A perennial plant that reaches a height of 30 cm, with a thick and well-developed root. The stem is erect, covered with rough hairs. The leaves are also rough and covered with hairs (up to 15 cm long). The leaves are covered with white spots, these spots are openings through which water evaporates (similar to skin pores). Root leaves are heart-shaped or ovate on elongated stems, stem leaves are smaller, almost sessile, ovate-lanceolate, pointed. The flowers are located at the tops of the stems. Flowers pinkish or pinkish purple, 7-10mm in diameter. When the flowers fully open, they become blue-violet. The fruits are black, shiny, fluffy nuts that attract ants, which spread the plant.

Dark Lungwort blooms only in the fourth year of its life (March-April-May), moreover, the plant begins to bloom faster in a bright place than in a shaded one.

When collecting Dark Lungwort, preference is always given to plants that live in the wild. All parts of the plant are used. The above-ground part of the plant is harvested in spring-early summer, when inflorescences form and the plant blooms, the roots are harvested in autumn.

The plant is dried in well-ventilated and shaded places, hung in bundles or spread on sieves. The roots are thoroughly cleaned, rinsed in running water and dried in forced dryers, not exceeding a temperature of 40C. The drug is dry when it becomes brittle. After drying, it is useful to grind all parts of the plant into powder. The plant can be stored in a glass container or ordinary cardboard boxes, no longer than one year.

Medicinal locust contains tannins (6-10%), with a high content of polyphenols, alkaloid pyrrolizinide (2.5-4%), saponins, tannins (6-10%), carotene, flavonoids, alntoin (1%), rutin, mucilage, significant amount of ascorbic acid, as well as silicic acid and its soluble salts. The plant is rich in trace elements - manganese, iron, copper, vanadium, titanium, silver, nickel, strontium and other valuable elements for the human body.

Medicinal significance

The biologically active elements present in the Dark Lungwort work as anti-inflammatory, expectorant and respiratory softening agents (in case of infections). The plant also has anti-bleeding, wound-healing, diuretic, covering and antiseptic properties. The plant improves the functioning of the immune system, stimulates the adaptogenic functions of the body, which is useful in case of nervous function disorders.

Silicic acid softens inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines, oral cavity and throat. Dark Lungwort has a beneficial effect on hematopoietic function, activates thiamine (B1), improves protein, carbohydrate and water metabolism.

Even though the Dark Lungwort has not found application in official medicine, this plant has been used for ages and very widely in folk medicine. Folk scientists use this plant in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system (catarrh, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, prolonged cough, hoarseness), as a softening and expectorant agent.

In ancient times, decoctions of the surface part of the plant treated hoarseness, tuberculosis, stimulated the immune system and even treated diabetes.

Rhizome preparations were used as diuretic, anti-inflammatory, softening, coating, astringent and expectorant agents, in case of colds, diseases of the digestive tract, as well as to improve the function of internal secretory glands.

Fresh leaves were used to heal wounds and stop bleeding. Water settling is recommended for the treatment of hemorrhoids, kidney inflammation and bladder stone disease. The same setting was used for rinsing to restore the microflora of the uterus.

Dark Lungwort preparations are useful for treating colitis, urethritis, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the prostate gland, dyspepsia in young children, inflammation of the female genital organs, vasculitis and vitiligo.

Dark Lungwort juice is considered one of the most valuable medicinal forms of this plant to treat oncological diseases, leukemia, thyroid gland diseases, anemia, tuberculosis, diseases caused by inflammation, as well as to strengthen the body's immunity.

People's experience has proven that properly prepared infusions and decoctions from this plant can work miracles, lifting even seriously ill people out of bed.

For men

Prostate adenoma is treated with Dark Lungwort. There is data that lakakis is a good male sexual stimulator.

Not recommended for use

This plant does not cause side effects, but this plant should also be used wisely. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, in children under 3 years of age, in case of constipation, increased blood clotting and intestinal atony.

You should know that when you use this plant in infusions or decoctions on an empty stomach, you may feel unwell.

Remember that the medical handkerchief is only one component with which to carry out a full-fledged treatment, it does not replace all other health-improving measures.

Importance of food

For Dark Lungwort, collect the rhizome leaves that appear on the plant after its flowering. Dark Lungwort has even been cultivated as a salad plant in the past. But in general, this plant is used as an additive in soups, purees. Small meat rolls can also be made from the leaves, only they should be stewed in an acidic environment - cream or together with tomatoes. The leaves of the plant grow back all summer long and they are edible, and you will always be able to find the new leaves. The old leaves are no longer as tasty, but can be used in stews or purees. As much as the old leaves will have to be ground and rubbed through a sieve. Dark Lungwort does not have a distinct taste and could even be called a plant with a neutral taste, but together with a little sour additions, it is purely good.

Diet recipes

Dark Lungwort salad with bows

300 gr. handkerchief, 100 gr. bow, 4 gr. cream, 1 egg, salt to taste.

Wash the leeks and bows thoroughly, cut them, salt them. Add egg and cream.

Dark Lungwort salad with horseradish

250 gr. Dark Lungwort , 25 gr. grated horseradish, 20 gr. cream, dill, salt to taste.

Dark Lungwort is chopped, salted. Add horseradish and cream, mix.

Dark Lungwort salad with radish

150 gr. Dark Lungwort , 150 gr. grated radish, 30 gr. cream.

Meat soup with Dark Lungwort

150 gr. Dark Lungwort , 150 gr. meat, 100 gr. potato, 40 gr. onion, 5 gr. fat, up to 500 gr. water or broth, salt, pepper.

Boil meat and potatoes in water or broth, add Dark Lungwort , onion stewed in a pan. Add salt and pepper if desired.

Meatball soup from Dark Lungwort

100 gr. Dark Lungwort , 200 gr. minced meat, 80 gr. onion, 80 gr. parsley, 700 gr. water.

Boil chopped onion and parsley, then add meatballs, which are made from 2 parts meat and 1 part Dark Lungwort . Cook for an average of 15 minutes.

Minced meat with Dark Lungwort patties

200 gr. Dark Lungwort , 400 gr. minced meat, 200 gr. onion, 20 gr. fat, salt and pepper.

Chop leek and onion finely and mix with minced meat, adding pepper and salt. The resulting mixture can be used to fill pies.

Pickled roach

Dark Lungwort is cut, filled in three-liter jars, poured with marinade and stored in the refrigerator.

Marinade: 1L 6% vinegar, 50 gr. sugar, 50 gr. salt, 3 bay leaves, 10 allspice, boil everything for 10 minutes.

Dark Lungwort brine

Chopped Dark Lungwort is placed in a 3L jar and poured with 10% salt water. Store in the fridge!