{"id":6898,"date":"2012-07-01T01:10:42","date_gmt":"2012-07-01T06:10:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=7104"},"modified":"2012-07-01T02:36:13","modified_gmt":"2012-07-01T07:36:13","slug":"the-mugwort-chronicles-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2012\/07\/01\/the-mugwort-chronicles-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mugwort Chronicles"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lungwort and the Doctrine of Signatures<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several weekends ago our apprenticeship class from the Arctos School ofherbal and Botanical Studies went on an awesome hike to check out a young forest near the Clackamas River in Oregon. The area had been logged about fifty years earlier, and the Douglas Firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii<\/em>) were slowly making a comeback. What I found most exciting was that the trees were COVERED with an abundance of Lungwort-Lobaria pulmonaria<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are many plants with which I enjoy a deep relationship; however, Lungwort is definitely one that joyfully and powerfully sings to my heart. There is just something about the vibrancy of its nearly iridescent green colour, its substantial, fleshy structure and textured shape which makes Lobaria Pulmonaria <\/em>appear magical to me, as if it was truly breathing<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is important to make the distinction that this Lungwort is Lobaria pulmonaria-<\/em> the lichen (<\/em>also known as Sticta pulmonaria <\/em>in older texts), <\/em>and NOT the Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis- <\/em>the herbaceous perennial of the Boraginaceae family. Although they have similar uses medicinally, they belong to two entirely different plant kingdoms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lichen Lungwort is also known by several other common names including Longwort Moss and Lungmoss, emphasizing the importance of always including the taxonomic name when discussing plants. Not only does this avoid confusion, but it just may prevent a serious error in plant medicine use, as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lichens are unique organisms- a partnership between fungus and alga, enabling it to live in situations where neither fungus nor alga alone could exist. The fungus protects the more delicate alga from drying out and the alga provides nutrients to the fungus through photosynthesis. Many lichens contain green algae, but Lungwort also contains a nitrogen-fixing cyanbacterium, a blue-green alga. Often found on the bark of trees, when Lungworts are blown down during storms, they decompose on the forest floor, enriching the soil with nitrogen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lungwort can be found in North America, Europe and Asia. Highly sensitive to pollution, L pulmonaria <\/em>numbers have declined in many parts of the world and are considered endangered in some areas of Europe. Here in our humid Pacific Northwest forests, Lungwort can often be seen in large numbers, especially in areas of older growth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When wet, Lungwort\u2019s top surface is bright green with a smooth cream coloured underside. Its pliable, almost rubbery ridged and pitted lobes appear similar to lung tissue. \u00a0When moisture is unavailable, Lungwort will look pale and brittle, becoming dormant via a process known as poikilohydry. When rains return, the renewed moisture allows Lungwort to begin photosynthesizing once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

L Pulmonaria <\/em>has long been used to treat respiratory conditions including bronchitis, chronic asthma, croup and pertussis (Whooping Cough). The dried frond is usually made into either an infusion or a tincture and is often combined with other respiratory herbs. \u00a0Lungwort\u2019s action is considered antimicrobial and expectorant (Tilgner). \u00a0It has also been used to make dyes and as a replacement for Hops (Humulus lupulus) <\/em>to flavor beer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is Lungwort\u2019s similarity in appearance to lung tissue which may have led to its discovery for treating respiratory ailments. According to the doctrine of signatures, the usefulness of plants for treating specific conditions could be determined based on certain characteristics of the plant such as leaf shape, colour as well as resemblance to body parts. \u00a0For example, St. John\u2019s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)<\/em> was considered useful for treating skin problems as the holes in the leaves resembled pores in the skin. Although popularized in Europe during the 1500\u2019s, the theory of signatures has much earlier beginnings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In ancient China, plant colour and flavor helped to determine which organs would benefit from certain plants. For example, plants which were red and bitter were considered useful for treating the heart, while plants that were green and sour were good for the liver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The basic concept of signatures can be found in the writings of the Roman physician Galen (129 AD- circa 200 AD). Philippus von Hohenheim (1493-1541), a German-Swiss physician better known as Paracelsus, further developed the doctrine of signatures, helping to popularize it within Renaissance Europe\u2019s medical community.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the first half of the 1600\u2019s, a German shoemaker name Jakob B\u00f6hme had a mystical vision in which a divine relationship between plants and healing was revealed to him based on the color of the flowers, the shape of the leaves and where the plants grew. In 1621, B\u00f6hme wrote of his revelations in \u201cSignatura Rerum; The Signature of all Things”.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The theory of signatures continued through the works of Nicholas Culpepper, William Cole in 1657 (\u201cAdam in Eden\u201d) and into the twentieth century in Ben Charles Harris\u2019s book, \u201cThe Complete herbal\u201d (1972).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Undoubtedly, signatures played an important role throughout time in learning and remembering plant medicine associations. As a method for determining medicinal use of plants, the doctrine of signatures is often considered nothing more than coincidental by today\u2019s scientific community. However the theory\u2019s influence can still be found in contemporary plant therapies such as the Bach flower remedies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I am fascinated how the signatures really do seem to relate to Lungwort\u2019s healing properties. Not only do the structures of this wonderful lichen look like lung tissue, but the lush forest in which it grows encourages deep healing breaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As an herbalist, I would love to make medicine from L pulmonaria, <\/em>the lichen which calls so strongly to me. However, there are more readily available plants that work quite well for any respiratory problems that I encounter, many growing right in my own herb garden. I prefer to leave this lovely jewel to work its healing magic where it proliferates: in our sacred forests.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This information is offered for educational purposes and is not intended to take the place of personalized medical care from a trained healthcare professional. The reader assumes all risk when utilizing the above information. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

