Lungwort

botanical
Best before bed

What is it

Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a European perennial whose spotted leaves were historically used for respiratory complaints, based partly on the doctrine of signatures (the leaves resemble lung tissue).

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cough and respiratory comfort

Mixed

Traditional use is established, but high-quality human clinical trials are not available.

How it works

The plant contains mucilage, allantoin, tannins, flavonoids, and small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some sources. Mucilage may soothe irritated mucous membranes, and tannins have astringent effects. Traditional uses include cough, bronchitis, and minor wound care. High-quality human clinical evidence is sparse, with most use based on tradition.

Dosage

Traditional preparations use 1-3 g of dried herb per cup of tea, two or three times daily. The DSLD does not list a single standardized dose. Tincture and capsule doses vary.

When and how to take it

Tea is often taken warm before bed or with cough symptoms. Separate from medications by at least an hour.

2 commercial forms

Dried leaf for tea

Provides mucilage in infusion

Traditional Western herbal preparation.

Liquid extract or glycerite

Concentrated; choose PA-tested products

Used in cough syrups and traditional formulas.

Safety

Some Pulmonaria sources have been reported to contain low levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be hepatotoxic with chronic exposure. Reputable products test for and limit these compounds. Short-term traditional use has not been linked to acute adverse effects.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to possible pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Avoid in liver disease. Use only PA-tested products and limit duration of use.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with medications metabolized by the liver if PA exposure occurs. Mucilage may slightly slow absorption of co-administered medications.

Frequently asked questions

Does lungwort actually help lungs?⌄

Its name comes from leaf appearance, not from solid clinical evidence. It may have mild soothing effects on throat and bronchial tissues.

Is it safe long-term?⌄

Long-term use is not recommended due to possible pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Limit to short-term use of PA-tested products.

References

  • Lungwort on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Lungwort (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.