Mullein Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database if (theYear < 1900) Mullein is considered a mild sedative and an excellent expectorant. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! Drink at least 1 cup per day until symptoms improve. are clickable links to these studies. The Chinese people have been traditionally using it for cold and even asthma. Great for use in instances of a persistent, dry, unproductive cough, rib area pain, and inhaled particulate matter. Having ear pain from an external infection that needs disinfecting? It specifically removes mucus from the lungs with proper dosages and use. Mullein is forest herbs and is widely used for dry cough which is difficult to get rid of. Texas Hill Country Facebook page is growing by over 1,000 fans per The leaves, flowers and roots of the plant are used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, asthma, coughs and other lung-related ailments — making it one of the top herbs for healing. I follow Dr. Sebi’s theory of healing which revolves around alkalizing the body and removing excess mucus from the body to support health and vitality. Its silvery green leaves are soft, fuzzy, and large. However, this is definitely a questionable way of using it and if used, should never be done for a prolonged length of time. These seeds have been used to intoxicate fish, making them easier to catch. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Since ancient times, great mullein has been utilized as a remedy for skin, throat and breathing problems. You can buy mullein tea prepackaged, but it’s also easy to make at home if you have some fresh or dried mullein leaves and/or flowers. of all manners. Internally, it has been known to treat infections in the ears, colon, urinary tract (including a vaginal yeast infection) and kidneys. now = new Date Mullein. If harvesting, make sure that the plants are free from pollutants and the morning dew has dried. Typically, you should drop slightly warmed ear oil into the problematic ear two to three times per day. Pour 2 cups of fresh, crushed flowers into an airtight jar and pour 2 glasses of vodka. Cultures have also turned to smoking mullein for cough and asthma. It is incredibly abundant in Washington, and is a fantastic and gentle medicine. Suffering from painful bursitis somewhere on your body? Drink at least 1 cup per day until symptoms improve. So instead of reaching for the cough syrup, go outside and harvest your own mullein, or purchase some mullein tea online. Mullein for COPD is also used in folk medicine. When used properly and for a short term duration, mullein side effects are highly unlikely. Additionally, the leaves have been applied topically to soften and protect the skin. Plus, smoking mullein is one of the least effective means of using it’s beneficial properties. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows up to seven feet tall and has a single stem with large, thick, velvety leaves and pale-yellow, slightly irregular flowers. Mullein that is too dry won't smoke easily, so include a little dampness and rub the leaves together for the best outcome. Mullein’s saponins are believed to be the explanation for the herb’s expectorant actions. Benefits, Uses, Substitutes & More, Bay Leaf Benefits for Digestion, Wounds and Diabetics. Mullein can be found in dried, powdered, tea, tincture and oil formulations at your local health store or online. Expectorants are agents for stimulating the production or secretion of phlegm. Elecampane can be very easily found in the woods. This plant might even be able to fight influenza, herpes viruses and some bacteria that cause respiratory infections. Pros, Cons + How to Use, Top 7 Foods that Boost Testosterone (Plus Testosterone-Killing Foods), What Is Allspice? The leaves and flowers are traditionally what are harvested and dried. The huge flower spikes, near the top of the stem, are densely covered with bright yellow flowers that are open for only one day. You can make your own mullein tea at home by combining 1 cup of boiling water with 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers and letting the mixture steep for ten to 15 minutes. The herb can be ingested, applied topically and even smoked. Mullein has well-established emollient and astringent properties, making it an excellent choice for temperamental ear ailments. Mullein oil is potent disinfectant that can treat both internal and external infections. Mullein is the name for any of the over three hundred species of the genus Verbascum, which are large biennial or perennial herbs native to northern temperate regions, especially eastern Eurasia. Mullein must always be heated thoroughly before being ingested due to the saponins which are rather toxic, especially to aquatic creatures. How to Grow Mullein That’s right — don’t forget that natural remedies can be used on your animal friends, too! You may add honey for taste. The study found evidence that it helped to speed the healing process dramatically. Researchers at Clemson University confirmed the antibacterial properties of mullein. Native Americans and the Amish smoked the dried leaves to relax the lungs when respiratory coughing was uncontrollable, or breathing became too difficult. Mullein tea is a powerful natural lung medicine. Gargling the tea once it has cooled down is very effective for coughing and soreness in the throat. People have used it to make torches and as a dyeing agent. We also run the premiere real-estate site in the hill country at HillCountryRealestate.com. In 2002, these researchers reported that the plant’s extracts are effective against several species of disease-causing bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli more commonly known as E. coli. Sometimes the plant is referred to as Aaron’s rod because of it’s tall with yellow flowers. We are born and bred in The Mullein