The gentle healing herb for your airways, immune system & more 🌿
In the world of medicinal plants, there are quiet treasures that stand out precisely because they are so unassuming. Lungwort is one of them—delicate blossoms in spring, with a long tradition as a natural helper for respiratory ailments. Even Hildegard von Bingen knew about its benefits—and today, lungwort is quietly making a comeback.
What is lungwort?
Lungwort (Latin: Pulmonaria officinalis) is a native plant that you’ll often find in light woodlands. It belongs to the borage family and in spring it shows off beautiful blossoms in shades of violet and pink. The spotted lungwort is especially well known—its leaves are dotted with pale spots, a kind of “trademark” that likely inspired its name.
People once believed that if a plant looked like an organ, it could help heal it. That’s why lungwort has been used for centuries to ease coughs, bronchitis, and other lung complaints.
How does lungwort support your body?
This plant contains mucilage, saponins, silica, and tannins—a powerful combination that can be soothing for the mucous membranes of your airways. Lungwort is especially valued for:
- Irritative cough & bronchitis
- Inflammation of the upper airways
- Smoker's cough
- Vocal cord irritation
Your immune system can also benefit from gentle support. Some people even report positive effects on their skin and mood—especially when feeling restless inside.
Lungwort in Hildegard von Bingen's teachings
Hildegard mentioned lungwort in her natural healing writings and recommended it as a strengthening remedy for the lungs—especially for chronic issues or after illness. The best known is the so-called lungwort elixir, which combines several plants and is traditionally enjoyed as a remedy in spring or autumn.
Lungwort tea: Soothing and easy to prepare
The classic way to use it is as a tea. Here’s how you can make 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: Especially if you have a cough or hoarseness, you can drink the tea several times a day. For children or anyone sensitive, a milder dose is best.
Capsules & Tonic: When You Need Something Quick
If you’re not in the mood for tea, you can also turn to lungwort capsules or ready-made preparations. Capsules from brands like Altapharma (Rossmann) or complex remedies with other medicinal plants are especially popular.
Hildegard pharmacies also offer ready-made blends like the “lungwort tonic” – perfect if you want to follow the traditions of monastic medicine.
Side Effects & Notes
Lungwort is generally well tolerated, but you shouldn’t use it in large amounts or for extended periods without caution. The reason: it contains trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which can be harmful to the liver in very high doses.
So, keep in mind:
- Don’t take it continuously
- Only use during pregnancy after consulting with a professional
- It’s best to choose organic quality or certified preparations
Where Can You Buy Lungwort?
You’ll find dried lungwort in well-stocked pharmacies, health food stores, or online shops. Pay attention to the origin and quality – ideally, it should come from certified organic cultivation.
Conclusion:
Lungwort is a gentle yet effective ally for respiratory issues – and has been for centuries. Whether as a tea, capsule, or tonic, it brings together ancient wisdom and modern herbal medicine. A quiet herb with a powerful effect – just what you need when you want to take a deep breath. 💨🌿
