18 THOMSONIAN SYSTEM
ACTION
The action of Lobelia is upon the central nervous system and the sympathic nerve ganglia. It is generally classed as a gastro-intestinal irritant because in sufficiently large doses it produces emesis(*). The action of small doses is upon the cardiac area, slowing heart action and is followed generally by a more or less accelerated pulse. The action of small, frequent doses (as indicated) is to stimulate; of large doses to first relax and is followed by stimulation to organic action. Small doses stimulate digestion, the secretions and poor circulation, especially when due to enervated states. When Lobelia is combined with other appropriate remedies its tendency is to establish normalcy of the entire system and stimulate of all the organs of the body; hence is of great benefit in all chronic or semi-chronic conditions. In acute ailments, such as acute indigestion, or the onset of diphtheria, croup, scarlet fever, smallpox, tatanus or the bites of poisonous insects, where immediate effect is imperative, doses large enough to produce emesis should be given, to be followed by small doses in combination with such stimulants as Capsicum.
In angina pectoris, neuralgia of the heart and pulmonary apoplexy doses of 20 drops should be given and repeated as necessary. It is a cardiac stimulant and acts as a sedative. In markedly slow pulse-wave, Lobelia in small, frequent doses is the remedy; it is indicated in all full, oppressed, sluggish pulse, especially if associated with precordial oppression, thoracic pain, difficulty in breathing, soreness of chest, nausea and coated tongue, and fullness of tissue.
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