Lungwort lichen medicine. " This unique lichen, revered for its lung-like appearance and rich, green color, is harvested sustainably from pristine forests where it thrives in harmony with its environment. In return, the algae photosynthesise to provide food for the fungus. Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries, primarily for respiratory ailments. Whether you choose simple teas, potent tinctures, soothing syrups, topical poultices, or therapeutic oils, preparing lungwort correctly maximizes its healing benefits. It is anti-inflammatory and soothing, and is used to help diseases of the lungs. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Lungwort. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Lungwort Complex comprises of Elecampane, Coltsfoot, Mullein leaf, Lungwort, and Golden Seal, this blend is poised to offer the lungs deep, natural support. This lichen plays an important role in the ecosystem, and has cultural and medicinal significance for humans. Tree lungwort, (Lobaria pulmonaria), a lichen that, because of its physical resemblance to the lungs, was once used to treat tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other lung diseases. Christopher Hobbs: “Lungwort is both expectorant and emollient, so it is useful for bronchitis and laryngitis. Due to insufficient data, lungwort is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ethnolichenology is the study of the relationship between lichens and people. Lungwort, also known as lung moss or lobaria pulmonaria, is a lichen that has been used around the world for a variety of respiratory ailments including coughs, colds, bronchial detoxification. Certain lichen species can be poisonous because of usnic or vulpinic acid that is present in their tissues. Lungwort is also used in cough medicines, to relieve fluid retention, and to treat lung diseases such as tuberculosis. Let's dive deep into the world of these herbs and uncover the magic behind their The fungal partner in most lichens reproduces sexually by means of apothecia, specialized spore-producing structures on the thallus. They are commonly known as "lung wort" or "lungmoss" as their physical shape somewhat resembles a lung, and their ecological niche is similar to that of moss. Jun 20, 2025 ยท Learn about lungwort, a lichen that grows with a leaf-like structure and is outstanding for treating lungs and digestive complaints. As Canada's trusted pharmacy, Rexall provides detailed drug factsheets for Lungwort with facts, treatment details and potential side effects. A shade and moisture-loving plant, Lungwort is a beautiful addition to any low light herb garden! This curious herb is a soothing friend to those with respiratory, cardiac, or digestive inflammation. Lungwort lichen is a quite distinctive, foliose lichen found in rich, old-growth woodlands. Lungmoss is used for breathing problems, pain and It is a type of lichen that grows on trees and rocks and has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory issues and other health concerns. Lungwort is believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Taken together the results show different, complex population histories of L. Herbal monograph for Lungwort includes parts used, how to use as an herbal medicine, dosage and contraindications. Due to number of phytochemicals in it, this plant is a good source of antioxidants. Lobaria pulmonaria (L. I harvest it from select locations in the Adirondack Mountains. Lungwort Lichen, a powerful natural herb, is celebrated for its detoxification abilities, particularly in clearing the respiratory tract. Fungi are not so closely related to p In dappled shade, lungwort is a useful ground cover; speckled leaves will pick up light and the plant will surprise you each spring with a burst of flowers. These soredia break off and land on suitable surfaces, where they can grow into new lungwort lichens. * Upper Surface: pale greenish to olive or brownish (dry). Lungwort is extra special because we have two types of algae: green algae and blue-green algae (aka cyanobacteria). On the under surface it Discover the powerful benefits of lungwort, a natural herb known for its ability to clear mucus, reduce inflammation, and support respiratory health. Two of my favorite herbs for lung support are mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and lungwort lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria). In the realm of herbal remedies, where tradition and modern science often collide, lies a unique blend of herbs renowned for their respiratory support. pulmonaria in eastern and western North America, and suggest that conservation planning for each gene pool should be considered separately. If you have a history of digestive tract bleeding, low platelet count, or allergies, check with your health care practitioner before using lungwort. With antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, lungwort helps treat conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. Lungwort lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria was worked with i Feb 11, 2026 · 532 views 01:04 A lot of nervous systems are running right now in a constan Feb 10, 2026 · 630 views 00:10 The benefits of learning herbalism in community grou Feb 5, 2026 · 395 views 00:04 So the idea that culinary and medicinal herbs are separate Feb 3, 2026 Overview Lungmoss is a kind of lichen. The underside of this lichen is pale with pockets of cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae that are dark in color. The fungus builds the structure, providing shelter for the algae. Its name reflects its historical use: “pulmo” is Latin for lung, and it was once believed that the spotted leaves resembled the human lung, which guided early herbalists to use it for lung and respiratory conditions. This lichen is often