Lungwort Plant: A Forgotten Ally for Your Lungs
The lungwort plant might sound like a relic from ancient herbal lore, but it’s carving out a quiet place in modern wellness. Historically used for respiratory issues, this unassuming woodland herb could be exactly what your lungs have been waiting for.
Let’s dive into what makes lungwort a natural option for those looking to support their breathing, the traditional way.
What Exactly Is Lungwort?
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a herbaceous plant with broad, spotted leaves and bell-shaped flowers that bloom in purples and pinks. You’ll find it growing wild in damp, shaded woods across Europe and parts of Western Asia.
Back in the day, herbalists used the “Doctrine of Signatures” — believing a plant’s shape revealed its purpose. Lungwort’s blotchy leaves looked like diseased lungs, so they assumed it must help with lung health. As odd as that sounds, modern research may support some of those early observations.
Lungwort Plant A Traditional Remedy for Breathing Support
Long before pharmaceuticals existed, lungwort was steeped into teas and used in tinctures to relieve respiratory ailments. People took it for chronic coughs, wheezing, and chest infections.
Thanks to its mucilage content, lungwort creates a soothing, gel-like coating over inflamed or dry tissue — ideal when your throat feels like sandpaper or you’re coughing endlessly.
Moreover, its traditional uses spanned generations, often passed down in families as a reliable remedy during cold seasons. Here is another great plant to try for detoxing the body. Duck flower.
What’s Inside This Unique Herb?
While research is still evolving, lungwort packs in some useful plant chemistry:
-
Mucilage – Coats and soothes irritated airways
-
Allantoin – Promotes tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation
-
Saponins – Help loosen mucus and improve expectoration
-
Flavonoids – Offer antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory action
-
Tannins – Support the immune system and tone mucous membranes
Because of this combination, herbalists still lean on lungwort for supporting lung and throat health naturally.
How The Lungwort Plant Helps Today
Lungwort hasn’t just faded into herbal folklore. It’s still widely used in natural circles to ease:
-
Persistent dry coughs
-
Mild asthma
-
Respiratory inflammation
-
Sore throats and hoarseness
-
Seasonal allergies
In particular, lungwort helps thin out mucus while calming inflamed passages. When combined with herbs like mullein, thyme or licorice root, the synergy often brings faster relief.
Safe Ways to Use The Lungwort Plant
If you’re curious to try it, dried lungwort is the most common option. It’s typically made into tea or taken as a liquid tincture.
To prepare lungwort tea:
-
Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb to a mug
-
Pour over freshly boiled water
-
Steep for 10–15 minutes
-
Drink up to three times a day when needed
You can also add honey, lemon, or peppermint to boost both the flavour and benefits.
Important tip: Always buy from trusted herbal suppliers. Wildcrafting lungwort is only recommended if you’re confident in plant identification and committed to sustainable practices.
Any Side Effects or Risks?
Generally, lungwort is safe in moderate amounts. However, it’s wise to avoid high doses or long-term daily use without professional guidance.
-
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Best avoided unless advised by a professional
-
Liver concerns: Lungwort contains very low levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These may be harmful in excess, but most commercial preparations are PA-free or extremely low
As always, if you’re unsure — speak with a qualified herbalist.
What the Research Tells Us
Scientific research on lungwort is still catching up with traditional use. Early findings highlight its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which aligns with its long-standing use in respiratory health.
Although we need more robust trials, the anecdotal evidence and historical record give it strong credibility in the herbal world.
Companion Herbs That Work Well with Lungwort
For a well-rounded respiratory remedy, consider pairing lungwort with these allies:
-
Mullein – Moisturises lung tissue and supports clear breathing
-
Thyme – Combats microbes and strengthens the immune response
-
Licorice root – Calms irritated airways and soothes dry coughs
-
Elecampane – Ideal for breaking up mucus in deep chest congestion
Used together, these herbs create a layered approach to lung support, especially during allergy season or recovery from colds.
Final Thoughts: Is Lungwort a Smart Choice?
The lungwort plant might not be the flashiest herb, but its effects are subtle and steady. For anyone seeking natural ways to ease breathing, calm the chest, and support overall lung function, lungwort is a gentle but worthy option.
It won’t replace medical treatments for serious conditions, yet it might be exactly what you need when you’re feeling run down, stuffed up, or just want to breathe easier without reaching for synthetic sprays.
Sometimes, old remedies bring the freshest results. “Learn about the unique powers of the mullein plant for lung health.
