This isn’t the herb lungwort, which we’ll be covering next month. This is a very special lichen also called lungwort.
Tree lungwort AKA lung lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria) wowed me the instant I saw it. This is a large distinct lichen, named after its pulmonary appearance.
I first spotted it on a tree in damp woods near a creek. Beech, maple and oak are its primary hosts. Oak must be notable; folks names include oak lungs and oak lungwort. It may also show up on mossy rocks.
It’s one of the most stunning sights I’ve seen on the 100 acres, between its large size and unique appearance! It’s a good sign in regards to air quality and whether you’re in a healthy intact forest (as it’s very sensitive to air pollution and deforestation). And it’s slow growing. It can take up to 30 years to grow. These factors also mean it’s on the decline and even endangered in some areas. In some untouched old growth forests it may be common.
Medicinal Uses of Tree Lungwort
Tree lungwort is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Astringent, Demulcent and Expectorant. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes the dried lichen for a soothing expectorant for coughing children. Especially for chronic respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma. It may be combined with herbs like coltsfoot. However, barring you live in uniquely lungwort rich woods, there are much less endangered flora that can be used for a child’s cough. One is probably right in your kitchen: thyme.
Alternative Uses of Lung Lichen
Produces an orange dye.
Growing Lobaria Pulmonaria
Having lots of oak, maple, beech, a healthy forest and healthy air may mean there’s tree lungwort in your woods.
It has been grown in a lab on microfilaments, so perhaps there’s future potential for anyone wanting to use it as a medicinal to grow a supply over time?
WARNINGS
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
#ads in References
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Every book I reference that is available on Amazon is linked to with an associates link.
Disclaimer for Song of the Woods
If you require any more information or have any questions about our site’s disclaimer, please feel free to contact us by email at rachel@songofthewoods.com.
Disclaimers for Song of the Woods
All the information on this website – https://www.songofthewoods.com/ – is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Song of the Woods does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (Song of the Woods), is strictly at your own risk. Song of the Woods will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.
From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone ‘bad’.
Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their “Terms of Service” before engaging in any business or uploading any information.
Consent
By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms.
Update
Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here.
REFERENCES
The Herbal Apothecary: 100 Medicinal Herbs and How to Use Them
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments
Leave a Reply