This post is also available in: 
Slovenščina (Slovenian) 
Hrvatski (Croatian) 
Deutsch (German) 
Italiano (Italian)
Discover the magic of nature with our lungwort syrup recipe. This refreshing syrup with exceptional flavor is made with love for nature and tradition. Lungwort, known for its healing power, transforms into a delicious syrup that will refresh you on hot summer days.
Common lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis, is among the first heralds of spring. It blooms from March to May. It was valued even in ancient times, as the spots on its leaves resemble lung alveoli, and in antiquity people believed that plants heal those parts of the body they resemble.
Lungwort is a plant up to 30 centimeters tall, with flowers in various colors, from pink, red, purple to blue shades. Both leaves and stem are covered with fine hairs. The name itself tells us that lungwort preparations are used to treat lung diseases, respiratory ailments, throat inflammation, and coughs.
Lungwort is also a powerful antioxidant, so it prevents premature aging and ensures a more beautiful appearance of your skin. This medicinal plant contains important healing compounds in March and April. It’s richest in silicic acid, mucilage, tannins, saponins, resins, various mineral salts, especially calcium.
Consuming lungwort preparations benefits our health. Young leaves can be added to salads or prepared like spinach. The plant can be dried and used to make tea. You can also prepare syrup from lungwort.
Ingredients for Lungwort Syrup
- 200 g fresh lungwort (flowers and leaves)
- 700 g sugar
- 1 liter water
- juice of one lemon
- 20 g citric acid
Method
1The preparation is quite simple. Boil water with sugar, let it cool slightly and add lemon juice and lungwort. Soak for 12 hours, stirring several times. Strain it and add citric acid for better taste and longer shelf life. The syrup prepared this way can be added to tea or simply drunk with water.
2The syrup can also be prepared differently by extracting juice from fresh lungwort flowers and leaves. This is done by chopping the lungwort and straining it through gauze. Mix in enough honey to get a nice flowing syrup. Store it in the refrigerator and consume by the spoonful.
Did You Know?
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is an herbaceous plant commonly found in forests, on moist soils, and along paths. Here are some interesting facts about lungwort:
Medicinal use: Lungwort is traditionally used in medicine for its supposed healing properties. It’s believed that lungwort has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system and can help alleviate lung problems.
Distinctive leaf shape: Lungwort leaves are often recognizable due to their characteristic shape. Many have spotted patterns that resemble lungs, which likely contributed to their name.
Changing flower colors: Lungwort flowers open in different colors, most commonly blue, pink, purple, or red. Additionally, flower color can change during different phases of blooming.
Popular in gardens: Lungwort is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, as besides its medicinal properties, it also brings beauty in the form of colorful flowers and attractive leaves.
Biodiversity: The lungwort plant can attract various types of insects, including bees and butterflies, which contributes to biodiversity in the environment.
Growing in shade: Lungwort thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas, making it suitable for gardens with less sunlight.
Edibility: In some cultures, young lungwort leaves are edible and can be added to salads or used as an herb.
Historical use: Lungwort has historical use in folk medicine. Some believed the plant was beneficial for treating respiratory system problems, including coughs.
Natural hybridization: In the wild, different lungwort species can cross and form natural hybrids. This contributes to genetic diversity in populations.
Resistance to certain conditions: Lungwort can be quite resistant to some harsh conditions, such as polluted air and poor soil quality, making it quite adaptable in natural environments.
Although lungwort is mostly known as an ornamental plant, it also has an interesting history of use in traditional medicine and attractive properties that contribute to biodiversity in nature.
