Lungwort Herb Profile
Also known as
Pulmonaria officinalis, Spotted Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip, Oak Lungs, Lung Moss, Spotted Comfrey, Spotted Dog, Lugenkraut, and Sage of Bethlem
Introduction
Lungwort is one of the first plants to flower in the early spring in its native habitats. The leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat lung diseases with which it may have been associated because of the shape of the leaves and their grey spots, which resembled a diseased lung. Lungwort, in combination with wormwood, was one of the remedies that was tried during the bubonic plague in the 14th century. Noted herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote that it was useful in treating a variety of diseases of the lungs. Lungwort leaves can be eaten as a vegetable, either raw in salads, or cooked, but it is most often used in medicine for its expectorant and demulcent properties. Sometimes referred to as the "Herb of Mary", it was used as part of a formula to help reveal if someone was a witch or not, and also conversely it was worn as a protection against the evil eye. Lungwort grows wild throughout the Eastern United States and in its native Western Europe. It is distinguished by its spotted leaves and bright flowers that change color from rose to blue, with both colors often being found on the plant at the same time.
Constituents
Catecholtannins, Silicic Acid, Allantoin, Saponins, Flavonoids, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Tannic Acid
Parts Used
Leaves
Typical Preparations
Dried and as a tincture, tea or in capsules.
Summary
In the middle ages, lungwort was sometimes thought to be dangerous because the spots on the leaves looked like a diseased lung; today we know that lungwort has a high mucilage content, making it quite useful in treating chest and throat complaints. It has been used to treat coughs, including whooping cough, asthma and coughs arising from tuberculosis. It combines well with other herbs and plants like coltsfoot in cold and cough remedies. Its astringent and diuretic properties may make it useful in external applications on wounds and skin problems.
Precautions
Lungwort contains toxic pyrrolizidin alkaloids, so it must be administered by someone qualified in the appropriate use of this material. Its long term use is not recommended and it is not to be used while pregnant.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
