Health Network News

How safe is it if you quit smoking with lobelia? Everyone that smokes knows that it is not that easy to just quit although most peopel have tried once or several times only to find that they go back to same old habit of smoking again as the nicotine content of the cigarette has you hooked. Once you start smoking you inevitable become addicted to the nicotine and not the actual cigarette.

A very strong smelling herb called Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) of which only the leaves and tops of the plant are used have similar effects as a cigarette would. Many smokers have had success in that they have stopped smoking when they used lobelia as this herb tastes like tobacco and also leaves that burning acid taste in the mouth as well as increased the saliva in the mouth.

Lobelia comes in various different packaging such as lozenges which you can suck, liquid, tablets and capsules. One should not exceed the dosage which in 2mg and this should be taken three times a day with a glass of water only once you have eaten. This herb should be taken for no longer than six weeks and do not increase the daily dose as this herb is poisonous and one could end up with stomach complaints.

Lobelia has an effect on the central nervous system due to it being almost the same as nicotine it will relax as well as dilate the bronchiole and this then speeds up respiration. People that suffer from asthma, bronchitis and muscles spasms use lobelia and are used to stimulate vomiting. Anti smoking agents contain lobelia.

However lobelia has some serious side effects and if you are taking this herb and experience any of the following symptoms such as palpitations, seizures, stomach pain, coughing, sweating, severe heartburn, dizziness or tremors you need to seek medical help immediately.

Respiratory depression as well as paralysis of the muscles is other side effects causing death in some cases and this herb can also increase your blood pressure. Some people when taking high doses of the herb experience a slow pulse rate as well as shallow breathing and on taking the normal dose sometimes have rapid respiration.

Lobelia mixed with any other anti smoking therapy is a lethal combination. You need to discontinue the use of lobelia with immediate effect should you experience any of the mentioned side effects and seek professional help. One should never administer this herb to children or women that are expectant. This herb has not been researched to determine long term side effects so do not take it for longer than the stipulated time.

One will note that lobelia also falls under the names of Indian tobacco, eyebright, gag root and many other names and the brand names that this herb falls under is Lobelia capsules and Lobeline lozenges as well as Lobelia extract and Lobidram capsules. Lobelia should not be taken for granted because it is a herb be cautious when trying to quit smoking with lobelia and it would be in your interest to consult a professional beforehand. Smoking does cause serious health problems and it would be wise to quit.