Lungwort Health Dictionary

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Lungwort: From 1 Different Sources

Pulmonaria officinalis L. Lobaria pulmonaria L. Lichen. Leaves bear a resemblance to the human lung – see: DOCTRINE OF SIGNATURES. So-named because of its traditional use for tuberculosis. Keynote: upper respiratory organs.

Constituents: palmitic acid, linoleic acid, tannins, ergosterol, saponin.

Action: expectorant, demulcent astringent, haemostatic, orexigenic, antibiotic (mild).

Uses: asthma, laryngitis, sore throat, children’s dry cough, whooping cough, haemoptysis, nasal catarrh, bronchitis.

External: open wounds – to avoid infection.

Combinations. With Coltsfoot and White Horehound for TB cough. With Ephedra for difficult breathing. Preparations. Average dose: 2-4g. Thrice daily. Tea: 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; dose: one-third-1 cup. Or may be boiled in milk.

Liquid Extract BHP (1983): 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 2-4ml.

Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Verbascum Thapsus

Linn.

Synonym: V. phlomoides L.

Family: Scrophulariaceae.

Habitat: Temperate Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.

English: Cow's Lungwort, Common Mullein. (Large-flowered Mullein is equated with V. densiflorum Bertol.)

Ayurvedic: Ban Tambaaku, Gidar Tambaaku, Phullaa.

Action: Herb—soothing and relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions (asthma, emphysema, tracheitis), pectoral demulcent, antispasmodic, mild sedative.

Key application: In catarrh of the respiratory tract. (German Commission E.)

The capsule contains saponins, thap- suines A and B and hydroxythap- suines A and B. The plant also contains varatric acid, 5-ethoxymethyl furfural, saikogenin, alpha-spinasterol and iri- doids, aucubin and catalpol. The leaves contain rotenone.

The flower extract showed activity against influenza and herpes simplex virus.

The plant has been employed for the treatment of asthma. There is little evidence to indicate that the plant can offer more than mild astringent and topical soothing effects.... verbascum thapsus

Anti-haemorrhagics

A group of powerful astringents clinical experience has shown to be effective in arresting mild to moderate internal bleeding.

Digestive tract: Marigold, Comfrey, Bur-Marigold, Matico, Shepherd’s Purse, Holy Thistle, American Cranesbill, Goldenseal.

Anal/Rectal: Pilewort, Plantain, Matico, Rhatany root, Witch Hazel.

Mouth: Tormentil.

Nose-bleeds: Nettles.

Uterus. Shepherd’s Purse, Ladies Mantle, Greater Periwinkle, Beth root, Avens, Goldenseal. Urinary system. Bistort, Plantain, Marigold, Stone root, Horsetail, Bur-Marigold.

Lungs. Bugleweed, Elecampane, Lungwort.

Colon. Greater Burnet, Matico, Comfrey, Bistort, Wild Yam, Holy Thistle, Avens, Tormentil. Capillary haemorrhage. Buckwheat. ... anti-haemorrhagics

Balm Of Gilead

Poplar buds. Populus gileadensis. French: Baumier. German: Mekkabalsambaum. Spanish: Bilsamo. Italian: Balsamo della Mecca. Indian: Gungal. Leaf buds.

Action. Mild analgesic (forerunner of aspirin), Febrifuge, Anti-inflammatory, Stimulating diuretic (resin), Antiseptic, Circulatory stimulant, Expectorant. Contains salicylates.

Uses: Laryngitis. Chronic bronchitis. Safe for children’s chest troubles. Traditional: for coughs, colds and sore throats. Buds used by North American Indians for muscular and circulatory aches and pains (Dr A. Clapp, 1852).

Side effects. None known.

Preparations: Tea. 2-3 buds to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup 3-hourly, acute cases; thrice daily, chronic.

Tincture, BHC (vol 1). 1:5 45 per cent Ethanol, 4-8ml.

Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture (Potter’s). Each 10ml contains Acet. Scill. BP 0.339ml; Acetic acid (5.5 per cent) extractive from Lobelia (1-12.5) 0.148ml; Ipecac Liquid extract BP 0.004ml; 30 per cent alcoholic extractive (1:1) from each of 100mg Balm of Gilead buds and 200mg Lungwort lichen in a sweetened flavoured vehicle. ... balm of gilead

Bronchiectasis

Damage to bronchi when ballooned beyond normal limits, usually from chronic infection. May be a legacy from lung infections, whooping cough, measles, tuberculosis, foreign body or other bronchial troubles. Predisposing factors: smoking, working with asbestos and other industrial materials. Now known that some structural changes in bronchial epithelium caused by cigarette smoking are reversible by abstinence for over two years.

A plug of tenacious mucus may be clogged in the bronchial tree and gradually sucked into the smaller bronchi, blocking them. This prevents air from passing through to replace air that has been absorbed and precipitates cough, sputum, spitting of blood. A stethoscope reveals crepitations; chronic cases may be detected by clubbing of the fingers, which sign may be missing in bronchitis and other chest infections. Alternatives. Treatment. Bronchitics are most at risk and should never neglect a cold. Stimulating expectorants followed by postural drainage indicated. To control infection, plenty of Echinacea should be given. Where a localised area becomes septic a surgical lobectomy may be necessary. See: POSTURAL DRAINAGE. Cases of developed bronchiectasis can be maintained relatively well over a period of years by judicious use of herbs: Bayberry bark, Blood root, Elecampane root, Ephedra, Eucalyptus oil, Grindelia, Senega root, Mullein, Pleurisy root, Red Clover. Lobelia. Not Comfrey.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Yarrow, Mullein, Lungwort. 1 heaped teaspoon in each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; 1 cup morning and evening and when necessary.

Powders. Mix: Lobelia 2; Grindelia quarter; Capsicum quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) morning, evening and when necessary.

Tablets/capsules. Iceland Moss. Lobelia.

Tinctures. Formula. Ephedra 2; Echinacea 1; Elecampane root 1; Capsicum quarter. dose: 2-5ml teaspoons morning and evening and when necessary.

Practitioner. Liquid Extract Senega 1; Ephedra 1; Lungwort 2 (spitting of blood add: Blood root quarter). Dose: 2-5ml morning and evening and when necessary. In advanced cases there may be swollen ankles and kidney breakdown for which Parsley root, Buchu or Juniper may be indicated.

The sucking of a clove (or single drop of oil of Cloves in honey) has given temporary relief. Aromatherapy. Inhalants or chest-rub – Eucalyptus, Cajeput, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sandalwood.

Diet. Wholefoods. Low fat, low salt, high fibre. Avoid all dairy foods.

Supplementation. Vitamin B-complex. Vitamin E for increased oxygenation. Vitamins A, C, D, F. Outlook. Relief possible from regular herbal regime as dispensed by qualified practitioner. Requirements of each individual case may differ. ... bronchiectasis

Emollient

A herb, usually mucilaginous, which has a protective and soothing action upon the surface of the body. A demulcent has a similar action but on internal surfaces (mucous membranes), Almond oil, Balm of Gilead, Borage, Chickweed, Comfrey, Elecampane, Fenugreek seeds, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss, Linseed oil, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein, Oatmeal, Peanut oil, Plantain, Sesame Seed oil, Soya oil, Slippery Elm bark, Wheatgerm oil. Used in creams, lotions and poultices. ... emollient

Mucolytics

Agents that disperse or dissolve mucus. Of use for such conditions as glue ear or abdominal complications associated with cystic fibrosis in children. Quillaia bark, Lungwort.

See also: EXPECTORANTS. ... mucolytics

Bleeding

Haemorrhage. Bleeding from arteries is bright red, escaping in jerks; from the veins it is darker; steadier from the capillaries. There is an oozing of bright red blood from a cut. In an extravasation blood pours into lax tissues beneath the skin; the part becoming swollen with the appearance of a bruise.

