Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo) vs Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo)

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

About

Corydalis is a small herbaceous perennial growing to 8 inches with narrow leaves and pink flowers. Native to Siberia, northern China, and Japan, it is commonly cultivated in eastern and northeastern parts of China. Propagated from seed in early spring or autumn, the rhizome is harvested in late spring and early summer when the aerial parts have withered. This important Chinese remedy has been used at least since the 8th century to help 'invigorate the blood' and relieve almost any painful condition, particularly menstrual cramps and chest and abdominal pain.

Lobelia is an annual herb growing to 20 inches with lance-shaped leaves and pale blue, pink-tinged flowers. A powerful antispasmodic used for respiratory and muscle disorders, it was a traditional Native American remedy for many conditions. It was used as a 'puke weed' to induce vomiting, as a remedy for worms and venereal disease, and as an expectorant. Lobelia was also smoked as a substitute for tobacco and was reputed to share some of its magical qualities. Indigenous to North America, especially eastern parts of the United States, it grows by roadsides and in neglected areas, preferring acid soil. The aerial parts are harvested in early autumn when the seed capsules are most numerous and are carefully dried. Its use was later championed by the American herbalist Samuel Thomson (1769-1843), who made the herb the mainstay of his therapeutic system, mainly using it to induce vomiting.

Safety & precautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Generally well-tolerated when used as directed. The alkaloid content provides effective pain relief but should be used responsibly.

Take only when prescribed by a medical herbalist or doctor and do not eat the fresh plant. Excessive ingestion is rare (vomiting normally occurs first) but can be fatal. Restricted herb in some countries. The FDA considers lobelia to be poisonous, and many sources claim it will cause convulsions, coma, and death. These are potential effects of its principal alkaloid lobeline, but there is no record of the whole herb causing these problems in anyone. Lobelia is an emetic and makes you throw up if you take too much. It can produce severe symptoms (nausea, profuse sweating, vomiting, and deep relaxation), but these symptoms typically pass quickly and the person feels better afterward. However, because of these effects, lobelia is not recommended for weak, debilitated persons or persons who are deeply relaxed. Not recommended for long-term use and should be used cautiously during pregnancy. To avoid unpleasant effects such as nausea and vomiting, use small, repeated doses instead of large, infrequent doses, or use it as part of a formula.

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