True lungwort, a member of the broadleaf family, is native to Europe and can also be found from central Sweden to central Italy and in central and southern Russia. Lungwort has lung-like leaves with cloudy white spots reminiscent of pulmonary alveoli, which is why it has been used for centuries to treat lung diseases. 10 to 20 m tall stems with pale pink, purple and blue flowers. Flowering time is March/April.
The dried herb of leaves, flowers and stems, Pulmonariae herba, is used phytotherapeutically.
The quality is specified in the German Pharmacopoeia (DAB).