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Mullein: One of Nature's Effective Respiratory Healers


Imagine a hidden gem in the world of herbal medicine, a plant revered for centuries as one of nature’s ultimate respiratory remedies. Welcome to the mystical world of Mullein, where towering stalks and vibrant yellow flowers bring you into natural healing. Let's dive into Mullein's many benefits through learning some of it's medicinal properties, it's use in ancient traditions and modern discoveries, as we unveil the secrets of this herbal healer's extraordinary strengths. Get ready to breathe deeply in the magic of Mullein!


What is Mullein?


Mullein (Verbascum spp.), is a native plant in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, now commonly found in many regions worldwide. In its first year the plant forms a basal rosette of greyish-green fuzzy leaves. In the second year you can identify by its tall stalk, large fuzzy leaves, and vibrant yellow flowers that emerge. It can generally grow between 2-8 ft but can sometimes get even taller than that. The leaves grow in a whorl pattern around the stem and Mullein likes to frequently grow in disturbed soils.


Historical uses date back centuries, and Greek Physician Dioscorides recommended it as a top choice and go-to remedy for coughs more than 2000 years ago. The demulcent effect of Mullein (both the leaves and flowers) was well known by Native Americans, who would use it in decoctions and teas to treat mild respiratory conditions, including coughs and nasal congestion. The medicinal actions of mullein was also frequently paired with thyme and rosemary for a more enhanced respiratory healing effect. A poultice (a way of preparing herbal medicine by mashing the herb, adding liquid and releasing its juices) was made with fresh mullein leaves to treat wounds, swellings and skin irritations, like rashes. While dry leaves were smoked to induce cough and help to expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.


The leaves, flowers and roots can be used and each plant part produces different beneficial healing actions .

Medicinal Properties of Mullein


Mullein has medicinal properties that make it effective as an demulcent, inflammation modulator, expectorant and lymphatic. This medicinal herb contains various chemical constituents like saponins, iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, vitamin C and minerals that interact with the body to produce therapeutic effects (1).

  • Its expectorant properties make it effective for respiratory issues such as coughs, congestion, and bronchitis. Its demulcent & mucilaginous quality is cooling and moistening for those dry-irritable types of coughs that sort of present with a tickly feeling. In these cases, I would also pair it with other demulcent herbs like marshmallow, hollyhock or violet in a well-rounded formulation.

  • Its inflammation-modulating effects, due to its phytochemical compounds, can help to soothe inflammation that may be occurring in the respiratory tract, making it useful for sore throats and respiratory irritations (2).

  • Mullein leaf is often used by herbalists to help individuals who want to quit smoking. A tea or tincture is often used internally to support the lungs, while also using it as a light-smoking herb. It sounds a bit counterintuitive, but inhaling mullein smoke is a way to directly get mullein's relaxant qualities to the lung tissue, which helps constriction and helps to stop coughing.

  • Well-known and highly respected herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar, describes the flowers of Mullein as anodyne (which gives pain-relieving actions), while also being demulcent and soothing. When the flowers are infused in a high quality oil like Olive Oil, it creates a great remedy for mild ear infections, helping to relieve pain and working with a lymphatic action on the area around the ear to help resolve infection. Formulas that combine garlic oil with mullein oil can help to further manage and provide relief from mild ear aches, so they’re a great combination together. You wouldn’t use this remedy where there is water trapped in the ear, though, like in cases of Swimmer’s ear or where the ear-drum may be perforated.

  • Mullein root has medicinal properties too, the root has a more warming/drying effect energetically, and herbalists use the healing properties of mullein root for back and joint pain.


Common Mullein Herbal Preparations


Mullein is used in preparations such as teas, infusions, decoctions and tinctures. You can get your own recipe card below, where I guide you through a simple and easy process of making your own Mullein leaf tea. You can find dried mullein leaves online and mullein flower infused oils can often be found at your local health food center. Tinctures (herbal extracts), capsules and other specialized preparations can be purchased from your local herbalist.

Tincture Herbal Preparation (alcohol extract)

Harvesting Mullein Yourself


Now, if you’re going to be harvesting Mullein on your own, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • You always want to make sure the areas you are harvesting from are clean and free from pesticides, herbicides and other chemical sprays.

  • Make sure that you’re harvesting with a sustainability approach. Only take what you feel you need and leave the rest behind so the plant can regenerate itself and continue to produce, keeping its population healthy in the area, if there’s only a small number of the plants in the area - its best to move on to another place where its more abundant.

  • Ensure you are 100% sure of the plant you are harvesting, many plants have look-alikes that can be toxic - so we want to avoid that of course. Let’s keep it safe out there. Going on herb walks with a qualified herbalist is a great way to learn your plant identification!


Safety and Precautions You Should Be Aware of When Using Mullein


Mullein is given the highest safety rating from the Botanical Safety Handbook and it is generally safe for sensitive individuals, including children and the elderly. It is a family remedy we use a lot here in our home, especially during cold and flu season. That being said, each individual is different and it’s always a good practice to start new herbs or any products for that matter in small amounts to see how it works with your body first, before you continue use.


There isn't enough research to confirm the effects of Mullein during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Current research reports no increase in frequency of malformations or other harmful effects on the fetus when used by women in limited amounts. That being said, more studies need to be done in this area to draw a conclusive answer for these types of cases (3).


Mullein does have dense hairs, which are what give it its fuzzy appearance. They are something to be aware of as they can be irritating to the throat for some individuals, so just be sure to really strain your tea well with a coffee filter before drinking.


Lastly, always source Mullein from reputable sources to ensure you’re getting it in its highest purity and potency. Assess the herb, even when dried, the leaves should be a similar green color to its fresh form, not brown and stale looking.


Conclusion


Mullein is a wonderful herb we can rely on for relief of dry coughs, respiratory irritations/conditions, earaches and joint and back pain. I really encourage you to get out there and get to know this awesome health-benefiting plant. Don’t forget to grab your free recipe card to make your own mullein leaf tea, linked below.




CLICK HERE: PRINTABLE MULLEIN LEAF TEA RECIPE CARD
















References


1. Riaz , M., Zia-Ul-Haq, M., & Z.E. Jaafar, H. (2013, November). Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects. Science Direct, Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia . https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X13701261


2. Blanco-Salas, J., Hortigón-Vinagre, M. P., Morales-Jadán, D., & Ruiz-Téllez, T. (2021, July) Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A review on the case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8301161/


3. WholisticMatters. (2022, May 3). Herbal safety during pregnancy. https://wholisticmatters.com/herbal-safety-during-pregnancy/






Disclaimer Notice

Please note the information on this page is for educational purposes only. All effort has been done to present accurate, up to date, reliable and competent information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial or medical advice. Please consult your health professional when working with plant medicines, especially in cases where you are taking prescription medication.





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