Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is an epiphytiuc lichen that looks like a leaf, but is made up of three organisms from three kingdoms living together—it consists of a fungus (ascomycete), a green algae and cyanobacterium…wrap your brain around that!
It was named because of its resemblance to lungs, and in accordance to the herbal “doctrine of signatures”, was used for afflictions of the lungs in herbal medicine.
Lungwort is widely distributed throughout the world, present in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia; mostly in damp habitats.
Not only has it been used as a medicine, but in foods, as an ingredient in brewing, the manufacture of perfumes, to produce an orange dye for wool, and for leather tanning.
Lungwort is considered GRAS in the US as a flavoring.
As it is highly sensitive to pollution, and sulfur dioxide in particular, its populations have declined significantly, especially in lowland areas.
Lungwort has a long history of use in herbal medicine, and has been used for various lung afflictions, such as asthma, tuberculosis, and pneumonia.
Lungwort has also been used for eczema and hemorrhage, as an antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.
Through scientific investigation Lungwort has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiulcer, GI-protective, anti-acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities.
New applications are being investigated in their use for the nontoxic production of silver nanoparticles with pharmaceutical applications.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.