Listed in official Pharmacopoeias, this is expectorant, diaphoretic, and anti-asthmatic. Use with caution; it can be a harmful emetic - it's also known as pukeweed and gagweed. Contains the alkaloid lobeline which is used in over-the-counter anti-smoking lozenges. Native Americans smoked it to treat asthma, bronchitis and coughs. Lobelia was first described by the Reverend Dr. Manassah Cutler in 1785. An extremely important native medicinal from our area.