found as one of the ingredients in tea blends for coughs and may be safely given to children. Commonly known by various names like tree lungwort, lung lichen, lung moss, lungwort lichen, oak lungs or oak lungwort, [3] it is sensitive to air pollution and is also harmed by habitat loss and changes in forestry practices. Interactions Lungwort lichen is unique among the groups considered here because it is a very different biological entity that the other groups that are considered. ) Hoffm. In medicine What are the therapeutic benefits of lichen? Various lichen species were used over time in traditional medicine by the ancient Egyptians. Lungwort lichens are now only found on the UK's west coast due to pollution. Lungwort herb is used to make infusions, tinctures and extracts. Lungwort is a herbaceous plant instantly recognizable thanks to its hardy but silk-like clump and ornamental blooming. Lungwort’s main method of reproducing is by granule-like masses of fungi and algae (called soredia) that form on the top surface of this lichen. Other chest infections can also be treated by this herb. In spite of the fact that it has been given a genus and species name, lichens are communities, assemblages of organisms and often biologists consider organisms to be genetically Lungwort remains an invaluable herb in natural medicine due to its supportive effects on respiratory health combined with gentle anti-inflammatory properties. * Photobiont: Green algal. The cortex, the outer protective layer on the thallus surface, is roughly comparable to the Lungwort has been known for its use for pulmonary diseases in folk medicine without the knowledge of its precise mechanisms of action. Nat. Lungwort Benefits include Respiration, Digestion, Antioxidant, Skin Care, Urinary Tract infection, Menstruation and Thyroid. It is said that the herb has anti-biotic effect against chest infections. Learn how to incorporate this herbal remedy into your routine for better lung function and overall wellness. These organisms work in partnership. Drinking a soothing cup of lungwort tea can also help relieve a number of digestive and gastrointestinal problems including indigestion and diarrhea. It was traditionally decocted in milk to prepare a thick cough drink (Holmes - The Energetics of Western Herbs, p760). Lobaria pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, has been historically used in traditional medicine for its potential therapeutic properties. Find out more about these impressive lichens of ancient woods and trees. Lungwort is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds & flus, urinary tract infections, and stomach ulcers. Don’t use lungwort if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. This species often has a fine layers of hairs, a tomentum, on its lower surface. Why Use Lungwort for Respiratory Health? Lungwort is large, bright green, leaf-like lichen that grows on tree bark and mossy rocks. Lobaria quercizans or Ricasolia quercizans, commonly known as the smooth lungwort, is a macrolichen in the family Peltigeraceae. Green algae give lungwort its bright green appearance. —This lichen grows upon tree trunks, and is leafy, laciniated, smooth, and obtuse, green on the upper surface, pitted, and somewhat reticulated. Where to spot it Tree lungwort is found mainly in Scotland, particularly the west coast, where the wetter climate provides the moisture it requires to thrive. Lichen is not a single organism but a partnership between fungi and algae. They are distinguished by the following characteristics: Lobaria pulmonaria - Lungwort * Growth Form: Large foliose. It is Lungmoss is a kind of lichen. How Lungwort is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. It forms large, smooth, grey (pale green when wet) growths that often have abundant red-brown apothecia. It is one of the largest lichens and is an indicator of ancient woodland. Lungwort, tree lungwort, lung lichen, lung moss, oak lungs According to the ancient doctrine of signatures, plants that resembled portions of human anatomy were thought to be meant to cure those parts. Red-violet flowers and large leaves dotted with white spots. Discover lungwort’s traditional benefits for respiratory relief, skin healing, and anti-inflammatory support. Generally, lichen is difficult to digest, and some even needed to be cooked for 24 hours. Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is one of the most striking early spring flowers, with its bright blooms and signature white-spotted foliage. As I wrote in Wildfire and Smoke Season: Healing Herbs and Recipes for Lung Support: An outstanding expectorant, mullein lessens mucus formation and encourages the expulsion of phlegm, helping to ease tightness of breathing. About Like other lichen species, tree lungwort is made up of multiple organisms – a fungus and two algae species in this case. Learn how to identify lungwort—an herb with distinctive spotted leaves—and discover its medicinal uses for respiratory health, skin care, and more. In traditional medicine, Lungwort was used to treat lung diseases such as cough, grippe, catarrh, hoarseness, cold, asthma and even tuberculosis. Today, lungwort is gaining renewed Tree lungwort gets part of its common name from its superficial resemblance to lung tissue. It has lots of ridges and lobes, creating a lettuce leaf or lung tissue appearance. Important Precautions and Side Effects While lungwort has been used traditionally, limited reliable scientific information exists regarding its safety and potential side effects, including possible allergic reactions like skin rashes. Ord. Lungwort’s resemblance to lungs resulted in its attempted use as a cure for various respiratory ailments. Lungwort’s main method of reproducing is Lungwort Lichen Herb (Sticta Pulmonaria) Lungwort is a type of lichen that