Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Lobeline (C22H27O2N), Lobelanine, Nicotine
- Also Known As
- English: Wild Tobacco, Lobelia
Sanskrit: देवनल, देवनला
Hindi: देवनल
What is Wild Tobacco?
Wild Tobacco is a herb that demands respect. Its leaves look like tobacco, it can grow to 10 to 12 feet tall, and its classical dose is counted in drops rather than spoonfuls.
Wild Tobacco (Devnala), botanically Lobelia nicotianaefolia Heyne, grows in Western India and in hilly regions at around three to four thousand feet. Its English names are Wild Tobacco and Lobelia. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, a classical Ayurvedic materia medica, describes it in Varga 3, and also mentions a related species, Lobelia excelsa.
Its main use is in breathlessness and asthma (Shvasa) and in cough (Kasa). The plant contains an alkaloid called lobeline, which acts on the respiratory centre as a respiratory stimulant.
Benefits of Wild Tobacco
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records a narrow, focused set of actions for Wild Tobacco, centred on the lungs.
Breathing and Asthma
It is classed as Shvasahara, meaning it relieves breathlessness and asthma. Its recorded alkaloid, lobeline, acts on the respiratory centre as a respiratory stimulant.
Cough
It is also Kasahara, a remedy for cough. Its pungent (Katu) and bitter (Tikta) taste, light (Laghu) and sharp (Tikshna) qualities and hot potency (Ushna Virya) describe a penetrating, drying herb.
Emetic Action
In larger doses it is emetic (Chhardikara), meaning it induces vomiting. This is listed as one of its actions, and it is also the main reason its dose is kept so small.
How to Use Wild Tobacco
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives a very small dose for Wild Tobacco and advises caution with the powder.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf extract | 1 to 2 drops | Asthma, cough | Only as directed by a practitioner |
| Powder | Use cautiously; no fixed amount recorded | Asthma, cough | Only as directed by a practitioner |
Our sources record no specific vehicle (anupana) or seasonal guidance. With a dose this small, this is not a herb to measure out at home.
Safety & Side Effects
Wild Tobacco is one of the herbs where safety comes first. Its recorded constituents include lobeline, lobelanine and nicotine.
- Vomiting in larger doses: the plant is emetic in larger doses, so exceeding the 1 to 2 drop dose of leaf extract risks nausea and vomiting.
- Powder: the classical guidance is to use the powder cautiously.
- Nicotine content: because it contains nicotine, anyone avoiding nicotine should avoid this herb.
- Asthma care: asthma can be serious. Do not replace your prescribed treatment with this herb.
- Pregnancy, nursing and medication: no data is recorded; do not use it without medical advice.
Recommended: Start Here
Wild Tobacco is not a self-care herb. Its dose is counted in drops and it causes vomiting in larger amounts, so the right first step is a consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, especially if you are dealing with asthma or a persistent cough.
If you want to understand the herb before that conversation, a good Ayurvedic herbal reference will help.
Find Ayurvedic Herb Guides on Amazon ↗ Ayurveda Respiratory Health Books ↗
Safety note: it contains nicotine and is emetic in larger doses. Never exceed a practitioner's dose, and keep any prescribed asthma medication.
Wild Tobacco vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The comparison people most often make is with ordinary tobacco, because the leaves look alike.
| Comparison | Wild Tobacco | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Tobacco vs Tobacco | Lobelia nicotianaefolia; leaves resemble tobacco; contains lobeline | Nicotiana tabacum, a different plant | Different species; do not substitute one for the other |
| Lobelia nicotianaefolia vs Lobelia excelsa | The main species described | Another species the text also mentions | Check which species a product contains |
| Leaf extract vs powder | Extract: 1 to 2 drops | Powder: use cautiously | The extract has the clearer recorded dose |
Wild Tobacco for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific guidance for Wild Tobacco. Given its tiny dose, nicotine content and emetic action, caution applies to everyone.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No data is recorded, and it contains nicotine. Avoid it.
Children
Do not give it to children. A dose measured in drops leaves little margin for error.
Elderly
Use only under professional supervision, especially alongside other medication.
Athletes
No athletic use is recorded. Its action as a respiratory stimulant is not a reason to use it for performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild Tobacco the same as tobacco?
No. Wild Tobacco is Lobelia nicotianaefolia, whose leaves resemble tobacco. It does contain nicotine alongside its main alkaloid, lobeline.
What is Wild Tobacco used for in Ayurveda?
It is used mainly in asthma (Shvasa) and cough (Kasa). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as relieving both.
How does lobeline work?
Lobeline is an alkaloid that acts on the respiratory centre as a respiratory stimulant.
Why is the dose so small?
The plant is emetic in larger doses, meaning it causes vomiting. The recorded dose is 1 to 2 drops of leaf extract, and the powder is to be used cautiously.
Where does Wild Tobacco grow?
In Western India and in hilly regions at around three to four thousand feet. The plant reaches 10 to 12 feet tall.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.