Lungwort is the leafy herb Pulmonaria officinalis, traditionally steeped in European respiratory-season teas. Herbalists value its mucilaginous, soothing character. Correct identity matters because unrelated lichens and plants also share the lungwort name.
Traditional Uses & Why Herbalists Value It
Older European materia medica describes lungwort as a mucilaginous herb used in respiratory infusions. Its soothing texture explains the demulcent tradition, meaning a moist, coating quality when prepared in water. The spotted leaf also shaped its historical name.
What Modern Research Has Found
Research is chiefly historical and phytochemical, with little controlled human evidence. Botanical authentication and pyrrolizidine-alkaloid safety assessment remain important for oral material.
Plant Part, Preparation & Natural Constituents
The leafy herb, not a lichen also called lungwort, is the intended botanical category.
Sources & Further Reading
