Witnessed by: Western
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis), of the Boraginaceae family. Low hairy perennial with white-blotched oval leaves and flowers turning pink to blue; native range: shaded woodlands and hedgebanks of Europe. Globally recognized as spotted lungwort, Jerusalem cowslip, Mary's tears, spotted dog in English. The part used is leaf and flowering herb. Leaf mucilaginous and slightly astringent, bland with a faint bitterness, rough with bristly hairs.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
LUNGWORT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- lungwort
- Scientific name
- Pulmonaria officinalis L.
- Family
- Boraginaceae
Form
- Part used
- leaf and flowering herb
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- mucilaginous · astringent
Temperature
- Western
- cool and moist
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- lungs · mucous membranes · kidneys
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- demulcent, expectorant, mild astringent, emollient, diuretic, vulnerary
Cautions
Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation as a precaution, prolonged use
Toxicity: contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid long-term or high-dose internal use
Interactions
- Western
- hepatotoxic drugs: additive hepatic load from trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids on prolonged use
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