Antispasmodic, diaphragmatic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, nervine. In the past, lobelia was used particularly for its antispasmodic qualities to treat asthma and whooping cough, and also to induce vomiting. Externally, the plant can be made Into a poultice for bruises, insect bites, sprains, felons, ringworm, erysipelas, and poison ivy irritation, CAUTION: Although some herbal practitioners have sworn by lobelia as a harmless but effective panacea for what ails man, overdoses from homemade medicinal preparations have resulted In poisoning.In moderate doses lobelia will relax the lungs and dilate bronchioles; in overdoses it paralyzes the cerebrospinal centers and will cause nausea and a drop in blood pressure; in reasonable doses it is an anti-spasmodic and finds service in bronchial asthma.