Cardinal Flower

Eastern Deciduous Forest, Tall Grass Prairie

Cardinal Flower 

Lobelia cardinalis

http://hummingbirdgardenerdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/img_2696.jpg

 Habitat: Mosit soil, streambanks, meadows. NB to FL; TX to MN. Found state wide in Missouri.

Seasons: Blooms July-September

Active Chemical Ingredients: Lobeline C₂₂H₂₇NO₂

• respiratory stimulant

http://medplant.nmsu.edu/images/cardinalis_lobeline.gif

Parts Used: leaves, flowers, roots

Use of Specimen: 

•  Treatment of food poisoning as an emetic (flowers or root tea)
• Treatment of fevers for malaria and colds (leaf tea) 
• Treat stomach aches (root tea)
• A poultice made of the mashed root or root tea (externally) is used to treat pleurisy, rheumatism, injuries, boils, ulcers and sores.

Procedure:

• Leaf tea

• Dried leaves 1/2 teaspoon
• Water 1 cup
• Put the leaves in a cup, pour boiling water over it
• Let steep for 15 minutes
• Drink 3-4 times a day 

Resources:

Cardinal Flower. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2015, from http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/cardinal-flower

Cardinal Flower for Stomach Ache, Bronchial Spasms, Cold, Croup, Nosebleeds, Fever, Headache and Worms - Native American Remedies - Natural Remedies Center. (2012, March 30). Retrieved August 28, 2015, from http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/5202/cardinal-flower-for-stomach-ache-bronchial-spasms-cold-croup-nosebleeds-fever-headache-and-worms-native-american-remedies/

Gutierrez, M., Hayes, A., & Washburn, R. (2008, February 13). Lobelia cardinalis. Retrieved August 28, 2015, from http://medplant.nmsu.edu/cardinalis.shtm