Meet the Lichen That Mimics the Lungs — and Heals Them Too
Just as the name implies, lungwort lichen grows with a leaf-like structure that looks like a human lung. Interestingly, this lichen is outstanding for treating lung disorders, degrading prions that cause mad cow disease, and can be helpful for a variety of digestive complaints. You’ve most likely come across it while hiking through old-growth forests as it clings to trees and rocks. It looks a bit like a primordial plant. But it has many modern uses that help address some of the most deadly diseases today.
Basic Identification
Lungwort is a large lichen that measures 2 to 6 inches (5 cm to 7.5 cm) in length. The top of the plant is bright green with a leathery texture and a pattern of ridges, while the underside is pale with dark pockets.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find lungwort lichen growing in humid forests on conifers and hardwood trees as well as on rocks.
Harvesting
Before collecting lungwort lichen, make sure the area isn’t restricted, as it’s protected in some regions since it is slow-growing and threatened in many environments. You will also want to choose an area that is free from pollution. It is important to leave the upper tissue edge on the tree or rock so that it can regrow. I usually collect it from fallen limbs. Slice off the outer lobes of the lichen with a knife and only take what you need in small amounts. It is a very potent herb, so a little goes a long way. Dry in a cool, dark location and store in a sealed jar with a tight-fitting lid until ready to use. I like to gather lungwort lichen after a windstorm when fresh lobes have blown down.
Edible Uses
While the edible uses for the plant are limited, it makes an excellent medicinal tea. See the recipe below.
Recipes. Lungwort Lichen Tea. You will need one tablespoon dried lungwort lichen, one cup boiling water, and one teaspoon raw honey (optional). Pour the boiling water over the herb and let it steep for 15 minutes, covered. Strain and add raw honey, if desired.
Medicinal Uses
Lungwort lichen is famously known for treating stubborn lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. It is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant. Notably, it has been shown to be effective against prions that cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans, mad cow disease in cattle, and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk.
Here are my top 3 uses for lungwort lichen:
Respiratory Conditions — Since lungwort lichen is a natural antibiotic, it is my go-to herb to treat bronchial and chest infections. It helps to reduce inflammation and clear mucus in the airways. Importantly, it is an excellent natural option for tuberculosis and whooping cough. I recommend it for calming asthma as well. Its antibacterial action is also helpful for staphylococcus, pneumonia, and salmonella infections.
You can find lungwort lichen in my convenient Bronchial Blend Tincture, which also includes mullein for outstanding respiratory support.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, & Anti-Ulcer — As a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, lungwort lichen helps to protect the body from free radicals that can lead to conditions such as heart disease and cancer. An alternative to pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), it does not cause side effects like gastric distress. This lichen has been shown to have impressive anti-ulcer properties and may be useful for treating ulcerative colitis.
Addresses Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) — Lungwort lichen has also been shown to degrade prion proteins using a serine protease enzyme. Prions are what cause mad cow disease and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in animals and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in humans when contaminated meat is consumed.
Researchers suspect neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s may also be caused by these infectious proteins. Prion disease is fatal. This is why the effectiveness of lungwort lichen against prions is extraordinary, as they are very difficult to kill. You can read more in my post, “Has The Infamous Prion Met Its Match With Lungwort Lichen?“.
Deepen Your Knowledge of Plant Medicine
Interested in learning more about lungwort lichen and many other helpful medicinal herbs? The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine is for you! Within its pages, you will find comprehensive plant profiles, uses, and harvesting advice, along with recipes for making a range of herbal preparations right in your own home. Tap here to purchase your copy today!
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Safety
Do not use lungwort lichen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as safety is unknown.
Nicole Apelian
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Bronchial Blend Tincture
