Botanical Name
- Family Asclepidaceae
- Tylophora asmatica
Common Name
- Indian Lobelia
Cautions
- Take only under professional guidance.
- Like its lobelia relatives, the leaves of asmatica do produce side effects and can have an irritating effect on the digestive tract.
Description
Native to the Indian subcontinent, asmatica grows wild on the plains of India. It is a perennial, twining climber with lance-shaped leaves and greenish flowers that produce many flat seeds. The leaves are gathered when the plant is in flower.
History
Asmatica has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to induce vomiting and expectoration as well as for treating dysentery and rheumatic conditions.
Extensive laboratory research and clinical study has taken place in India and established that asmatica is an effective remedy for asthma. In the 1970s, a number of clinical trials showed that a majority of asthmatics taking the herb for just six days, gained relief for an additional twelve weeks.
It should be noted that the spelling of this plant, asmatica, differs from the asthmatic plant (Euphorbia hirta syn.E. pilulifera) and should not be confused with it although it does have a history of similar usage. (see under Spurge)
Key Actions
- antiasmatic
- anti-tumor
- expectorant
- immune system stimulant
- promotes vomiting
Key Components
- alkaloids (including tylophorine)
- flavonoids
- sterols
- tannins
Medicinal Parts
- Leaves
Traditional Uses
Used mainly as a specific treatment for asthma, it is also beneficial in cases of hay fever as well as such acute allergic problems as eczema and nettle rash.
The plant holds promise as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and other immune system disorders. It may also relieve rheumatoid arthritis and be of value in the treatment of cancer.
