Laboria pulmonaria is the botanical name for true lung lichen. Sticta pulmonaria is the Latin name for lung moss, but it is predominantly known as lung lichen.
Occurrence and cultivation of the true lung lichen.
The true lung lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria) grows in the form of a lichen preferably on oak, beech and maple trees. The medicinal plant is preferably used as a homeopathic, for which the lichen is processed. Characteristic of this plant are the large, lobed olive-brown leaves, which turn olive-green to grass-green when wet. These large leaves are also known as thalles. True lung lichen is also found on rock outcrops. It is a highly endangered plant species that is considered an indicator of an intact ecosystem, as it is very sensitive to pollutants contained in the air. For this reason, its distribution area is nowadays very limited and it is found almost exclusively on the northern edge of the Alps above 900 meters of altitude. The lobes reach a size of one to three centimeters, are deeply divided and interspersed with pitted depressions and a filigree vein network. True lungworm prefers high precipitation and moist sites and is found in both borreal areas and Mediterranean mountainous areas.
Effect and application
The name lung lichen is mainly due to its use as a medicinal plant for various diseases of the respiratory apparatus. The main area of application is the so-called “descending infection”, which begins with sinusitis and descends to the throat and bronchi. A clinical indicator is irritable cough accompanied by a severe headache. For people plagued by hay fever in spring and summer with severe sneezing attacks and inflammation of the sinuses, Sticta pulmonaria is the first choice remedy. Sticta pulmonaria is also useful for catarrh accompanied by watery eyes and severe headaches. Often these complaints are accompanied by cough and a strong feeling of pressure in the chest area. Homeopaths like to prescribe Sticta pulmonaria in cases of visual disturbances accompanied by painful eyes. Sticta pulmonaria can have a positive effect on sleep disturbances caused by nocturnal coughing fits. It also prevents nervousness and helps children in postoperative regeneration. Homeopathy also knows its use in patients suffering from inflammation of small joints. In case of bursitis of the knee, patients feel relief after regular use of Sticta pulmonaria. Furthermore, the remedy proves its worth in rheumatic pains and hot joints. Sticta pulmonaria works very well in combination with other homeopathic remedies. Combined with the broad-spectrum remedy Bryonia Alba (white bryony) in potencies C7 to C9, the remedy brings about a general improvement of respiratory diseases accompanied by severe headaches. Bryonia is a proven remedy for headaches. In potency C15, Sticta pulmonaria is popularly used in combination with Arum triphyllum (Three-leaved arum) and Aconitum napellus (Monkshood) to combat inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. Associated with Sambucus nigra (Black Elderberry), Lung Moss addresses allergy-related nasal congestion that occurs when the air is very dry and cold. It clears the airways and regulates secretion. The versatility of Sticta pulmonaria is shown by the fact that this remedy not only treats ENT disorders, but also has a positive effect on digestive problems. It successfully combats heartburn and stomach acidity. Depending on the severity of the complaints, the globules are taken several times a day. If the patient suffers from lung diseases and/or other respiratory diseases such as cold, sore throat or irritable cough without clinical complications, he takes five globules equivalent to one tablet in a time interval of two hours each. The intake takes place over four days. If the symptoms improve, the time intervals are extended and taking five globules three times a day is sufficient. The homeopathic medicine is also available in drop form in the potencies D3, D6, D8 and D12.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
True lung lichen fits specific mental disorders.Leading symptoms are mental confusion and inattention. Patients in whom Sticta pulmonaria is indicated tend to talk a lot and like to draw attention to themselves. They are restless and find it difficult to keep quiet and concentrate. At the same time, the sticta type does not care whether someone listens to them or pays attention to them. Lung moss is ideal for migraine attacks, which are aggravated by noise and light. Dull headaches, chest tightness and all respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, cough, facial and eye pain, hay fever, sore throat, rheumatism, nervousness and insomnia are alleviated and may disappear completely if taken over a long period of time. Sticta pulmonaria, according to the classical indications of homeopathy, helps the patients who have at least two of the previously mentioned symptoms, which are related to the circumstances in which the leading picture worsens. In patients in whom Sticta pulmonaria is indicated, the condition worsens not only when exposed to light and noise, but especially at night and generally when lying down. Sudden changes in temperature also contribute to the worsening of the condition. Sticta patients experience improvement when exposed to fresh air. The homeopathic remedy can be used at any age and helps to alleviate various typical childhood diseases in children. During pregnancy and lactation, Sticta pulmonaria should be taken only with the consultation of a physician.
