I have been using Lungwort (pulmonaria officinalis) for years to promote respiratory health, especially in the winter. I like to combine it with
nettles, marshmallow
root and thyme. I also find it works well with peppermint and tulsi. Here is my issue- I was buying it in the bulk dried herbs from the
local co-op for years (before I got into
permaculture and realized it grows locally). In the past couple of years it has been harder and harder to find, even Mountain
Rose Herbs has sold out. Surprisingly when we moved to our current location (northeast USA) I found I have some Pulmonaria Officinalis growing wild in my wooded
yard but was worried about over harvesting. I have tried to research if there is a shortage and I found that the lichen type Lobaria Pulmonaria (lungmoss or lungwort lichen) is in fact on the decline in Europe as it is also used medicinally but I can't find information on the flowering plant that grows here. I am thinking that a simple solution is just to plant more in my yard and help to cultivate a larger patch in which I can harvest from.
But it got me thinking, is this something that needs protected, seed bombed, is it being overused? Or has it just fallen out of favor? I think it's a wonderful herb! Here are some interesting videos on two different types of Pulmonaria!
Has anyone else used Lungwort? Do you have
experience with how much you responsibly harvest?
I have not found many people talking about this plant and I just want to raise awareness and say check it out it's wonderful for your lungs and I like the taste!