Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)

The name pulmonaria is derived from the Latin pulmo which means lung.

In (1493-1541) Paracelsus listed lungwort in his Doctrine of Signatures. In much the same way as Goldenrod was said to cure jaundice due to its yellow colouring, lungwort was said to cure pulmonary disease because the spotted leaves resembled diseased lungs. Lungwort became more widely used in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries for treating diseases of the breast and lungs. In England in the 17th century lungwort became known as Jerusalem Cowslip and was held in high regard as a treatment for asthma and bronchial complaints.
Folklore

Lungwort in some regions was called "Herb of Mary", and was said to be used as proof for revealing if a person was a witch. In the past, many wild flowers and herbs were associated with the Virgin Mary and St. Bridget, and all of them were worn or used as a protection against witches and evil spirits.

Lungwort has a variety of folk names, amongst them are Soldiers and Sailors, Lung Moss, Spotted Dog, Joseph and Mary, and Bethlehem Sage. It is also called Mary's Tears because the white spots on the leaves resemble tear stains, and the changing colour of the flowers from pink to blue represent blue eyes becoming reddened from weeping.