Common Lungwort


Common Lungwort

This genus of about 14 species of deciduous or evergreen, low-growing, rhizomatous perennials occurs in woodland areas of Europe, Asia, and western N America. Many are grown for their spotted leaves and early flowers. In some species the flowers are bicolored, giving rise to common names such as "Joseph and Mary" and "soldiers and sailors"; the latter refers to the red and blue uniforms that one characterized the British army and navy. Lungworts are an interesting and much-quoted example of the Doctrine of Signatures, whcih dominated European medical thinking in the 16th and 17th centuries. This held that herbs were given by God to heal human ills and that the appearance of the plant indicated its appropriate use; thus, the mottled, ovate leaves of lungwort suggested diseased lungs and could but used to treat them. This theory is fully described in The Art of Simpling (William Coles, 1656). In fact, many herbs are used to this day for the purposes described — if not for the reasons given. Pulmonaria officinalis should not be confused with Lobaria pulmonaria, also known as "lungwort". The genus Pulmonaria is closely related to Symphytum (See, Comfrey), and is suspected of similar toxicity, due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause liver damage. Pulmonaria is derived from the Latin pulmo, "lung", because the plants were used to treat bronchial diseases.

Lungwort is so named because of its prowess as an expectorant and its ability to reduce bronchial mucus and restore lung elasticity, and because its speckled leaf somewhat resembles a lung. It us used to treat cough, congestion, and bronchitis as well as menstrual irregularity and diarrhea.

Clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with hairy stems and white-spotted, ovate leaves, 10-13cm (4-5in) long, covered in bristly hairs. Funnel-shaped flowers appear in spring, opening pink, and turning blue.


Common Name:
Common Lungwort
Other Names:
Jerusalem Cowslip, Jerusalem Sage, Lungs of Oak, Lungwort, Soldiers and Sailors
Botanical Name:
Pulmonaria offinalis
Genus:
Pulmonaria
Family:
Boraginaceae
Location:
Europe
Cultivation:
Moist soil, including clay, in sun or shade. Sawfly larvae, slugs, and snails may attack foliage. Prone to powdery mildew in dry conditions.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by division in spring immediately after flowering, or in autumn; by root cuttings in mid-winter. Germination may be slow.
Harvest:
Plants are cut in early summer, and dried for infusions and extracts.
Height:
25cm (10in)
Width:
45cm (18in)or more
Variations:
Cambridge Blue Group
Has eggshell-blue flowers, opening from pink buds.
Height: 30cm (12in)
White Wings
Has pink-centered white flowers in late spring.
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Leaves
Properties:
A soothing, astringent, expectorant herb.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, mucus, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea. Combines well with Marrubium vulgare (See, Horehound) and Tussilago farfara (See, Coltsfoot) for coughs in tuberculosis, and with Ephedra spp. (See, Joint Fir) for obstructed airways. Externally for wounds and as an eyewash.
To treat respiratory congestion, cough, diarrhea, various urinary and gastrointestinal tract ailments and wounds.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of lungwort has not been established.
Possible Side Effects:
Lungwort's side effects include nausea, lack of appetite, and an increased tendency toward bleeding.
Drug Interactions:
Taking lungwort with these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising:
Aminosalicylic Acid, (Nemasol Sodium, Paser)
Antithrombin III, (Thrombate III)
Argatroban, (Argatroban)
Aspirin, (Bufferin, Ecotrin)
Bivalirudin, (Angiomax)
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate, (Trilisate)
Choline Salicylate, (Teejel)
Dalteparin, (Fragmin)
Danaparoid, (Orgaran)
Enoxaparin, (Lovenox)
Fondaparinux, (Arixtra)
Heparin, (Hepalean, Hep-Lock)
Lepirudin, (Refludan)
Salsalate, (Amgesic, Salflex)
Tinzaparin, (Innohep)
Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Culinary Uses:
Young leaves are added to salads and soups.
Economic Uses:
Extract is an ingredient of vermouth
Warning:
Skin irritant and allergen.
This herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.336-337
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD Pg. 317