True Lungwort: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

The lungworts are a genus of the roughleaf family (Boraginaceae) and have the botanical name Pulmonaria. The genus includes between 14 and 20 species, with the true lungwort being the best known. In addition to its use as an ornamental plant or in the kitchen, the true lungwort is also used in the medical field against various types of ailments.

Occurrence and cultivation of the true lungwort.

The botanical name of the genus is derived from the word “pulmonarius”, which means “lung-sick”. This is also where the German name of the herb comes from. The true lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is also called lungwort in English. Colloquial names are Adam and Eve or Hansel and Gretel. Other vernacular names include brookweed, lungwort, deer cabbage, and cowslip. In addition, the plant used to be called Our Lady’s Milkweed. The botanical name of the genus is derived from the word “pulmonarius”, which means “lung-sick”. This is also the origin of the German name of the herb. Presumably, the name comes from the use of the plant as a medicinal herb for lung ailments. The plant is perennial and herbaceous. The above-ground parts of the herb are rough-haired, and the stems are slightly branched. Lungwort has simple and slightly hairy stem leaves and stalked, large rosette leaves. Its inflorescences are terminal, and the flowers are hermaphroditic and pentate. The shape of the flowers forms a bell and strongly resembles that of primroses. Nevertheless, both plants belong to different families. After flowering, the sepals enlarge. Their color is usually red at first, but later becomes blue to purple. The plant has this color change in common with other plants of the cowslip family. The plant is pollinated by bumblebees and moths, while ants spread the seeds. Lungwort is native to Central Europe. It is found in sparse deciduous forests and forest edges, where it can be found in larger groups. The optimal soil is calcareous and preferably moist. The perennial plant grows up to 20 cm high and its collection period is between May and June.

Effect and application

In shady places, lungwort serves as a so-called ground cover and is used as an ornamental plant. In addition, there is the use of the plant in the kitchen. The raw and cooked leaves of Pulmonaria officinalis can be eaten. Their slightly bitter and cabbage-like mild taste is especially suitable for wild herb salads and soups. Older leaves can also be prepared and eaten similar to spinach. In addition, the herb is a component in the production of vermouth. The herb finds additional application in folk medicine. There it has been used since the Middle Ages. The abbess Hildegard von Bingen already described the effect of lungwort on the respiratory tract in her work “Causa et Curae”. Even though it is rarely used as a medicinal herb today, it has a positive effect on lung diseases and various other ailments. It contains silicic acid, mucilages and saponins, but also tannins and allantoin. In addition, there are flavonoids and tannic acid. Lungwort is mainly used as a tea. It can either be brewed as a tea or mixed with other herbs to make a tea blend. Pouring hot water over one to two teaspoons is enough to make effective lungwort tea. After the tea has steeped for ten minutes, it can be strained and drunk in small sips. Up to three cups a day are recommended. After a continuous use of six weeks, a short break should be taken to prevent side effects or immunization. This prevents habituation and maintains the effectiveness. This applies in principle to all stronger remedies. Externally, the tea can also be used for wound treatment in poultices, washes and baths. Another method of application is the processing of lungwort into powder. Dried herb can be ground and then mixed with lukewarm milk. Honey can also be added for flavor.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

In folk medicine, the dried herb is called pulmonariae herba. The above-mentioned ingredients not only have an anti-irritant effect, but also have an expectorant effect. Therefore, lungwort is used for hoarseness and respiratory diseases.It is also used for colds or bladder problems and diarrhea. Allegedly, it strengthens the kidneys and has a positive effect on digestion and the draining urinary tract. In homeopathy, tinctures of lungwort are also found, which are used against bronchitis and asthma. The herb strengthens the lungs and facilitates expectoration. In the past, the herb was also used against the widespread pulmonary tuberculosis, which at that time was considered a plague – if not epidemic. The tannins it contains and its high allantoin content also promote wound healing. Therefore, the tea or a tincture can also be applied externally to wounds or a poultice can be placed around the affected area. Allantoin is the main active ingredient in comfrey, which is why lungwort can be used in a similar way. Despite the positive effects of lungwort, it is hardly used in conventional medicine. The reason for this is the pyrrolizidine alkaloids it may contain, which could have a negative effect on health. So far, there are no sufficient studies concerning the effect of the herb. In addition, the ingredients have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, due to a lack of studies, the herb is officially not said to have any therapeutic effect. In addition, the lungwort should not be confused with other varieties. When in doubt, the use of lungwort should be discussed with a homeopath or alternative medicine practitioner.