Description: Lungwort is a perennial plant that grows in shady areas in Europe and in the northern parts of the U.S.; it is also cultivated in gardens. The horizontal, creeping rootstock produces several bristly stems with alternate, ovate, dark-green leaves which are petioled at the bottom of the plant and become sessile near the top. The funnel-shaped flowers grow in terminal clusters from March to May. They turn from rose-colored to blue, both colors being found on the plant at the same time.
Properties and Uses: Astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant. Lungwort tea is used for diarrhea, hemorrhoids, respiratory problems, coughs, and hoarseness. It also has mildly diuretic properties. The decoction may be beneficial for mild lung problems. Externally, the plant is used for all kinds of wounds.