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. It has been part of Chinese herbal medicine since at least the 8th century.

Lobelia is an annual herb growing to 20 inches with lance-shaped leaves and pale blue, pink-tinged flowers. It was used as a 'puke weed' to induce vomiting. 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. Its alkaloids act on the central nervous system; use it only with professional guidance.

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. 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). 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.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.