Lungwort, Common lungwort, Jerusalem Sage, Jerusalem Cowslip

Pulmonaria officinalis

Physical Characteristics

Pulmonaria officinalis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 7, 8, 9, 105]. They can be added to salads or used as a potherb[183]. A fairly bland flavour but the leaves are low in fibre and make an acceptable addition to mixed salads, though their mucilaginous and slightly hairy texture make them less acceptable when eaten on their own[K]. The young leaves make a palatable cooked vegetable[244], though we have found the texture to be somewhat slimy[K]. The plant is an ingredient of the drink Vermouth[244].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Demulcent Diaphoretic Diuretic Emollient Expectorant Homeopathy Ophthalmic Resolvent Lungwort has a high mucilage content and this makes it useful in the treatment of chest conditions, being of particular benefit in cases of chronic bronchitis[254]. It combines well with other herbs such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) in the treatment of chronic coughs including whooping cough and can also be taken to treat asthma[254]. The leaves and flowering shoots are astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant and resolvent[4, 7, 9, 21, 165]. They are often used for their healing effect in pulmonary complaints[4] and their mucilaginous nature makes them beneficial in treating sore throats[244]. The leaves can also be used externally to stop bleeding[254]. They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use[7]. A distilled water made from the plant is an effective eyewash for tired eyes[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs and diarrhoea[9].

Known Hazards

None known