33]

John Lust’s Arthritis poultice (for swollen joints) consisted of “mullien leaves [6 parts], slippery elm bark [9 parts], lobelia [3 parts] and cayenne [1 part]. Add 3 oz. mixture to boiling water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a cloth and apply to the affected area.”[34]

[1] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 397, 395.

[2] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com

[3] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com.

[4] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com.

[5] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com.

[6] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com., p. 10.

[7] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com., p. 11.

[8] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com., p. 11.

[9] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com., p. 11-12

[10] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com., p. 15.

[11] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, Formulas, www.swsbm.com., p. 17.

[12] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, p. 18.

[13] Colby, A Guide to Health, third edition, 1846, p. 18.

[14] Kloss, Back to Eden, pp. 143, 145-146; Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, pp. 399

[15] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 400; Kloss, Back to Eden, section 2, p. 145; http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_lobelia.htm

[16] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 400.

[17] Kloss, Back to Eden, section 2, p. 146; Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 399.

[18] Kloss, Back to Eden, section 2, p. 147 ; Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 398

[19] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 398-399; Kloss, Back to Eden, section 2, pp. 149-150

[20] Kloss, Back to Eden, section 2, pp. 147-148.

[21] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, pp. 578, 580, 581, 583, 585, 587, 591-594, 596, and book jacket.

[22] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 586

[23] Hopkins, Stock Your Medicine Cabinet Herbally, p. 13.

[24] Christopher, Dr. Christopher’s Guide to Colon Health, p. 45.

[25] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 585

[26] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, pp. 401

[27] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 399

[28] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 400

[29] Christopher, School of Natural Healing, ch. 10, p. 400

[30] Keim, Comfort for the Burned and Wounded, p. 40, 44

[31] Lust, The Herb Book, part 2, p. 252 and part 3 pp. 440, 449 and 450.

[32] Mausert, Mausert’s Formulae, extracted from: Herbs for Health, pp. 4, 5, 11, 18, 46, and 56.

[33] Kloss, Back to Eden, section 2, pp. 72, 73, 76.

[34] Lust, The Herb Book, section 3, p. 440