- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Central and southern Chile, on slopes and in scrub
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 874
Lobelia tupa
Herb · South America
Tupa (devil's tobacco)
Lobelia tupa
A robust lobelia with red flowers and felted leaves. Contains lobeline and other alkaloids; poisonous.
Safety notes
Poisonous; the milky sap irritates skin and eyes and can cause miscarriage. Do not use it yourself.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Toxic; can cause miscarriage.
Preparation
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Use in traditions
A sacred plant for the Mapuche. The leaf was sometimes smoked, hence the Spanish name 'devil's tobacco', and the milky sap was used for toothache. The plant has long been regarded as dangerous.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
A sacred plant of the Mapuche; the milky sap was used for toothache and the leaf was sometimes smoked.
Preparation and amount
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Caution: Toxic; can cause miscarriage.