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Lobaria pulmonaria
Discover the healing gifts of Lungwort Lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria)—a remarkable west-coast lichen traditionally used to support respiratory health. In this blog, learn how Lungwort grows high in the canopy of our coastal forests, why ethical harvesting is essential, and how this symbiotic organism has been relied on for easing stuck mucus, spastic coughs, and congested sinuses. Explore dosage tips, herbal energetics, and how to incorporate this powerful forest medicine into your daily routine.
Habitat & Growth Pattern
Lobaria pulmonaria is a native lichen found growing within the temperate boreal forest of Canada, as well as found here along the west coast to Alaska. Lungwort grows within the tree canopy, commonly found on Giant Maple’s - intriguing how this lung-looking lichen grows off the branches of a tree whose structure resembles the trachea and bronchi.
Harvesting
Lichens are very slow growing organisms, dangling from the tree canopy providing the surrounding forest life with clean, filtered air. For these reasons, I only recommend harvesting Lungwort Lichen that has fallen to the forest floor, as it can quickly become unsustainable if harvested improperly. The best time to collect is after a storm, collect the healthiest specimens from the ground, take them home and rinse in cool water, dry and save for later use. Using this method I am able to harvest almost year round for Lungwort without hindering the growth of the colony, ensuring it lasts for years to come.
Find Lungwort Lichen in..
Cough & Cold - Fresh Plant Tincture
Free yourself from long, drawn out colds with antiviral Hyssop and immune modulating Lungwort Lichen. Diaphoretic herbs Elderflower and Eucalyptus warm the body, breaking congestion and clearing phlegm, to provide relief from the most debilitating symptoms. Calming the nerves and relieving worries Lemon Balm helps restore mental clarity. Learn More
Life's A Wheeze - Medicinal Tea
Support lung function with Mullein, Lungwort Lichen, Linden, Calendula and Marshmallow Root. Formulated to soothe irritated spastic coughing and promote productive expectoration when necessary. Essential oil rich Fennel and Lavender are easily absorbed by the lungs to break down stuck mucous. With added musculoskeltal support and pain relief this is the go-to drink for post-coughing fits. Learn More
Medicinal Uses
When considering the usage of Lobaria it is imperative to look to the environment it thrives in; lichens are prolific in damp, cool environments and act as the lungs of the forest by accumulating heavy metals and air pollutants. The lungs thrive in a similar environment, damp and cool, filtering the air we intake. Therefore, we can presume that a herb adapted to thrive in this type of external climate will offer medicinal value to a similar internal climate. And that is just what the traditional use and research confirms!
Lungwort is the herb of choice when looking at lung conditions. It especially indicated when there is stuck mucous in the lungs, a spastic cough accompanied with body pains, and congestive sinus’. Whether you want to support lung health, have a current respiratory condition, or know that you experience a high load of environmental pollutants, Lungwort Lichen could be a perfect addition to your herbal tea!
Dosage
Lichens are very potent herbs, therefore I recommend adding them to a formula, 5-10% of total volume, or consuming in small quantities. For a Lungwort only formula (also known as a simple remedy) I recommend 1tsp/day. For a combination tea, it has a very mild Poplar/Honey-esque flavour making it easy to add into almost any formula. If symptoms get worse, discontinue use.
