Narrow-leaved Lungwort

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Narrow-leaved lungwort (lat. Pulmanaria angustifolia) - medicinal plant; a representative of the genus Medunitsa of the Burachnikov family. In nature, it is found on the territory of the Russian Federation and European countries. In the Kaliningrad region, the plant is endangered, for this reason it is listed in the Red Book of the region. A similar situation is observed in the countries of the Baltic Sea, to be more precise in Lithuania, Denmark, Estonia, Poland, etc. Typical places of germination are light forests, thickets of bushes, areas with sandy soils.

Characteristics of culture

Narrow-leaved lungwort is represented by perennial herbaceous plants no more than 30 cm high. It is characterized by a shortened black rhizome, strong and furrowed stems, completely covered with rough hairs and crowned with narrow, linear, petiolate green foliage. The flowers are pink, blue, blue or purple, small, collected in apical inflorescences. Flowering is observed in spring (April-May), in different regions the flowering period differs.

How to collect and store raw materials?

The upper part of the stems and the rhizome are used as raw materials. Harvesting is carried out during flowering. The collection is carried out by means of a knife, cutting off the aerial part almost at the base. After that, the raw materials are placed for drying in a dry ventilated room, preferably in a suspended state. Drying in special dryers is acceptable.

The collection of roots, in turn, is carried out in the fall (September - early October). The roots are dug up, cleaned from the ground, washed, dried, and then crushed into a powdery state. Both the powder from the roots and the aerial part are stored in fabric bags in a dry dark room for no more than 2 years.

Application in medicine

Narrow-leaved lungwort, like other members of the genus, contain an incredibly large amount of minerals and vitamins. It contains especially a lot of vitamin C (otherwise ascorbic acid), for this reason it is recommended to use it in the off-season, when the risk of catching a cold or flu increases. The plant serves as an excellent prevention. Infusions and decoctions of lungwort narrow-leaved are very effective in the complex treatment of cough, sore throat and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

The positive properties of narrow-leaved lungwort have also been noted in the treatment of oncology. With regular use, it increases the immune properties, strengthens the immune system in general, and accelerates metabolic processes in the human body. And also narrow-leaved lungwort is useful in cosmetology. It can and should be used to cleanse the skin, it accelerates the processes of skin regeneration and improves the external condition. Thanks to this, the skin looks young and beautiful for a longer time.

It is worth noting the medicinal properties of narrow-leaved lungwort in the fight for women's health in terms of gynecology. Infusions are used for problems of the female reproductive system. By the way, the herb is extremely useful for men as well, as it increases potency. For children, narrow-leaved lungwort will also bring many benefits, but it is important to remember that you can use it only after three years and only after consulting your doctor. Infusion and decoction effectively fight insomnia, stress and fear.

Narrow-leaved lungwort tinctures are prepared both in hot water and with the addition of bee honey. Moreover, it is precisely together with honey that the tincture has a more pronounced effect, especially in the fight against the signs of colds and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In terms of quantity, 1 liter of hot water and 1 tablespoon of fresh honey are taken per 100 g of dry grass.