Fall weather can be hard on the respiratory system. If you come down with cough, asthma, or bronchitis, you can try supplementing your treatment with an herb that seems like it was designed to heal lungs.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is easily recognizable – its flowers shine with a colorful palette of practically all shades of pink and purple. It’s widespread in Europe, growing natively in northern Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, and has been naturalized in the British Isles. If you don’t happen to live in any of these areas, don’t worry, since lungwort extracts can be bought online as well.
USING LUNGWORT
Tea made from its flowers or leaves can help fight coughs and minor respiratory illnesses. Lungwort can also be combined with other herbs to increase its healing effect and to counter its mild blood coagulating effect. People suffering from high blood sedimentation shouldn’t use lungwort on its own or for long term use. Other than that, lungwort is helpful for regenerating damaged tissue after the consumption of concentrated alcohol, hot food or drink, or chemicals.
Tea blend for healthy lungs:
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 parts lungwort flowers (or leaves)
- 5 parts coltsfoot leaves
- 4 parts horsetail
- 4 parts knotweed
- 3 parts plantain
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all herbs together and pour 17 fluid ounces or half a liter of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink three times a day.