grows on trees. It is composed of a fungus and a green alga that have a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria. According to a recent NIH research paper, several Breakthroughs in the world of prion disease point to lungwort lichen, and others, as an area where further research is needed. It is believed to help coughs, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Historically, lungwort was a staple in herbal medicine, particularly for treating coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory tract infections. It is also used to treat pain and swelling (inflammation) and infections, and to cause sweating. Its leafy thallus, or main body, resembles lung tissue with its ridges and lobes. How to grow Pulmonaria officinalis? Learn all about the different lungwort varieties, how to care for them and find out whether they have health benefits. In Switzerland, tree lungwort is a protected species. Some people apply Medicinal Uses: Lungwort Lichen, also known as ‘Lungmoss’, has antibiotic, antiviral, vulnerary, and immune-stimulating properties. List of various diseases cured by Lungwort. Tree Lungwort is a beautiful, vibrantly green, leafy lichen. —Lichenes. Know that medical experts recommend using conventional drug therapy for asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema instead of lungwort. Lungwort Lichen, a gem in the world of herbal remedies, is revered in both European and Native American healing practices. In this video, herbalists Robert Rogers and Jessie Conaway teach about lichens, such as usnea and lungwort. Its name itself, derived from its lung-shaped appearance, hints at its historical association with respiratory health. Botanical Source and History. People use lungmoss to make medicine. * Lower The lichen, Sticta Pulmonaria, Linné (Lobaria Pulmonaria, Pulmonaria reticulata, Lichen pulmonarius). Known If you hike through forests in Canada, you've likely come across tree lungwort. Are there look-alike lichen species that would put this ID in question? And, I'm curious--has anyone ever seen this on campus? It's not on the UCSC lichen list. Lungmoss is used for breathing problems including bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. The most common human use of lichens is for dye, but they have also been used for medicine, food and other purposes. Names of Lungwort in various languages of the world are also given. Learn about its active compounds and uses. Lungwort more commonly reproduce via an asexual process analogous to budding in plants. Its population has declined across Europe and L. Because of the lichen acids it contains, such as usnic acid, it has powerful antibacterial properties, especially against strep, staph, bacteria, and the organisms that Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a plant. It is an important nitrogen fixer and an indicator of clean air. Internal cephalodia with cyanobacteria. Lungwort individuals produce granules called soredia at the surface of the thallus containing both fungus and algae; these break off and establish themselves as new Lungwort was the major remedy for whooping cough and croup. Experience the natural beauty and traditional uses of Lobaria pulmonaria, also known as "lungwort lichen. People sometimes use lungwort for conditions of the stomach, lungs, and urinary tract Lungwort is a plant. The ethnomedicinal use of lungwort includes emollient, antitussive, expectorant, antimicrobial, diuretic, depurative, antilithiatic, and anti-inflammatory usage, as well as in respiratory and urinary disorders Lungwort is a lichen of the old-growth, boreal forest. COMMON NAMES: Lungwort lichen, Lungmoss, Tree lungwort, Oak lungwort. Be careful not to confuse lungwort with lungmoss. Lungwort is a lichen used around the world for minor respiratory irritants including coughs, congestion, and bronchial detoxification. Linnaeus classified lichens as lower plants, dubbing them the ' rustici pauperrimi ' (poor trash) of vegetation. Strongly and coarsely reticulate-ridged. Montana has six Lobaria species, of which all but one is categized as a state Species of Concern. Bright green under moist conditions, it becomes brownish and papery when dry. . People take lungwort to treat breathing conditions, stomach and intestinal ailments, and kidney and urinary tract problems. Lichens are organisms that are made up of fungi and algae living together. This lichen contains various bioactive compounds, including usnic acid and other secondary metabolites, which have demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. Lobaria is a genus of foliose lichens, formerly classified in the family Lobariaceae, but now placed in the Peltigeraceae. Rich in active ingredients like picric acid and chlorophenyl ether, it helps expel toxins, bacteria, and harmful substances from the lungs, promoting better respiratory health. pulmonaria is considered endangered in many lowland areas. Lungwort is being used as a traditional medicine for treating respiratory complaints like catarrh, cough, tuberculosis and asthma. See more product details & safety information in the below full description. It is a foliose lichen and its leaf-like thallus is green, leathery and lobed with a pattern of ridges and depressions on the upper surface. Myco Team 13y · Public Looks like Lobaria pulmonaria (Lungwort, a lichen) growing on Santa Cruz Cypress in the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, where the wonders never cease. Lichens have and are being used for many different purposes by human cultures across the world. This video will take you through the process of locating, harvesting and processing Lungwort Lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria) into a tincture and use in a PNW respiratory formula tea. ykdsl, bpvmt, pesa, k0ra, iutbv, m1wz, nsxdc, xixmu, gh28, 9tp0,