~Louise~<\/p>\n

Copyright\u00a9<\/em> 2012 Louise Harmon<\/em><\/p>\n

All Rights Reserved<\/em><\/p>\n

References<\/p>\n

Bergner, P. (2001). Respiratory-acute and chronic case studies. Medical herbalism\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2(6):1, 4-5. <\/em>Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/medherb.com\/Therapeutics\/Respiratory_-_Acute_and_Chronic_Case_Studies.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 9 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gibson, A. Doctrine of signatures. Retrieved from\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 http:\/\/www.botgard.ucla.edu\/html\/botanytextbooks\/economicbotany\/Doctrine\/i\u00a0 ndex.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 9 June 2012<\/p>\n

Lepp, H. (2011). Lichens and people. Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.anbg.gov.au\/lichen\/lichens-people.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 6 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tilgner, S. (1999). Materia medica. Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.herbaltransitions.com\/materiamedica\/Sticta.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 9 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

US Forest Service. Celebrating wildflowers: lichens. Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.fs.fed.us\/wildflowers\/interesting\/lichens\/habitat.shtml<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 9 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wikipedia. Doctrine of signatures. Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doctrine_of_signatures#External_links<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 9 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wikipedia. Lobaria pulmonaria. Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lobaria_pulmonaria<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 7 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wood, M. (2011). The doctrine of signatures. Retrieved from<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.naturasophia.com\/Signatures.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Accessed 11 June 2012<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For more information regarding workshops or the apprenticeship program at Arctos School of herbal and Botanical Studies located in Portland, Oregon, please visit their site:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

