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Lungwort

Question
Is it correct that lungwort or marshmallow has positive effects on phlegm in case of cf?
Answer
Lungwort or Pulmonaria has long been used to treat cough and bronchitis. The scientific name Pulmonaria is derived from the Latin word pulmo (lung). In old times, the spotted oval leaves of Pulmonaria were thought to symbolize diseased, ulcerated lungs, and so were used to treat pulmonary infections. However this popular wisdom has never been scientifically proven.

In clinical practice, lungwort is often used in combination with other herbal substances to treat cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Extracts of marshmallow or Althaea officinalis are also popular in use for the treatment of cough and phlegm. There is however no proof of efficacy of these herbal products in the treatment of cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis or CF.
Some herbs and nutritional supplements have a positive effect on the CFTR channel (the chloride channel which is disturbed in CF). Curcuma is a member of the ginger family can open the CFTR channel in cell lines, when applied in high doses. Another example is garlic, which inhibits the growth of Pseudomonas in a petri dish. Unfortunately, most of these findings cannot be translated into suitable therapies. Extremely high doses have to be applied to obtain a positive effect, and side effects limit the use. We thus advise you not to use any of these herbs but to talk to your doctor about it.
It is important to realize that some of these products can potentially be dangerous. The use of herbal substances is not tightly regulated by the strict rules of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or EMA (European Medicine Agency). Side effects, allergic reactions and interactions with other medications or therefore not well known. Caution is needed when these products are used.

Kind regards,
Dr. Mieke Boon
14.11.2012