Lungwort
Parts Usually Used
Flowering herb
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Lungwort is a perennial plant; the horizontal, creeping rootstock produces several bristly stems with alternate ovate, dark green leaves which are petioled at the bottom of the plant and become sessile near the top. The funnel-shaped flowers grow in terminal clusters from March to May. They turn from rose-colored to blue, both colors being found on the plant at the same time. Other varieties: Bethlehem sage (P.
saccarata) has white-spotted leaves and white to reddish violet flowers; the variety ‘Roy Davidson’ has gray-blue leaves with silvery splotches, flowers turn from clear blue to light pink; P. angustifolia has dark blue flowers; and P. montana has violet flowers and bright green leaves.
Where Found
Grows in shady areas, moist soil, cool to moderate temperatures; in Europe and in the northern parts of the United States; cultivated in gardens also.
Medicinal Properties
Antitussive, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, mucilaginous, tonic
Biochemical Information
Mucilage, vitamins B and C, iron, copper, silver, manganese, kerotin, titan, nickel
Legends, Myths and Stories
In the Middle Ages it was commonly believed that the outward appearance of a plant was a God-given sign of the medicinal value contained within. Under this concept, called the Doctrine of Signatures, lungwort received its name: its lung-shaped leaves were considered a sign of its ability to treat lung diseases. Based on folklore, this doctrine was formally stated by the 16th century physician Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus Paracelsus von Hohenheim.
Interestingly, Native Americans had the same idea in their herb lore, even before they were exposed to white men. The problem with the concept is that, although it works well for some plants, it generally takes a great deal of creative imagination to match the outward appearance of most plants to the “appropriate” medicinal use.
Uses
Historically, herbalists administered lungwort tea for diarrhea, hemorrhoids, coughs, asthma, colds, catarrh, hoarseness, and general respiratory complaints. Traditional practitioners also valued it as a mild diuretic and employed decoctions for bleeding in the lungs. In folk medicine, the plant was utilized to address excessive menstrual flow. Externally, practitioners applied lungwort to wounds, ulcers, and sores, and prepared poultices intended to address an enlarged thyroid, burns, bruises, and swelling or inflammation resulting from injuries.
Warning
If a cough persists for more than 2 weeks, do not try to treat it. See a medical professional immediately.
Bibliography
, Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023