Just a few days ago, I needed a document, and I didn’t know where exactly I kept it, as it had been a long while I used it. This got me searching the entire house. After about two hours of digging up a number of files and books, I found an old book. It was a course note I used way back in college. Back in the day, I took some Botany courses all for my love for plants and herbs especially. I glanced through the note with so much nostalgia. I remembered vividly the practical sessions and long hours of research on herbs. As I flipped, I saw this write-up that I was glued to for hours till tears rolled down my eyes. It was a note on Lungwort. Asides the greatness of this herb, I was moved for another reason. That research saved the life of a friend that period. Shortly after we discovered the herb and did some research, Steve developed lung problems. We were glad we had the solution to Steve’s problem. The herb cured the same problem many had died of.
For days after I saw that book, I ignored my search for the document. I studied Lungwort all over again. It was amazing. Then I thought I should share it here. It saved Steve’s life about a decade ago, who knows, it may do more this time. Of course, I needed to update my research of those days. I have discovered even more wonders that Lungwort can do. And I am glad to present this article to you. Enjoy!
Lungwort, botanically known as Pulmonaria officinalis is a perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It grows in a moist climate, and grows up to 30 cm in length. As its name indicates, it is beneficial to the lungs. It clears the airways and expels mucus from the lungs. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties prevent viral and bacterial infections in the lungs. To treat lung diseases, Lungwort is even more effective when consumed with Horehound, Lobelia, or Coltsfoot. Lungwort is celebrated for its vast array of highly beneficial constituents such as allantoin, saponins, tannins, caffeic acids, flavonoids, and the amazing list goes on. Lungwort has been used for centuries in various ways to solve loads of health conditions. Lungwort is predominantly found in Central Europe. It is generally distributed in Netherlands, British Isles, Sweden, and Italy. Where else? It is found in Western Asia and Russia.
Lungwort Facts you should Know
- There are over a dozen different species of lungwort.
- Species of Lungwort thrive in various environments, from lowland forest to high altitudes.
- Lungwort’s leaves are rich in phytochemicals, which makes it richly medicinal.
- Lungwort is an essential source of food for the larvae of various insects.
- The natural antibiotic properties in Lungwort make it effective against respiratory infections.
- Lungwort has a variety of names such as Pulmonaire, Sause de Bethlehem, Jerusalem Cowslip, Coucou Bleu, Lungen kraut, spotted comfrey, Lung moss, Lungs of oak.
- Lungwort contains mucus, little alkaloids, carotene, and vitamin C.
Benefits of Lungwort
It Aids Digestion
A cup of Lungwort tea is enough to solve any digestive and gastrointestinal problem you may have. So Lungwort is your digestive system’s friend. Amazing herb, yeah? Did I mention that Lungwort eliminates indigestion and diarrhea too? Oh yeah, it does. Get yourself some Lungwort tea.
With its mild diuretic properties, Lungwort relieves the discomfort of bloating which comes from drinking excess water. Its astringent properties, however, make it effective and reliable in treating diarrhea.
Respiratory Conditions
We can call this a primary function of Lungwort. It is highly effective in treating respiratory conditions such as cough, catarrh, asthma, and tuberculosis. Chest infections are not left out because Lungwort contains antibiotics. What else? Lungwort clears the airways and exposes the build-up of mucus out of the lungs. Did you know that Lungwort tea does well in cleaning up tar built up as a result of habitual smoking? Lungwort is a friend of your respiratory system. Embrace it!
It’s Got Antioxidant Effects
Did you know that Lungwort tea contains a high level of phenolic compounds and other beneficial antioxidants? Antioxidants play an undeniably important role in your health, and Lungwort has got it to protect you against the damaging effects of free radicals, heart disease, and cancer. They also have the ability to keep you from aging.
Lungwort Loves your Skin Too
It’s useful in treating wounds and cuts, as it contains a chemical compound called allatonin which heals damaged tissues and wounds. What if I told you it treats skin infections such as eczema and burns? It really does.
It Cures Urinary Tract Infection
Lungwort has been used for quite a number of decades in treating the urinary tract as a result of its natural diuretic ability. What else? It’s been said to be effective in treating the kidney too.
What about Lungwort Tea?
Lungwort tea is popularly known for its astringent and diuretic properties. It contains a number of active chemicals such as saponins, tannic acid, tannis, and allantoin. The tea’s powerful constituents make it perfect for treating bronchitis, severe coughs, chest pain, gastrointestinal problems, wounds, cuts, swelling, and eczema. It even calms hemorrhoids. I should also tell you that Lungwort tea is recommended to people who suffer asthma, lung bleeding, pneumonia, swelling, and tuberculosis. Wow! Lungwort is great indeed.
To enjoy these benefits, here is how to prepare the tea.
- Add a teaspoon of dried Lungwort leaves to 150 ml of boiling water.
- Allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and add some honey or lemon juice to taste.
You may drink Lungwort tea 2-3 times daily to enjoy its great benefits.
How to Use Lungwort?
The best time to harvest the flowers of Lungwort is spring. To do this, cut its stem close to the ground while it still has the leaves and flowers on. Next, tie them in bunches and hang them in an airy place. Its leaves are edible, making them fit for your salads. Yummy! Who else enjoys salads? Well, I do, a whole lot.
Lungwort comes as tablets and extracts. These are some recommended doses:
- As an infusion, you may steep 2 teaspoons of dried Lungwort in boiling water and drink thrice daily.
- As a tincture, 1 to 4 milliliters should be taken orally thrice daily.
Side Effects of Lungwort
- People with sensitive skins may have rashes after taking Lungwort. It is advised to stop using it immediately this happens.
- It may cause stomach upset.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid using Lungwort in whatever form.
- People with a history of digestive tract bleeding and/or low platelet count may also need to avoid taking Lungwort.
- People with liver disease, gallstones, and stomach ulcer are also advised not to take Lungwort.
Final Words…
I’m glad I found that course note, more importantly, I am glad this article is available for you to read. I would be even gladder if more people read this. Let someone else know about Lungwort, do share it. So, that document, how amazing, you wouldn’t believe where I found it. Just as I got to the last page of the write-up on Lungwort, which is the last page of the course note, I saw the document neatly folded between the last page and the book cover. I was super glad. I bless the day I did that tedious search. Did I tell you I contacted Steve? Yes, he was the first to read this article.
Cheers.
