Lungwort Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a low-growing flowering plant native to Europe and parts of western Asia, where it grows in shady woodlands and gardens. It has rough leaves often marked with pale spots, and its flowers can change from pink to blue as they age.

The plant got its name long ago because people thought its spotted, lung-shaped leaves were a sign that it could treat lung problems. For centuries it was brewed into a tea and used in folk medicine for coughs, sore throats, and chest complaints.

Note that the name "lungwort" is also sometimes used for a completely different organism, a tree lichen called Lobaria pulmonaria. This monograph is about the flowering plant Pulmonaria officinalis.

People have traditionally used lungwort for respiratory problems such as coughs, chest congestion, bronchitis, sore throat, and hoarseness. It has also been used as a tea for mild diarrhea and applied to the skin to help with minor wounds.

The evidence is weak. Most of what we know comes from traditional use and a small amount of laboratory testing, not from good-quality human studies. There is not enough reliable research to say that lungwort effectively treats any medical condition.

If you have a lasting cough, trouble breathing, or any breathing problem that is getting worse, do not rely on lungwort. See a healthcare provider, because these symptoms can have serious causes.

Lungwort contains plant compounds such as mucilage (a soothing, gel-like substance), tannins, flavonoids, and small amounts of other constituents. Mucilage may coat and soothe irritated tissues in the throat, which is one reason it has traditionally been used for coughs and sore throats.

Tannins have a drying, astringent quality that may explain its folk use for mild diarrhea and minor skin irritation. Some laboratory studies suggest the plant has antioxidant activity.

It is important to understand that these are proposed mechanisms based mainly on the plant's chemistry and on test-tube research. They have not been confirmed to produce meaningful benefits in people.

Lungwort has been consumed as a tea for a long time, but it has not been carefully studied for safety in modern research. Use caution and keep to small, food-like amounts.

One concern is that some plants in the borage family (Boraginaceae), to which lungwort belongs, can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds may harm the liver if taken in large amounts or for long periods. Because of this uncertainty, avoid using lungwort daily for extended periods.

People with liver disease, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid lungwort because of the lack of safety data. Do not give it to infants or young children without medical advice. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any herbal product.

There is little formal data on side effects. Because lungwort is consumed in small amounts as a tea, problems appear to be uncommon, but they have not been well tracked.

Possible effects include mild stomach upset and, rarely, an allergic reaction in people sensitive to plants in the borage family. Stop using it and seek care if you notice rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

The main theoretical concern is potential liver toxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids with heavy or long-term use, so it should not be taken regularly over long stretches of time.

There is no standardized, well-established dose for lungwort. Traditional use involves brewing the dried herb as a tea, but the strength of products varies widely.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Avoid long-term daily use. Because dosing and product quality are not standardized, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, and to buy from a reputable manufacturer.