Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
Photo: Nefronus · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Head and Neck
- 4 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Lungwort is a perennial herb growing to 1 foot with broad oval basal leaves, smaller upper leaves mottled with white spots, and clusters of pink-purple flowers. Native to Europe and the Caucasus, it flourishes in mountain pastures and damp sites. The leaves are gathered in late spring. According to the medieval Doctrine of Signatures, which held that a plant's appearance pointed to the ailment it treated, lungwort was effective for chest ailments because its leaves were said to resemble lung tissue. This folk belief, while not scientifically founded, turned out to have merit - the herb is indeed valuable for respiratory conditions.
Traditional uses & properties
Given its high mucilage content, lungwort is a useful remedy for chest conditions, particularly beneficial in cases of chronic bronchitis. It contains allantoin, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, and saponins that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The herb combines well with others such as coltsfoot as a treatment for chronic coughs (including whooping cough), and it can be taken for asthma. Lungwort can also be used for sore throats and congestion. In the past, it was given for the coughing up of blood arising from tubercular infection. The leaves are astringent and have been applied externally to stop bleeding, making it useful for wound care.
Safety & precautions
Subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids occur in the roots but in negligible quantities in the leaves, so the leaves are considered safe for medicinal use. Use only the leaves, not the roots.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to Europe and the Caucasus. Flourishes in mountain pastures and damp sites. The leaves are gathered in late spring.
Traditionally used for
- Strep Throat10 herbs · 2 free
- Asthma14 herbs · 2 free
- Bronchitis17 herbs · 2 free
- Wound healing7 herbs · 2 free
Each condition shows its first 2 remedies free. Premium opens the full remedy list for every condition - or come back for the free Condition of the Day.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) as follows: Given its high mucilage content, lungwort is a useful remedy for chest conditions, particularly beneficial in cases of chronic bronchitis. It contains allantoin, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, and saponins that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The herb combines well with others such as coltsfoot as a treatment for chronic coughs (including whooping cough), and it can be taken for asthma. Lungwort can also be used for sore throats and congestion. In the past, it was given for the coughing up of blood arising from tubercular infection. The leaves are astringent and have been applied externally to stop bleeding, making it useful for wound care.
What safety cautions apply to Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)?
Subject to legal restrictions in some countries. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids occur in the roots but in negligible quantities in the leaves, so the leaves are considered safe for medicinal use. Use only the leaves, not the roots.
Related herbs
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)Bacopa, also known as Water Hyssop or Brahmi, is a creeping succulent perennial that can grow to about 20 inches. It features spatula-shaped fleshy leaves and pale blue or white flowers on slender stalks. Thriving in marshlands and along the edges of mangrove swamps in warmer temperate and tropical climates - especially southern Asia - it develops into dense mats on mudflats. This herb has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for supporting cognitive function and treating various nervous system disorders, and it is increasingly recognized in Western herbalism for its brain-enhancing properties.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)Not for self-dosingColtsfoot is a perennial herb growing to 12 inches with flowering stems covered in purple scales, yellow-gold flowers, and heart-shaped leaves. Indigenous to Europe and northern Asia and naturalized in North America, it is commonly found along roadsides, on verges, and in open areas. The flowers are gathered in late winter, and the leaves in summer. For at least 2,500 years, coltsfoot has been taken as a cough remedy and smoked to ease breathing. The Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st century CE recommended it for dry coughs and 'for those who are unable to breathe except standing upright.'
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)Eucalyptus, a traditional Aboriginal remedy, is a powerful antiseptic used all over the world for relieving coughs and colds, sore throats, and other infections. It is warming and stimulating, and for many people its scent conjures up days spent in bed during childhood with eucalyptus and other oils smothered on the chest. Eucalpytus is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold remedies.
Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)Irish moss is a reddish-brown seaweed growing to 10 inches, with a flat, forked plant body and fan-shaped outline. Found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, it grows just below the waterline, attached to rocks and stones. In summer in North America and in autumn in Ireland, it is pulled up by hand or with a rake at low tide and dried in the sun. This seaweed is used extensively in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifying and binding agent, appearing in products such as toothpastes. Its polysaccharides become jelly-like and demulcent when immersed in water, making it valuable both as a food ingredient and medicinal herb.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)Not for self-dosingLobelia is an annual herb growing to 20 inches with lance-shaped leaves and pale blue, pink-tinged flowers. A powerful antispasmodic used for respiratory and muscle disorders, it was a traditional Native American remedy for many conditions. It was used as a 'puke weed' to induce vomiting, as a remedy for worms and venereal disease, and as an expectorant. Lobelia was also smoked as a substitute for tobacco and was reputed to share some of its magical qualities. Indigenous to North America, especially eastern parts of the United States, it grows by roadsides and in neglected areas, preferring acid soil. The aerial parts are harvested in early autumn when the seed capsules are most numerous and are carefully dried. Its use was later championed by the American herbalist Samuel Thomson (1769-1843), who made the herb the mainstay of his therapeutic system, mainly using it to induce vomiting.
Osha (Ligusticum porteri)Osha is a powerful respiratory remedy that has been overharvested in the wild and is extremely difficult to cultivate. It is listed on the United Plant Savers at-risk list. The root has been traditionally valued for its ability to stimulate the digestive and immune systems while expelling mucus. Until wild populations stabilize, its use should be limited, with alternatives like pine, grindelia, and ginger recommended as replacements.
Plantain (Plantago major)Common plantain (Plantago major) is a low-growing perennial reaching up to about 10 in (25 cm), forming a rosette of broad, ribbed leaves and spikes of tiny green flowers. Often regarded as a garden weed, plantain’s leaves are rich in iridoids, flavonoids, mucilage, and tannins, making them potent for wound care and internal soothing of mucous membranes.
Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a tall, aromatic perennial bush up to about 6½ ft (2 m), with fleshy roots, large compound leaves, and clusters of greenish-white flowers followed by red or purple berries. Known for its warming, expectorant properties, spikenard is a tonic for weak or congested lungs.