Common Lungwort: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a perennial forest plant known for its traditional use in respiratory conditions. In folk medicine, it has been used for bronchitis, dry cough, and hoarseness. Scientific descriptions note the mucilaginous, emollient, and slightly astringent properties of the herb, while traditional herbals mention an expectorant effect.

What is this plant and where can it be found?

Lungwort belongs to the Borage family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a rhizome. In botanical literature, you can find designations for common lungwort, unclear lungwort, or dark lungwort: Pulmonaria obscura Dumort., P. officinalis L. subsp. obscura (Dum.) Murb.

It is important to keep this name in mind when identifying the plant. Reference books describe related forms of lungwort that have been used in folk practice for similar conditions.

The plant has several common names. It is called lungwort, butter-milk, snowdrop, apiary grass, pulmonary, iodine herb, and poultice herb. These names are associated with both its early flowering and traditional uses.

Lungwort blooms in early spring. Its delicate flowers attract bees with nectar. In a single inflorescence, you can see both pink and blue flowers at the same time. This feature is clearly visible during flowering and helps identify the plant.

According to botanical descriptions, lungwort is widespread across almost the entire middle belt of the European part of Russia, and is found in Belarus, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. It can usually be found in mixed and birch forests, on forest edges, among bushes, and in meadows.

Herbal guides also mention unclear lungwort (Pulmonaria obscura), which is found in forests. When gathering, it is important to correctly identify the plant rather than relying solely on its common name.

What are the benefits of common lungwort?

The main direction of traditional use for lungwort is related to the respiratory system. V. K. Varlikh's reference book describes the mucilaginous, emollient, and slightly astringent properties of the herb. The author notes that in scientific medicine its use has been practically abandoned, and its application has survived primarily in folk practice.

In M. A. and I. M. Nosal, lungwort is characterized as an expectorant. It has traditionally been used for bronchitis, inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, and other chest ailments accompanied by a dry cough and hoarseness.

These are different characteristics of the plant cited in various reference books. They describe the history of phytotherapeutic use, but by themselves they do not prove clinical efficacy for a specific disease.

Respiratory system: cough, bronchitis, hoarseness

Most mentions of lungwort in folk medicine are connected specifically to the respiratory tract. The herb has been used for dry coughs, bronchitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and other chest ailments. The expectorant direction of use is described by the Nosals. Varlikh's reference book separately notes its mucilaginous and emollient properties. In traditional practice, the plant was associated with an effect on irritated respiratory mucous membranes. At the same time, lungwort is not a substitute for an examination and prescribed treatment. A cough can accompany various diseases, and the choice of help depends on its cause.

Mineral composition and hematopoiesis

A. F. Gammerman's book provides information on trace elements found in lungwort herb.

Among them are manganese, iron, and copper. The author groups them into the so-called hematopoietic complex of trace elements. Besides these elements, vanadium, titanium, silver, nickel, strontium, and other substances have been detected in the plant.

The same reference book mentions the study of the herb at the pharmaceutical faculty of the Moscow Medical Institute in connection with its possible use in various blood diseases.

Gammerman separately describes the importance of manganese for certain body functions. In particular, she notes its participation in regulating the activity of individual endocrine glands and activating vitamin B1.

However, the detection of trace elements in a plant does not mean that consuming it cures anemia, blood diseases, or makes up for an iron deficiency. In such conditions, laboratory examination and treatment prescribed by a doctor are necessary.

External use in folk practice

Old descriptions contain information on the external use of lungwort.

The Nosals mention an infusion of the whole plant, which was used to wash festering wounds and abscesses. Savelieva provides a folk tip to use lungwort juice instead of iodine for injuries, and to apply crushed leaves to purulent wounds.

These recommendations reflect traditional views on the plant. They do not replace modern treatment of skin damage and medical care for serious injuries.

What was lungwort used for in folk medicine?

If we gather information from reference books, the main areas of application look as follows:

• for dry cough;
• for bronchitis;
• for inflammation of the respiratory mucosa;
• for hoarseness;
• for other chest ailments;
• externally — in certain folk practices for skin damage.

The main place is occupied by its use for respiratory diseases.

The name "lung herb" is connected precisely with this tradition. Savelieva's book also explains that the Latin name Pulmonaria translates as "pulmonary." In ancient beliefs, the shape of the leaves was associated with an external resemblance to human lungs. This explanation belongs to the history of folk medicine, not to proof of therapeutic action.

It is important to distinguish between traditional use and modern medical evaluation. Varlikh's reference book states outright that scientific medicine has practically abandoned the use of lungwort herb. Folk practice has survived, but this does not make the plant an independent remedy for treating bronchitis or other diseases.

How to brew lungwort and in what form was it used?

Lungwort has traditionally been used in folk phytotherapy for respiratory diseases. Older literature mentions an infusion (napar) of the plant.

At the same time, reference descriptions do not establish a specific universal dosage for independently preparing a separate infusion or tea. Therefore, you cannot transfer the proportions of other herbs to lungwort or independently increase the amount of raw material.

Can you make tea?

The question of tea comes up frequently because lungwort is a well-known spring plant.

Herbal guides describe the internal use of the plant for coughs and other chest ailments. Mentions of an infusion are also found. But this does not give grounds to consider any homemade herbal tea a medicinal product with an established dosage.

Grau's book provides a multi-component composition that includes common lungwort herb. The mixture was prepared using 1 liter of boiling water in a thermos. However, this is a recipe specifically for a multi-component blend, rather than a standalone lungwort tea.

When using herbal products, it is necessary to take into account their composition and quality. This is especially important for plants that may contain undesirable compounds.

How does an infusion differ from a decoction?

An infusion and a decoction are different ways of preparing plant raw materials. You cannot automatically assume that a method suitable for one herb suits another. Regarding lungwort, the phytotherapeutic literature under review mentions an infusion (*napar*). Separate universal proportions for a decoction are not given.

