Mullein is a biennial flowering plant known for its towering stalks of yellow flowers and soft, velvety leaves. It has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, particularly for respiratory and immune health.
Mullein is primarily found in dry, open landscapes across Europe and Asia, with the Mediterranean region having the highest species diversity.
Mullein has a long-standing reputation as a go-to for respiratory issues and respiratory infections. For centuries, people have brewed its leaves and flowers into tea to help loosen mucus, calm irritated airways, and ease stubborn coughs. There’s evidence from research that it works as an expectorant, making it easier for the lungs to clear out congestion (phlegm).
Beyond that, it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it’s been used on the skin—applied as a salve or compress to soothe wounds, burns, and irritation.
And then there’s mullein oil, often used as an ear drop to help relieve earaches, particularly in children with ear infections.
For most people, mullein is safe.
Mullein tea, extracts, and oils are generally well tolerated, though anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or dealing with serious liver or kidney issues should check with a healthcare professional first.
Occasionally, some people find the leaves irritating to the skin, but otherwise, it’s a gentle, well-regarded herb with a long track record of use.
Respiratory health support and bronchitis remedy. Natural expectorant
Ear infection remedy for earache relief
Anti-inflammatory and skin healing-promoting herb
Immune support for sore throat relief
Cough , Chest Infection (Respiratory Tract Infection) , Bronchitis , Viral Infection , Inflammation , Minor Injuries: Cuts, Grazes, Burns and Sprains. , Immunity
Dong X, Mkala EM, Mutinda ES, et al. Taxonomy, comparative genomics of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae), with implications for the evolution of Verbascum and Lamiales. BMC Genomics. 2022;23:566. doi:10.1186/s12864-022-08799-9.
Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T. Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Biology (Basel).2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618.
Taleb S, Saeedi M. The effect of Verbascum thapsus on episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6.
Shenefelt PD. Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 18.
Rodriguez-Fragoso L, Reyes-Esparza J, Burchiel SW, Herrera-Ruiz D, Torres E. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008;227(1):125-135. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005.
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