Great Blue Lobelia

Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

"The Meskwaki ground up the roots of Blue Lobelia and used it as an anti-divorce remedy.  The mashed roots were secretly put into some common dish, which was eaten by both husband and wife."

"The Meskwaki people used it as part of an inhalant against catarrh."

These are both statements that I found on the web.  It's interesting to think that the native Americans must have used all sorts of plants for all sorts of remedies and it probably varied over the continent.  But, how do we know for sure what they used?  Does anyone know of a trusted reference book on native American medicine?  Can you believe everything you read on the web?

At this point, the Meskwaki tribe is mostly known for its casino.

The beautiful flowers make it a favorite for native plant gardeners