What is lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) used for?

Lungwort is traditionally used to soothe the respiratory tract and support cough relief. It is commonly taken as an herbal tea or infusion.

Does lungwort help with coughs or bronchitis?

It has a history of use for coughs, bronchitis, and mild airway irritation, likely due to soothing mucilaginous compounds and mild expectorant effects. Evidence in humans is limited.

What compounds in lungwort may be beneficial?

Lungwort contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and mucilage. These are associated with antioxidant activity and soothing effects on irritated tissues.

How much lungwort is typically used?

A common dried-herb amount is about 2–4 g, often prepared as a tea/infusion. Follow product directions and consult a clinician if you have medical conditions or take medications.

Are there safety concerns or interactions with lungwort?

Safety data are limited, so use caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding and in children unless advised by a clinician. Stop use if you develop an allergic reaction or worsening symptoms.

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Lungwort

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

A traditional herbal remedy primarily used for respiratory support, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Skin Health Respiratory Health

dose range

2–4 g

Divided dosages (e.g., as infusions/teas 2-3 times daily)

Consumption

Commonly consumed as tea (infusion) or capsules; if using an extract, follow product instructions.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Can be taken at any time of day, preferably with food to reduce potential stomach upset.

Description

Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, traditionally used for its soothing effects on the respiratory tract. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and mucilaginous compounds thought to contribute to its medicinal qualities.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

Most evidence is based on traditional use, laboratory, and animal studies; robust clinical trials in humans are lacking.

Respiratory Support

Limited

Traditionally used to soothe the respiratory tract, lungwort may aid with coughs, bronchitis, and mild airway irritation due to its mucilaginous and mild expectorant effects.

Particularly relevant for: individuals seeking respiratory support · people with mild coughs or throat irritation

1 · WebMD 2 · Popovic M, et al. Pulmonaria officinalis L.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014.

Antioxidant Activity

Limited

Lungwort contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that show antioxidant effects in vitro, suggesting a possible benefit for cellular health by reducing oxidative stress.

Particularly relevant for: general population interested in antioxidants

3 · Zengin G, et al. Comparative study of the antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of Pulmonaria species. Phytother Res. 2009.4 · Sarikurkcu C, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Pulmonaria species. Planta Med. 2005.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Limited

Extracts from Pulmonaria officinalis may help reduce inflammation, potentially aiding recovery from inflammatory conditions affecting the lungs or skin.

Particularly relevant for: people with mild inflammatory conditions affecting the lungs or skin

2 · Popovic M, et al. Pulmonaria officinalis L.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014.4 · Sarikurkcu C, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Pulmonaria species. Planta Med. 2005.

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally safe for short-term use in adults, with some allergy and bleeding risks.

warning notices

May cause mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Potentially increases bleeding risk; avoid if on anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders.
Safety not established in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Avoid use if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulants due to possible effects on blood clotting.
Use only under clinician supervision if you have a known allergy to plants in the Boraginaceae family.
Discontinue use and seek medical attention if signs of allergic reaction occur (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, etc).

Known interactions with medications

Possible increased bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Bleeding disorders
Known allergy to Boraginaceae family plants

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Potential interactions exist with blood-thinning medications and in individuals with plant allergies; no well-established nutrient-drug interactions.

May increase risk of bleeding if combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

drug · anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs

CautionLimited

Why

Lungwort may affect blood clotting based on historical reports.

recommendation

Monitor for signs of bleeding and consult a healthcare provider before use.

1 · WebMD

Avoid if allergic to Boraginaceae (borage, comfrey, etc).

lifestyle · allergy to Boraginaceae family plants

AvoidLimited

Why

Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals.

recommendation

Do not use lungwort if you have a known allergy to plants in this botanical family.

1 · WebMD

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Soothing Effect via Mucilage

Mucilaginous compounds in lungwort coat and soothe irritated respiratory tissues, supporting expectorant action.

2 · Popovic M, et al. Pulmonaria officinalis L.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014.

Antioxidant Activity

Polyphenols and flavonoids in lungwort act as free radical scavengers, providing antioxidant protection in vitro.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Certain extracts inhibit inflammatory markers, which may contribute to its utility in reducing mild inflammation.

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

4 sources

WebMD

Popovic M, et al. Pulmonaria officinalis L.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014.

Zengin G, et al. Comparative study of the antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of Pulmonaria species. Phytother Res. 2009.

Sarikurkcu C, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Pulmonaria species. Planta Med. 2005.

Last updated: February 7, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.