To strengthen veins – Gentian. To enhance resistance – Echinacea. To counter failing strength – Ginseng. To promote granulation – Comfrey. To restore lacerated nerves – St John’s Wort. Nettles are a well-known traditional anti-haemorrhagic.

If bleeding is serious, control with firm finger pressure. Any one of the following may be used in the form of teas, tinctures, powders, etc.

Bowels. Ladies Mantle, Avens, Horsetail, Shepherd’s Purse, Tormentil, Raspberry leaves, Yarrow, Cranesbill, Bilberry.

Gums. Tea. Equal parts: Horsetail, St John’s Wort. (Maria Treben) Or:– Paint gums with Tincture Myrrh, Blood root, Goldenseal or Marigold.

Post-partum. (After child-birth) Goldenseal BHP (1983); Lady’s Mantle BHP (1983).

Lungs. Haemoptysis. Blood spitting. Blood root, Beth root, Lungwort, Mullein, Horsetail, St John’s Wort, Cranesbill. Bur-Marigold. Sage. Mouse Ear, Bugleweed. Nettle tea is a good stand-by.

Post-menopausal bleeding: Internal: Raspberry leaves, Ladies Mantle, Shepherd’s Purse. Plantain tea as an injection. Plugs of cotton wool saturated with Witch Hazel. To be investigated by a competent authority.

Mucous surfaces: tongue, mouth, throat, gullet. Marigold, Yarrow, Rue, Clematis erecta, Life root.

Blood root (tincture: 10-15 drops in water). Ice to suck.

Nose. Witch Hazel. Nettles. Vinegar water: to snuff into nostrils. Apply sponge soaked in cold water to back of the neck. Or: plug nose with Witch Hazel saturated cotton wool.

Hymen. See entry.

Skin. Superficial. Buckwheat, Marigold, Daisy, Tormentil, Witch Hazel, Blood root (tincture),.

Stomach. Haematemesis. The vomit of blood has the appearance of coffee grounds and is a symptom of gastric ulcer. Teas: Avens, Meadowsweet, Yarrow, Bur-Marigold, Cranesbill, Mullein.

Decoctions: Cranesbill root, Beth root, Oak bark.

After Surgery. After tissue excisions, blood clotting or wound-healing disorders for safe haemostasis: Beth root, Cranesbill root, Lady’s Mantle, St John’s Wort.

Blood in the urine. See: HAEMATURIA.

Bleeding of menses: See: MENSTRUATION.

IUD bleeding. Bleeding from intra-uterine devices: Injection: teas – Lady’s Mantle, Cranesbill, Tormentil, Marigold.

Vitamin E supplementation (International Journal of Fertility, Vol 28. 1983) Suggested dose: One 500iu capsule morning and evening.

Retinal haemorrhage. Buckwheat tea. Vitamin C: 1-3g daily. Evening Primrose oil.

Red cell stimulators: Yellow Dock root, Red Clover, Gentian.

White cell stimulators: Liquorice, Ginseng (Siberian) and Korean, Goldenseal, Echinacea.

Vitamins. C. D. K. P.

Minerals. Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc.

Note: Any new episode of bleeding (rectal, gastric, etc) in those 45 and over should be investigated in hospital. Alteration of bowel habit, with bleeding, in young people should lead to referral to a doctor. ... bleeding

Bronchitis, Acute

Inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes caused by cold and damp or by a sudden change from a heated to a cold atmosphere. Other causes: viral or bacterial infection, irritating dust and fumes, colds which ‘go down to the chest’.

Symptoms: short dry cough, catarrh, wheezing, sensation of soreness in chest; temperature may be raised. Most cases run to a favourable conclusion but care is necessary with young children and the elderly. Repeated attacks may lead to a chronic condition.

