Lobelia radicans

Physical Characteristics

Lobelia radicans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, India.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Antirheumatic Cathartic Depurative Diuretic Febrifuge VD This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, depurative, diuretic and febrifuge[147, 176]. A decoction is used in the treatment of sores and abscesses, poisonous snakebites, tooth abscesses, ascites and traumatic injuries[147]. The fresh plant can also be crushed and used as a poultice[147]. The root is antirheumatic, antisyphilitic, cathartic, depurative and diuretic[218].

Known Hazards

The plant contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine[274].