Lobelia Inflata (Noun)
Meaning
North American wild lobelia having small blue flowers and inflated capsules formerly used as an antispasmodic.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The plant known as lobelia inflata was commonly used by early settlers of North America for medicinal purposes, including relieving spasms.
- The indigenous people of the continent were well-versed in the use of lobelia inflata to calm spasms in the body, from muscles to bronchial tubes.
- Studies on the historical uses of lobelia inflata indicate it was effective as an antispasmodic for coughs, due to its impact on bronchial passages.
- During its period of popularity in medicine, lobelia inflata was especially favored for treating cases of bronchitis, showing particular promise as an herbal remedy.
- Due to concerns about safety and effectiveness, lobelia inflata's use in medicine gradually fell out of favor and has since been replaced by pharmaceutical alternatives.