Alternatives. Teas – Angelica, Holy Thistle, Elecampane leaves, Fenugreek seeds (decoction), Hyssop, Iceland Moss, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Nasturtium, Plantain, Wild Violet, Thyme, White Horehound, Wild Cherry bark (decoction), Lobelia, Liquorice, Boneset. With fever, add Elderflowers.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Wild Cherry bark, Mullein, Thyme. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to cup water simmered 5 minutes in closed vessel. 1 cup 2-3 times daily. A pinch of Cayenne assists action.

Irish Moss (Carragheen) – 1 teaspoon to cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. It gels into a viscous mass. Cannot be strained. Add honey and eat with a spoon, as desired.

Tablets/capsules. Iceland Moss. Lobelia. Garlic. Slippery Elm.

Prescription No 1. Morning and evening and when necessary. Thyme 2; Lungwort 2; Lobelia 1. OR Prescription No 2. Morning and evening and when necessary. Iceland Moss 2; Wild Cherry bark 1; Thyme 2.

Doses:– Powders: one-third teaspoon (500mg) or two 00 capsules. Liquid Extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons.

Practitioner. Alternatives:–

(1) Tincture Ipecacuanha BP (1973). Dose, 0.25-1ml.

(2) Tincture Grindelia BPC (1949). Dose, 0.6-1.2ml.

(3) Tincture Belladonna BP (1980). Dose, 0.5-2ml.

Black Forest Tea (traditional). Equal parts: White Horehound, Elderflowers and Vervain. One teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; drink freely.

Topical. Chest rub: Olbas oil, Camphorated oil. Aromatherapy oils:– Angelica, Elecampane, Mullein, Cajeput, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Mint, Onion, Pine, Thyme.

Aromatherapy inhalants: Oils of Pine, Peppermint and Hyssop. 5 drops of each to bowl of hot water.

Inhale: head covered with a towel to trap steam.

Diet: Low salt, low fat, high fibre. Halibut liver oil. Wholefoods. Avoid all dairy products. Supplements. Vitamins A, C, D, E. ... bronchitis, acute

Orexigenic

A herb which increases or stimulates the appetite.

Balmony, Boldo, Burdock (leaves and root), Calumba, Cardamom, Chiretta, Cinnamon, Condurango, Fennel, Fenugreek, Gentian, Holy Thistle, Hops, Lungwort, Mugwort, Peruvian bark, Quassia, Wormwood. ... orexigenic

Cough

A protective reflex for the expulsion of an obstruction or irritant from lower respiratory organs. Causes are legion, smoking being most common. A cough is often secondary to an underlying condition which should receive prompt attention, (bronchitis, pleurisy, croup, etc).

The modern herbalist does not use suppressives but favours expectorants or ‘eliminatives’ to soothe irritated surfaces and expel excess mucus. If a dry unproductive irritating cough persists despite treatment, a qualified practitioner should be consulted.

Addition of a nervine (Skullcap, Wild Lettuce, etc) acts as a relaxant. May be a particular help for nervous cough. Add Hawthorn or Motherwort to sustain the heart where necessary.

Alternatives. Teas. Any one: Aniseed, Caraway, Blessed Thistle, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaves, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Liquorice (shredded root), Marshmallow, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Plantain, Soapwort, Iceland Moss, Wild Violet, Thyme, White Horehound, Lungwort. Formulae:

(1) Equal parts; Coltsfoot, White Horehound, Liquorice. (2) Equal parts; Hyssop, White Horehound, Valerian. (3) Equal parts; Mullein, Lemon Balm, Valerian.

Decoctions. Any one: Balm of Gilead buds, Elecampane root, Fenugreek seeds, Grindelia, Marshmallow root, Pleurisy root, Wild Lettuce, Wild Cherry bark. Valerian (nervous cough). Formula: Equal parts: Elecampane root, Marshmallow root, Wild Cherry bark. 1 heaped teaspoon to 2 cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia, Iceland Moss, Garlic.

