The mucilage content coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes, especially in the throat and bronchi. Flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory effects, and tannins tighten and tone respiratory tissues.
Used in dry or irritated coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, hoarseness, and inflammatory lung conditions. Limited internal use due to PA content.
Long used in European and Chinese medicine as a cough and lung remedy. Inhaled as smoke or steam for asthma; brewed as tea or syrup for throat inflammation.
Most commonly used as tea, tincture, syrup, or lozenge. PA-free extracts are increasingly preferred.
Avoid long-term use internally due to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (especially from flowers and roots). Not for use in infants or children under 6
May interact with hepatotoxic drugs or increase liver strain when combined with alcohol or medications metabolised in the liver.
