Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis

Botanical Information

Common Names: Lungwort

Folk Names: Jerusalem Cowslip, Soldiers and Sailors

Botanical Name: Pulmonaria officinalis

Family: Boraginaceae

Description: Perennial with softly hairy, spotted leaves and nodding clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that shift from pink to blue as they mature. Grows in shady woodlands and gardens.

History & Tradition

• Classic Doctrine of Signatures herb: spotted leaves were thought to resemble diseased lungs.
• Used historically in Europe for coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints.
• One of many “lung herbs” of the old herbals, often combined with Mullein and Coltsfoot.

Cultivation & Parts Used

Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops).

Growing Conditions: Moist, humus-rich soils in partial to full shade; woodland gardens.

Collection: Gather leaves and flowering tops in spring and early summer.

Doctrine of Signatures

The dappled, lung-like leaves directly inspired its use for lung conditions. Flowers shifting from pink to blue suggest transitions in oxygenation and the movement from congestion toward clearer breathing.

Medicinal & Energetic Properties

Constituents

Mucilage, tannins, saponins, silicic acid, flavonoids.

Actions

Demulcent • Mild astringent • Soothing expectorant • Vulnerary to respiratory mucosa.

Taste & Energetics

Taste: Mild, slightly bitter, somewhat mucilaginous

Energetics: Cooling • Moistening • Slightly drying (tannins) • Soothing

Tissue States: Hot • Dry • Irritated respiratory mucosa

Internal Uses

Dry, irritating coughs, bronchitis, hoarseness, and chronic lung irritation. Supportive in convalescence from respiratory infections when tissues feel raw.

Topical Uses

Occasionally used as a gentle herb in poultices for minor skin irritation; more valued internally for lung support.

Combinations

• With Mullein — for lung soothing and expectoration.
• With Marshmallow — for added demulcent support.
• With Thyme — for antimicrobial and soothing respiratory teas.

Homeopathic Remedy

Less frequently used; themes mirror support for chronic cough and weakness.

Flower Essence

Supports those who feel like they “cannot catch their breath” in life, emotionally or spiritually. Helps integrate breath with presence.

Essential Oil

Not commonly distilled as an essential oil; medicine resides in whole-herb preparations.

Culinary Use

Young leaves sometimes included in spring salads or cooked greens, though the texture can be slightly hairy. More commonly used in medicinal teas than as a regular food.

Safety Notes

• Generally considered mild and safe in traditional tea doses.
• Boraginaceae family can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some species; Pulmonaria is comparatively low, but long-term heavy use is not typical.

This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Spiritual & Ritual Uses

Lungwort aligns with breath, voice, and the ability to “speak one’s truth.” Used in rituals that restore breath, singing, and communication after grief or illness.

Astroherbalism

Planetary Rulership: Mercury (lungs, communication) with Moon (fluids, cycles)

Zodiac: Gemini, Cancer

Signature: Lung-like leaves and gentle, moistening action on breath pathways.

Chakra Correspondence

Throat & Heart: Breath, voice, emotional expression.

Cosmic Ray

Pale Blue–Green Ray: Breath, ease, gentle clearing.

Alchemy & Spagyrics

Salt (Body): Supports integrity and elasticity of respiratory tissues.

Sulfur (Soul): Cooling, soothing soul-fire that calms irritation.

Mercury (Spirit): Spirit of breath that moves gently through constricted spaces.

Spagyric Purpose: To restore ease of breathing—physically and metaphorically—and calm inflamed “airways” in life.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

Breath magic • Voice healing • Recovery from grief that constricts the chest • Opening the way for song and prayer.

Tarot Correspondence

Judgement: Breath of awakening; Page of Swords: Clear, honest voice.

Keywords: Lungs • Breath • Soothing • Voice • Gentle • Cooling