Powders. Formula: equal parts, Lobelia, Liquorice root, Elecampane. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Liquid Extracts. (1) Formula: Lobelia 2; Sundew 3; Red Clover 3; Ginseng 6. 30-60 drops in hot water, every 2 hours. (George Slack)

(2) Formula Elderflowers 1; Boneset 1; Hyssop 2; Liquorice half. 1 teaspoon in cup hot water, every 2 hours.

Tinctures. Formula. Elecampane 2; Black Cohosh 2; Lobelia 1; Few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: 30- 60 drops in hot water every 2 hours.

BHP (1983) recommends: Elecampane, Hops, Mullein, Wild Cherry bark, Wild Lettuce.

Potter’s. Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture.

Onion juice and honey.

Topical. Rub back and chest with Olbas oil, or warm Camphorated oil. Bran or Slippery Elm poultices to chest.

Aromatherapy. Chamomile and Thyme, 5 drops each in cup boiling water, with towel over the head, as an inhalant.

Preventative. 2 Garlic capsules or tablets at night. Honey. German Chamomile tea.

See: WHOOPING COUGH. CROUP. ... cough

Doctrine Of Signatures

It was believed by some ancient civilisations that the Creator has placed his seal on plants to indicate their medicinal use. Nicholas Culpeper was an outstanding advocate. The seeds of Skullcap (headache) resemble tiny skulls; Lungwort has white spotted leaves relative to the tubercula lung; Garlic, with its hollow stalk, relates to the windpipe; White Willow growing in damp places was believed good for rheumatic disorders (it was from the bark of this tree that aspirin was first isolated). Examples are numerous. It is a curiosity that many liver remedies have yellow flowers, those for the nerves (blue), for the spleen (orange), for the bones (white). Serpentaria (Rauwolfia) resembles a snake and is an old traditional remedy for snake-bite.

Herbalism confirms the Doctrine of Signatures but is not based on it. ... doctrine of signatures

Expectorants

Herbs that increase bronchial mucous secretion by promoting liquefaction of sticky mucus and its expulsion from the body. Their secondary action is that of a vasoconstrictor which, in the case of a stuffy nose, relieves by reducing blood supply to the inflamed lining of the nasal passage. They improve the outlook for respiratory troubles.

Aniseed, Ammoniacum gum, Asafoetida, Balm of Gilead, Blood root, Boneset, Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elderflowers, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Fenugreek seeds, Garlic, Goldenseal, Grindelia, Heartsease, Holy Thistle, Hyssop, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss, Life root, Liquorice, Lobelia, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Maidenhair Fern, Myrrh, Parsley root, Pleurisy root, Queen’s Delight, Red Clover, Senega, Skunk Cabbage, Slippery Elm, Squill, Thuja, Thyme, White Horehound, Wild Cherry, Wild Violet, Yerba Santa. ... expectorants

Laryngitis, Chronic

 The main symptom is hoarseness or loss of voice from malfunction of the vocal cords by disease, stroke, stress, or nerve disorder. Pain on speaking. “Raw throat.”

Constitutional disturbance: fever, malaise.

Many causes, including: drugs, drinking spirits. Gross mis-use of voice (singing or talking) may produce nodules (warts) on the cords. The smoker has inflammatory changes. Nerve paralysis in the elderly. Carcinoma of the larynx. Voice changes during menstruation are associated with hormonal changes (Agnus Castus). Professional singers, members of choirs benefit from Irish Moss, Iceland Moss, Slippery Elm or Poke root.

Alternatives. Cayenne, Caraway seed, Balm of Gilead, Lungwort, Queen’s Delight, Thyme, Wild Indigo, Marsh Cudweed, Mullein, Marshmallow.

For most infections: Equal parts, Tinctures Goldenseal and Myrrh: 3-5 drops in water 3-4 times daily; use also as a spray or gargle.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Mullein, Marshmallow root, Liquorice. 2 teaspoons to each cup water brought to boil; vessel removed on boiling. Drink freely.

