Lungwort
(Pulmonaria officinalis L. and P. longifolia (Bast.) Bor. P. angustifolia auct., Boraginaceae)
Also Called: Jerusalem Cowslip.
Description: Perennial plants, 20-30cm (8-12in) high, with
thin rhizome and stems that are erect, green, hairy, simple or occasionally
branched.
Leaves oval, entire, hairy, the lower ones petiolate, the upper ones sessile,
often with white spots (radical leaves lanceolate in P. longifolia,
ovate and abruptly contracted at the base in P. officinalis).
Flowers in small groups at the apex of the stem, 12-18mm (0'5-0.7in) long,
tubular, pink becoming violet (P. officinalis) or pink becoming blue
(P. longifolia).
Flowering: March-May.
Part Used: Dried plant.
Habitat and Collection: In open woods and thickets, beside
-streams.
Unevenly distributed in central and northern Europe.
P. longifolia is native in Britain in clay soils, but very local. P.
officinalis is cultivated in cottage gardens; it is naturalised in woods
in a number of localities, mainly in southern England.
Constituents and Action: Tannins, abundant potassium salts
and silicic acid, saponins and allantoin are present; but the active principles
have not yet been determined.
It has astringent properties and can be used to cleanse the digestive system,
for diarreha, and for cystitis.
It's often used to strengthen the utereus during pregnancy and to facilitate
childbirth.
Makes a soothing gargle for hoarseness or sore throat.
Helps to stop bleeding after passing kidney stones.
It has a resolutive and strengthening action on the respiratory tract, which
is very often overrated.
Lungwort is traditionally used bronchial complaints, but there is little evidence
to support the effectiveness of this plant.
Usage:As an infusion or tincture of leaves that have been
gathered during the flowering period.
Generally as a tisane (0-5 litre (1 pt) of cold water on 1-2 tablespoonfuls
of drug, boil for 5 minutes and allow to stand) as a resolutive in bronchitis.
Despite popular belief, its good effects in pulmonary tuberculosis have not
been confirmed.
The drug is rarely used for stomach haemorrhages, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea,
dropsy and, again, its action His very doubtful.
Note: Lungwort is also the name of the lichen Lobaria pulmonacea, which has similar medicinal properties.
Cultivation: Lungwort is a perennial herb which is propagated by root division in autumn or seed sown directly in spring. When dividing clumps, keep them well watered to encourage good root development before winter sets in. Plants requires a shady and reasonably moist environment and the soil should be rich in organic matter. Give it a little extra water during hot spells. In winter, cut back the flowering stems and mulch well. Divide clumps three or four years after planting.
This attractive plant is prized as a groundcover both for its striking,
white-spotted green foliage and it's pretty, tubular flowers that are pink
when they first open, then fade to shades of blue and purple. It grows to
a height of only 9 inches. This is a great choice for shady spots.
Harvesting: Harvest the whole plant in the middle of summer during
the flowering period.
