A fascinating herb with a long tradition in herbalism
In the world of herbs, there are some hidden gems that are special precisely because they seem so unremarkable. Lungwort is one of them—delicate blossoms in spring, with a long history in traditional herbalism. Even Hildegard of Bingen mentioned it in her writings—and today, lungwort is quietly making a comeback.
What is lungwort?
Lungwort (Latin Pulmonaria officinalis) is a native plant usually found in light woodlands. It belongs to the borage family and shows off beautiful violet to pink flowers in spring. The most well-known is spotted lungwort, whose leaves have small pale spots—a kind of “trademark” that probably inspired its name.
People used to believe: if a plant looks like an organ, it helps with that organ. This so-called doctrine of signatures is why lungwort has had a firm place in herbal tradition for centuries.
What’s inside lungwort?
The plant contains, among other things, mucilage, saponins, silica, and tannins—an interesting mix of compounds that makes lungwort so popular in herbalism. Traditionally, it’s especially associated with these topics:
- Traditional herbal knowledge for the airways
- A key ingredient in many classic herbal tea blends
- A long history in monastic traditions
- Mentioned by Hildegard in her writings
Lungwort is one of those plants that have been valued in traditional herbalism for centuries.
Lungwort and Hildegard of Bingen
Hildegard mentioned lungwort in her writings and gave it special attention. The most famous is the so-called lungwort tonic, made from several plants and traditionally prepared as a course in spring or autumn. In Hildegard’s teachings, it’s one of the best-known recipes.
Lungwort tea: A classic in herbal tradition
The classic way to prepare it is as a tea. Here’s how you do it:
Ingredients:
- 1–2 teaspoons dried lungwort
- 250 ml hot water
Preparation:
Pour hot water over the herb, let it steep for 5–10 minutes, strain, and sip slowly.
Tip: For kids or sensitive people, use a milder dose. The tea also pairs well with other herbs.
Capsules & tonic: For everyday convenience
If you’re not into tea, you can go for lungwort capsules or ready-made products. Capsules or complex blends with other herbs are especially popular.
You’ll also find preparations inspired by Hildegard’s tradition in our selection—like the rockrose-lungwort tea.
Notes on use
Lungwort is considered well tolerated, but you shouldn’t use it in large amounts or for long periods without care. Reason: It contains trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which can be problematic in very high doses.
So:
- Don’t take it continuously
- Only use during pregnancy after checking with someone
- Best to use organic quality or certified products
Where can you buy lungwort?
You’ll find dried lungwort in well-stocked pharmacies, health food stores, or online shops. Make sure to check the origin and quality—ideally from certified organic sources. Also check out our herbs and spices inspired by Hildegard’s teachings.
Conclusion:
Lungwort is a fascinating herb with a long tradition in herbalism—going back centuries. Whether as tea, capsule, or tonic: it connects old traditions with the growing interest in classic herbal knowledge. A quiet herb with a big story—perfect for anyone interested in Hildegard’s world of plants.