Practitioner. Combine equal parts: Senega, Ipecacuanha and Squills (all BP). 5-10 drops thrice daily in water. Also gargle.

Poke root. Reliable standby. Decoction, tablets/capsules. Tincture: dose, 5-10 drops thrice daily in water or honey.

Topical. Aromatherapy. Steam inhalations. Oils: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood. Any one.

Diet. Slippery Elm gruel. Salt-free. Avoid fried foods.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A (7500iu). Vitamin C (1 gram thrice daily).

To prevent voice damage. The voice should not be strained by talking too much, shouting or singing – especially with a cold. Try not to cough or keep clearing the throat but instead, swallow firmly. Do not whisper – it will strain the voice.

A common cause of laryngitis is growth of a nodule, cyst or polyp on the vocal cords. They are visible on use of an endoscope. There are two vocal cords which, in speech, come together and vibrate like a reed in a musical instrument. In formation of a nodule they cannot meet, air escapes and the voice becomes hoarse. Relaxation technique.

Where the condition lasts for more than 4 weeks an ENT specialist should be consulted. ... laryngitis, chronic

Oakmoss

Evernia prunastri

FAMILY: Usneaceae

SYNONYMS: Mousse de chene, treemoss.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A light green lichen found growing primarily on oak trees, but sometimes other species.

DISTRIBUTION: The oak (Quercus robur) is indigenous to Europe and North America; the lichen is collected all over central and southern Europe, especially France, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Greece, and also Morocco and Algeria. The aromatic materials are prepared mainly in France, but also in the USA, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia.

OTHER SPECIES: There are many varieties of lichen used for their aromatic qualities, the most common being E. furfuracea and Usnea barbata which are frequently gathered from spruce and pine trees, and are known as fir moss or tree moss in Europe, but in the USA are also called oakmoss. However they are less refined than the ‘true’ oakmoss. Other species include Sticta pulmonaceae or Lobaria pulmonaria, Usnea ceratina, and some members of the Ramalina, Alectoria and Parmelia groups.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Sticta pulmonaceae, a greeny-brown lichen also found growing on oak trees and frequently harvested along with E. prunastri, is also called oak lungs, lung moss, lungwort or ‘lungs of oak’ by the North American Indians who use it for respiratory complaints and for treating wounds. It is called lobaria in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and is used for asthma, bronchitis and coughs in children.

Many types of lichen, especially the Parmelia group, are used as vegetable dyes.

ACTIONS: Antiseptic, demulcent, expectorant, fixative.

EXTRACTION: A range of products is produced: a concrete and an absolute by solvent extraction from the lichen which has often been soaked in lukewarm water prior to extraction; an absolute oil by vacuum distillation of the concrete; resins and resinoids by alcohol extraction of the raw material. Most important of these products is the absolute.

CHARACTERISTICS: 1. The absolute is a dark green or brown, very viscous liquid with an extremely tenacious, earthy-mossy odour and a leatherlike undertone. 2. The absolute oil is a pale yellow or olive viscous liquid with a dry earthy, barklike odour, quite true to nature. 3. The concrete, resin and resinoids are a very dark-coloured semi-solid or solid mass with a heavy, rich-earthy, extremely tenacious odour. They have a high fixative value and blend with virtually all other oils: they are extensively used in perfumery to lend body and rich natural undertones to all perfume types.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Crystalline matter of so-called ‘lichen acids’: mainly evernic acid, d-usnic acid, some atranorine and chloratronorine.

SAFETY DATA: Extensively compounded or ‘bouquetted’ by cutting or adulteration with other lichen or synthetic perfume materials.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE As a fixative.

OTHER USES: The concrete is used primarily in soaps; the absolute is the most versatile and is used in all perfume types (oriental, moss, fougère, new-mown hay, floral, colognes, aftershaves, etc.). The absolute oil is used in high-class perfumes. The resins and resinoids, which have a poor solubility, are used in soaps, hair preparations, industrial perfumes and low cost products.... oakmoss


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