You should not increase the amount of the plant or prolong preparation in the hope of enhancing its effect. If internal use of lungwort is considered, it is necessary to take into account modern safety information and discuss it with a doctor beforehand.

How to take lungwort?

In folk practice, lungwort was used for dry coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. But independent long-term intake cannot be considered safe based on tradition alone.

Modern information on herbal raw materials indicates the need to consider the possible presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Safety issues are discussed in detail below. If lungwort is considered as an additional herbal remedy, this must be coordinated with a specialist. It does not replace prescribed medications and examinations.

How to harvest and store lungwort?

Varlikh's reference book indicates that the medicinal raw material is the lungwort herb. It is harvested before the flowers bloom and then dried.

Proper identification of the plant is important for harvesting. Common lungwort and unclear lungwort are mentioned in botanical literature under similar names. You should not harvest an unknown herb based solely on its appearance or common name.

According to Varlikh's description, dried herb has the following features:

• pale green color;
• rough, almost prickly surface;
• virtually absent smell;
• herbaceous, mucilaginous, and slightly astringent taste.

These signs characterize the dry raw material described in the reference book. Lungwort grows in mixed and birch forests, on edges, among bushes, and in meadows. Such places are indicated in the botanical description of the plant's distribution. At the same time, it is important not to confuse lungwort with the lung lichen Lobaria pulmonaria. Despite the similarity in names, these are completely different organisms.

Special attention should be paid to the quality of the harvested herb. Independent drying does not guarantee the absence of undesirable substances. The content of natural compounds can vary depending on the origin and composition of the raw material.

The dried plant should be stored in dry conditions, separately from other herbs, and labeled with the name and date of harvesting. You should not use raw materials if their appearance, origin, or condition causes doubt.

How to find common lungwort abroad

In the USA and Europe, common lungwort is sold under various names. When searching, it is important to check the Latin name: similar names may refer to other plants.

What the plant is called:

• USA — lungwort, common lungwort.
• Germany — Lungenkraut, Echtes Lungenkraut.
• France — pulmonaire officinale, pulmonaire, herbe aux poumons.
• Latin name — *Pulmonaria officinalis L.*

In what form it is sold:

• Dried leaves and crushed aerial parts for brewing.
• Tea blends (tisane).
• Tinctures and liquid extracts.
• Capsules and tablets.
• In France, homeopathic granules and drops are also found. These are not equivalent to herbal tea or extract.

Where to look:

• USA — health food stores, herbal shops, tea shops, online herb and supplement stores.
• Germany — pharmacies, Reformhäuser, herbal and tea shops.
• France — pharmacies, parapharmacies, herboristeries, and tea shops.
• In all three countries, products are also found in online stores.

What to check on the packaging:

• Full Latin name *Pulmonaria officinalis L.*
• Plant part: leaf (folium) or aerial parts (herba).
• Batch number, expiration date, and manufacturer details.
• Presence of analysis for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA).

Do not confuse lungwort with lungwort lichen (*Lobaria pulmonaria*). Due to the potential presence of PAs, products with verified control of these substances are preferred.

Country regulations: in the USA, supplements do not undergo prior FDA approval for safety and effectiveness, while in Germany and France, the availability of pharmacy sales or tea labeling does not in itself mean that the product is registered as a medicine.

Common lungwort: contraindications and precautions

Savelieva's book notes that lungwort, unlike some other members of the Borage family, contains almost no alkaloids capable of causing undesirable side effects. However, modern safety information requires considering the possible presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Their content can vary depending on the plant material.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are dangerous primarily due to their potential damaging effect on the liver. Exposure to these compounds carries a risk of serious damage, including hepatic veno-occlusive disease.

Therefore, when assessing safety, it is important to consider not only the plant's name, but also the origin of the specific product, its composition, and quality control results.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety of internal use of lungwort during these periods has not been established. Given the possible presence of PAs, independent consumption should be avoided.

Children and adolescents. Use is not recommended under the age of 18 due to a lack of safety data.

Liver disease. With existing liver function impairments, internal use of the plant is particularly undesirable. The potential impact of pyrrolizidine alkaloids requires prior medical evaluation.

Allergic reactions. In case of individual intolerance to the plant or components of the finished product, use should be discontinued. If swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing appears, medical assistance is necessary.

Medication intake. Simultaneous use of medications and herbal remedies requires consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. It is especially important to consider drugs that can have an adverse effect on the liver.

Possible diuretic effect. Modern safety guidelines mention a mild diuretic effect of lungwort. Health Canada recommends taking into account the episodic nature of such use. This is not a reason to use the plant independently to treat kidney or urinary tract diseases.

Driving and working with machinery. When using herbal remedies, individual reactions should be considered. If drowsiness occurs or attention is impaired, do not drive vehicles or work with machinery.

In case of yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, unusually light stools, prolonged nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or pronounced weakness, medical evaluation is necessary. Such symptoms may accompany liver damage.

When to see a doctor

When coughing, it is important to consider its duration and accompanying symptoms. If it does not go away, gets worse, or is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should consult a doctor. With pronounced breathing difficulties, help is needed without delay.

Specialist consultation is especially important in the following cases:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• for chronic diseases;
• for liver diseases;
• with regular medication intake;
• with a tendency to allergic reactions;
• if the herbal remedy is intended for a child.

Before using any herbal products, you must inform your doctor about the medications and supplements you are already taking. This is especially important during long-term therapy, liver diseases, preparation for surgery, or anti-tumor treatment.

If prescribed treatment is in place, you must not independently change dosages or stop medications in favor of herbal remedies. If lungwort is considered as a supplement, its use should be agreed upon with your attending physician.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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