Pulmonaria or lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a European native with large hairy leaves, green often mottled with light green or white, which appear in basal rosettes.
Flowers appear in early spring and may be red, blue, white or violet. Flowers are grouped in a calyx and are somewhat funnel shaped. Flowers close at night and open again in the morning.
Other Names
Bethlehem sage, cowslip, bloody butcher, Jerusalem sage, boys and girls, hundreds and thousands, Joseph and Mary, Mary spilt the milk, spilt milk, soldiers and sailors, spotted dog
KEY TAKEAWAYS
This versatile plant boasts both healing and magical attributes. It contains compounds like allantoin and tannins, making it a valuable herb for treating respiratory issues such as coughs.
Lungwort’s magical properties include protection against evil spirits and its use in divination rituals.
Lungwort is propagated through seeds or division and thrives in shaded, moist environments, making it a popular addition to woodland gardens.
With its dual nature as a healer and protector, Lungwort continues to capture the imagination of those who seek its mystical and medicinal qualities.
History and Folklore
The latin name Pulmonaria comes from pulmo which means, the lung. In English, Lungwort and the German Lungenkraut also refer to the lungs.
Lungwort Folklore and Symbolism:
| Folklore | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| “Lung” Connection | The name “Lungwort” comes from its spotted leaves that resemble lungs. In folklore, plants with similar appearances were often believed to possess healing properties for respiratory ailments. |
| Divine Healing Association | Lungwort was associated with the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, and was believed to be a gift from her to mankind. It was considered a symbol of divine healing and was used in rituals and remedies for respiratory health. |
| Folk Medicinal Uses | Throughout history, Lungwort was used as a folk remedy for various respiratory conditions, such as coughs, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. It was often brewed as a tea or made into syrups and tinctures for medicinal use. |
| Protective Charm | In some cultures, Lungwort was believed to possess protective qualities and was hung near doorways or carried as an amulet to ward off evil spirits, bring good luck, and protect against respiratory illnesses. |
Some Eastern European names refer to honey instead, such as the Russian medunitza and the Polish miodunka
Propagation
Lungworts multiply quickly and can be propagated by division or seed. They prefer moist soil in a cool, shady spot protected from afternoon heat.
In hot climates, they will go dormant in the summer and return in the autumn when temperatures cool down again.
Slugs love it, and woodchucks will also eat it.
Magical Attributes
Lungwort is associated with the element air and is used for protection when traveling by air.
| Magical Attribute | Uses and Associations |
|---|---|
| Elemental Correspondence | Lungwort is associated with the element of Water due to its connection to healing and fluidity. It can be incorporated into water-based rituals or used in spells and ceremonies that involve emotional healing, intuition, and cleansing. |
| Protection and Purification | Lungwort is believed to possess protective energies and can be used in spells or rituals for shielding against negative influences and purifying the environment. It may also be included in rituals for spiritual cleansing and energetic balance. |
| Healing Magic | Lungwort is commonly used in healing spells and rituals to promote respiratory health, support the body’s healing processes, and provide relief from respiratory ailments. It can be incorporated into herbal sachets, charms, or healing baths. |
| Divination and Intuition | Lungwort is associated with intuition and can be used in divination practices or rituals to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual insight. It may be used in meditation or placed on an altar to aid in connecting with inner wisdom. |
Pulmonaria leaves are used in sympathetic magic to represent diseased lungs.
Healing Attributes
As its name implies, lungwort is useful for bronchial and pulmonary complaints. It is best prepared as an infusion.
| Healing Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Support | Lungwort has been traditionally used to support respiratory health. It was believed to help alleviate symptoms of coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, promoting easier breathing. |
| Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Effects | Lungwort was thought to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the respiratory system and relieve irritation and discomfort. |
| Expectorant | It was believed that Lungwort acted as an expectorant, assisting in the removal of excess mucus and phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tract, thus supporting the body’s natural healing processes. |
| Wound Healing | Some folklore traditions attributed wound-healing properties to Lungwort. It was applied externally as a poultice or salve to help heal cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. |
English 
Spanish