Lungworts

May 5th, 2008

Botanical Name: Pulmonaria
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: Pulmonaria

Synonyms: The scientific name Pulmonaria is derived from Latin pulmo (the lung). In the times of sympathetic magic, the spotted oval leaves of P. officinalis were thought to symbolize diseased, ulcerated lungs, and so were used to treat pulmonary infections. The common name in many languages also refers to lungs, as in English “lungwort” and German “Lungenkraut”. In some East European languages, the common name is derived from a word for honey, e.g. Russian “medunitza” and Polish “miodunka”.

English colloquial names include Lungwort, Soldiers and Sailors, Spotted dog, Joseph and Mary, Jerusalem Cowslip, Bethlehem Sage.

Part Used: Herb.

Habitat: It is native to Europe and western Asia, with one species (P. mollissima) east to central Asia. According to various estimates there may be between 10 and 18 Pulmonaria species found in the wild, but the taxonomy of this genus is very confusing.

Species :-
Pulmonaria affinis
Pulmonaria angustifolia
Pulmonaria filarszkyana
Pulmonaria kerneri
Pulmonaria longifolia
Pulmonaria mollis
Pulmonaria mollissima
Pulmonaria montana
Pulmonaria obscura
Pulmonaria officinalis
Pulmonaria rubra
Pulmonaria saccharata
Pulmonaria stiriaca
Pulmonaria vallarsae
Pulmonaria visianii

Description:
Lungworts are perennial herbs that form clumps or rosettes. They are covered in hairs of varied length and stiffness, and sometimes also bear glands. The underground parts consist of a slowly creeping rhizome with adventitious roots. Flowering stems are unbranched, rough, covered with bristly hairs, usually not exceeding 25–30cm, with a few exceptions (P. mollis, P. vallarsae). The stems are usually upright, or slightly spreading.

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The leaves are arranged in rosettes. The blades are usually large, from narrowly lanceolate to oval, with the base ranging from heart shaped to very gradually narrowing, and can have a sharply pointed or blunt tip. Leaf margin is always entire, but in some species and forms can be rather wavy. Basal leaves are carried on stalks that can be short or longer than the leave blade in various species. Stem leaves are smaller and often narrower, and are unstalked or clasping the stem. All leaves are covered with hairs that are usually bristly, or occasionally soft. The leaves are often prominently spotted in black and blue, or sometimes in pale green, or unspotted.

The inflorescence is a terminal scorpioid cyme, with bracts. Lungwort flowers are heterostylous, with two distinct forms of flower within each species; those with short stamens and long styles (”pin” flowers) and those with long stamens and short styles (”thrum” flowers), with the former usually being larger and more showy. The calyx is hairy, 5-lobed, tubular or funnel-shaped, enlarging as the fruit ripens. The corolla is funnel-shaped and consists of a long, cylindrical tube and a limb with five shallow lobes. Within the corolla throat, five tufts of hairs alternate with the stamens to form a ring. The colour of corolla varies from purple, violet or blue to shades of pink and red, or sometimes white. The colour of the flower in bud is often pink, which then changes as the flower matures. The stamens and style are included within the corolla and not protruding.

The nutlets are smooth, egg-shaped, brownish, up to 4.5 mm long and 3 mm wide, each containing a single seed. Up to four nutlets per flower are produced, ripening mostly in summer.

Pulmonaria species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora pulmonariella which feeds exclusively on P. saccharata.

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.
Harvesting:
Harvest the whole plant in the middle of summer during the flowering period.

Medicinal Action and Uses—An infusion of 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water is taken several times a day for subduing inflammation, and for its healing effect in pulmonary complaints.

Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

Make an infusion or tincture of leaves that have been gathered during the flowering period.

Lungwort is traditionally used bronchial complaints. There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of this plant.
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.
It makes a soothing gargle for hoarseness or sore throat.
It helps to stop bleeding after passing kidney stones.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lungwort
http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/lungwort.asp
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lungwo49.html