http:\/\/arctosschool.org\/arctosschoolapprenticeship.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lungwort and the Doctrine of Signatures Several weekends ago our apprenticeship class from the Arctos School ofherbal and Botanical Studies went on an awesome hike to check out a young forest near the Clackamas River in Oregon. The area had been logged about fifty years earlier, and the Douglas Firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were slowly making a comeback. What I found most exciting was that the trees were COVERED with an abundance of Lungwort-Lobaria pulmonaria.   There are many plants with which I enjoy a deep relationship; however, Lungwort is definitely one that joyfully and powerfully sings to my heart. There is just something about the vibrancy of its nearly iridescent green colour, its substantial, fleshy structure and textured shape which makes Lobaria Pulmonaria appear magical to me, as if it was truly breathing.   It is important to make the distinction that this Lungwort is Lobaria pulmonaria- the lichen (also known as Sticta pulmonaria in older texts), and NOT the Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis- the herbaceous perennial of the Boraginaceae family. Although they have similar uses medicinally, they belong to two entirely different plant kingdoms.   The lichen Lungwort is also known by several other common names including Longwort Moss and Lungmoss, emphasizing the importance of always including the taxonomic name when discussing plants. Not only does this avoid confusion, but it just may prevent a serious error in plant medicine use, as well.     Lichens are unique organisms- a partnership between fungus and alga, enabling it to live in situations where neither fungus nor alga alone could exist. The fungus protects the more delicate alga from drying out and the alga provides nutrients to the fungus through photosynthesis. Many lichens contain green algae, but Lungwort also contains a nitrogen-fixing cyanbacterium, a blue-green alga. Often found on the bark of trees, when Lungworts are blown down during storms, they decompose on the forest floor, enriching the soil with nitrogen.   Lungwort can be found in North America, Europe and Asia. Highly sensitive to pollution, L pulmonaria numbers have declined in many parts of the world and are considered endangered in some areas of Europe. Here in our humid Pacific Northwest forests, Lungwort can often be seen in large numbers, especially in areas of older growth.   When wet, Lungwort\u2019s top surface is bright green with a smooth cream coloured underside. Its pliable, almost rubbery ridged and pitted lobes appear similar to lung tissue. \u00a0When moisture is unavailable, Lungwort will look pale and brittle, becoming dormant via a process known as poikilohydry. When rains return, the renewed moisture allows Lungwort to begin photosynthesizing once more.     L Pulmonaria has long been used to treat respiratory conditions including bronchitis, chronic asthma, croup and pertussis (Whooping Cough). The dried frond is usually made into either an infusion or a tincture and is often combined with other respiratory herbs. \u00a0Lungwort\u2019s action is considered antimicrobial and expectorant (Tilgner). \u00a0It has also been used to make dyes and as a replacement for Hops (Humulus lupulus) to flavor beer.   It is Lungwort\u2019s similarity in appearance to lung tissue which may have led to its discovery for treating respiratory ailments. According to the doctrine of signatures, the usefulness of plants for treating specific conditions could be determined based on certain characteristics of the plant such as leaf shape, colour as well as resemblance to body parts. \u00a0For example, St. John\u2019s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) was considered useful for treating skin problems as the holes in the leaves resembled pores in the skin. Although popularized in Europe during the 1500\u2019s, the theory of signatures has much earlier beginnings.   In ancient China, plant colour and flavor helped to determine which organs would benefit from certain plants. For example, plants which were red and bitter were considered useful for treating the heart, while plants that were green and sour were good for the liver.   The basic concept of signatures can be found in the writings of the Roman physician Galen (129 AD- circa 200 AD). Philippus von Hohenheim (1493-1541), a German-Swiss physician better known as Paracelsus, further developed the doctrine of signatures, helping to popularize it within Renaissance Europe\u2019s medical community.   In the first half of the 1600\u2019s, a German shoemaker name Jakob B\u00f6hme had a mystical vision in which a divine relationship between plants and healing was revealed to him based on the color of the flowers, the shape of the leaves and where the plants grew. In 1621, B\u00f6hme wrote of his revelations in \u201cSignatura Rerum; The Signature of all Things”.   The theory of signatures continued through the works of Nicholas Culpepper, William Cole in 1657 (\u201cAdam in Eden\u201d) and into the twentieth century in Ben Charles Harris\u2019s book, \u201cThe Complete herbal\u201d (1972).   Undoubtedly, signatures played an important role throughout time in learning and remembering plant medicine associations. As a method for determining medicinal use of plants, the doctrine of signatures is often considered nothing more than coincidental by today\u2019s scientific community. However the theory\u2019s influence can still be found in contemporary plant therapies such as the Bach flower remedies.     I am fascinated how the signatures really do seem to relate to Lungwort\u2019s healing properties. Not only do the structures of this wonderful lichen look like lung tissue, but the lush forest in which it grows encourages deep healing breaths.   As an herbalist, I would love to make medicine from L pulmonaria, the lichen which calls so strongly to me. However, there are more readily available plants that work quite well for any respiratory problems that I encounter, many growing right in my own herb garden. I prefer to leave this lovely jewel to work its healing magic where it proliferates: in our sacred forests.   This information is offered for educational purposes and is not intended to take the place of personalized medical care from a trained healthcare professional. The reader assumes all risk when utilizing the above information. \u00a0 ~Louise~ Copyright\u00a9 2012 Louise Harmon All Rights Reserved References Bergner, P. (2001). Respiratory-acute and chronic case studies. Medical herbalism\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2(6):1, 4-5. Retrieved from http:\/\/medherb.com\/Therapeutics\/Respiratory_-_Acute_and_Chronic_Case_Studies.htm Accessed 9 June 2012   Gibson, A. Doctrine of signatures. Retrieved from\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 http:\/\/www.botgard.ucla.edu\/html\/botanytextbooks\/economicbotany\/Doctrine\/i\u00a0 ndex.html Accessed 9 June 2012 Lepp, H. (2011). Lichens and people. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.anbg.gov.au\/lichen\/lichens-people.html Accessed 6 June 2012   Tilgner, S. (1999). Materia medica. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.herbaltransitions.com\/materiamedica\/Sticta.htm Accessed 9 June 2012   US Forest Service. Celebrating wildflowers: lichens. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.fs.fed.us\/wildflowers\/interesting\/lichens\/habitat.shtml Accessed 9 June 2012   Wikipedia. Doctrine of signatures. Retrieved from http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Doctrine_of_signatures#External_links Accessed 9 June 2012   Wikipedia. Lobaria pulmonaria. Retrieved from http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lobaria_pulmonaria Accessed 7 June 2012   Wood, M. (2011). The doctrine of signatures. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.naturasophia.com\/Signatures.html Accessed 11 June 2012   For more information regarding workshops or the apprenticeship program at Arctos School of herbal and Botanical Studies located in Portland, Oregon, please visit their site:   http:\/\/arctosschool.org\/arctosschoolapprenticeship.htm  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6898"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6898\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}