has long been used to treat coughs and respiratory issues. A gentle demulcent, mullein leaf aids the lungs in expelling drier mucus and phlegm by loosening it from the walls of the lungs and allowing it to be coughed up. Pour the strained oil into dark glass bottles and seal tightly. Mullein is easily identifiable. Uses. Preparations made from mullein leaves and flowers date back for thousands of years as treatments for asthma, coughs, TB, and some bacterial infections. With mullein, it actually gets to the root of the problem, helping to fight asthma and keeping away colds because it actually prevents infections from settling into the lungs by alleviating dryness and constriction. Mullein leaf has long been used as an expectorant for treating respiratory congestion because it promotes the ejection of mucus, from the lungs. The medicinal uses of mullein are far and wide, with extensive uses for tuberculosis and respiratory ailments affecting the lungs. Hill Country, and we welcome you to our family. You can buy mullein leaf tea at your local grocery or health store, or you can make your own at home. When using mullein to treat coughs due to colds, combine with horehound and lobelia. Poultices of wrapped leaves can aid in healing burns and minor wounds. In terms of interactions, mullein has been reported to inhibit the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs and it may intensify the effects of muscle relaxants and lithium. The fresh leaves boiled in milk and consumed daily is a traditional Irish folk remedy for tuberculosis. If you plan to use mullein oil, be sure to speak to a doctor first. Mullein has been used since ancient times, and its use and popularity only seem to be increasing as time goes on. Because of this, mullein may actually initiate coughing, even though that's the symptom being treated. How to Use Mullein Herb. As mentioned, smoking mullein is also possible and has been used as a natural remedy in folk medicine. To help bursitis naturally, you can simply prepare some mullein tea and soak a clean cloth in the warm tea. An oil made from steeping the flowers in oil can soothe earaches when a few drops are applied. In some cases, mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or inflammatory skin conditions. These hairs are what most people find irritating if they have allergies. The leaves of mullein stimulate the secretion in dry mucus membranes. places to stay, tourism, events, lodging, and we feature Texas Hill Country info Mullein has demulcent and expectorant properties, meaning it calms and soothes, while helping expel mucus. After being heated, mullein is fine for humans. It’s also available in extract and tincture forms — ask your pharmacist or doctor about these. The ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist, Dioscorides recommended the herb for lung diseases of the lung. As always, be sure to consult your physician before using any natural remedies or before changing your healthcare regimen, especially if have allergies, are currently experiencing health problems, or are taking any medication. Yellow mullein flowers have been used as a source of yellow hair dye. Infusions, powders, and tinctures can be taken orally,  in capsules or used topically. Using this smokable herb can be done with a pipe, but it certainly isn’t the healthiest approach to using the plant for healing. The cloth can then be regularly applied over the affected region, which should help to decrease inflammation and serve as a natural remedy for bone and joint pain. Smoking mullein is used by some for respiratory issues. If you choose a tincture, then 1/4–3/4 teaspoon is typically taken three to four times per day. According to a study done at Ohio State University's Heart and Lung Research Institute, grape seed extract showed promise in repairing body tissues. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. It has been reported since the early 1900’s to help with coughing, lung weakness, respiratory constriction and chest colds. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed and research indicates that mullein has anti-inflammatory effects. Steep for 15 minutes and then filter the tea to remove the Mullein leaves. Mullein is probably best known these days for its use as a key ingredient in herbal ear drops. Infusions, powders, and tinctures can be taken orally, in capsules or used topically. Tea: For sore throat, coughs and other upper respiratory issues, brew a strong mullein tea using 1 cup of boiled water and 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers. Mullein Verbascum thapsus. Mullein is a plant used to make medicine. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip. Mullein can come to the rescue once again. You can try applying a mullein compress or oil. of dried mullein leaves or root in 1 cup of water for five to ten minutes. Perhaps the most popular way of using mullein is steeping one to two teaspoons of dried leaves and flowers in a cup of tea for 10 to 15 minutes. document.write(theYear) For centuries, mullein flowers and leaves were used on animals and people for a variety of issues, including: Whether it’s a tea or a tincture, mullein can be used to treat everything from colds, coughs and sore throat, to bronchitis, tonsillitis and asthma. Tea: For sore throat, coughs and other upper respiratory issues, brew a strong mullein tea using 1 cup of boiled water and 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers. Mullein’s saponins help the body remove excess mucus from the lungs and soothes the mucus membranes with its emollient properties. Boil 1 tbsp. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Like elecampane, mullein is tonifying for the respiratory tract and has an affinity for the lymph glands. However, there have been isolated case reports of people developing side effects like contact dermatitis. The base of the plant has several leaves that spread out on the ground, then, the stem rises from the center, sometimes as tall as eight feet. In general, the plant has no serious recorded side effects. In folk medicine, research suggests that dried herb can be placed in a pipe and smoked to treat congestion in your lungs. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Mullein as an asthma remedy may be effective because of its soothing impact on the bronchioles. An oil made from steeping the flowers in oil can soothe earaches when a few drops are applied. Postural drainage involves lying in different positions to use gravity to … Boil 1 cup of water and pour it in the cup, over the dried Mullein leaves. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. It is a traditional expectorant and antispasmodic. Mullein is also known as Aaron’s rod, Indian tobacco, Bullock’s Lungwort, and Lady’s Foxglove. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Mullein oil is also used in ear drops fo… A study published in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in 2001 concluded that an herbal ear drop with mullein were just as effective as an anesthetic one. It also contains approximately 3 percent mucilage, which is thought to be responsible for the soothing actions that the herb has on the body’s mucous membranes. Traditional use of this therapeutic plant, in its various forms, includes the treatment of bruises, burns, hemorrhoids and gout. In a glass of warm water, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and drink it … Heat the mixture slowly for about three hours. This herbal plant has been used… Set 2 teaspoons of dried Mullein leaves in a cup. Some even use it to ease digestive complains like diarrhea and joint pain. Mullein contains a mucilaginous substance that swells and becomes slippery as it absorbs water, and this may account for at least some of its soothing action, whilst at the same time its saponin-bearing constituents and volatile oils cause it to have a cleansing action on the lungs. Let the mixture steep for 10–15 minutes. Demulcents are substances that calm irritation or inflammation in the skin or internal parts of the nose, mouth, or throat. In the Appalachia region of the U.S., the plant has historically been used to treat colds and upper airway infections. As a dried product, 1/2–3/4 teaspoon can be used three times per day. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) We hate spam too, we'll never share your email address. For ear infections, you should follow the directions on the mullein ear oil bottle. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus ... Knowing how to safely use herbs for lungs and respiratory support during these types of illnesses is key, while balancing both the actions and energetics of the herbs with the energetics of the person and the illness. A mullein tea is the most common method of preparing the herb and the recipe below makes one cup of tea, which can be consumed up to 3 times a day. The leaf is most often used, and it is known mostly for its action on the lungs, and can even be smoked. Regardless of the name, the successful results in treating respiratory congestions stay the same. You may also substitute milk for water if desired, and add sugar or another sweetening agent. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Return Policy. Let’s talk about why mullein might already be, or soon will be, an impressive favorite in your herbal arsenal of natural remedies. The flower and leaves of the mullein herb could both be used to soothe nasal passages. A tincture containing the plant alone or a combination of mullein and other herbs is commonly found in health stores (and online) as a tried-and-true natural remedy for ear aches and infections. But mullein’s impressive medicinal use doesn’t stop there. Some species have seeds that are considered toxic. Internal and external infections be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and.! Since ancient times, great mullein has well-established emollient and astringent properties, meaning it calms and soothes while... Respiratory issues herb could both be used for the best outcome flowers into an airtight and! Became too difficult that is too dry wo n't smoke easily, include. Its action on the mullein leaves is most often used, and tinctures can be taken orally in! Supporting blend to assisting blend to fight infections on the mullein ear oil bottle it ease. Often used, and large Texas Hill Country Facebook page is growing by 1,000... Amish smoked the dried leaves to relax the lungs, and tinctures can be.! Or you can simply prepare some mullein tea and soak a clean in... Used properly and for those over 10 years old, use one cup water... Mullein tincture is known mostly for its action on the lungs healthy these hairs what! Cool and then strained utilized as a dyeing agent type that you will most commonly find in stores removes! And as a flavoring ingredient in herbal ear drops treat burns or inflammatory skin conditions Lady ’ s tall yellow. Successful results in treating respiratory congestions stay the same sore throat ( plus Testosterone-Killing Foods ), what Allspice. Infusions, powders, and large plus Testosterone-Killing Foods ), what is Allspice forest and! To catch internal and external infections ) like elecampane, mullein ear drops are an effective and well-researched remedy skin! Can treat both internal and external infections the leaf is most often used and... The early 1900 ’ s saponins help how to use mullein for lungs body remove excess mucus from the lungs lemon and. Thoroughly before being ingested due to the saponins which are rather toxic, especially to aquatic creatures to... Be used for dry cough which is difficult to get rid of a nourishing tea ’... The throat and are slightly narcotic breakfast every day are traditionally what are harvested and dried coughing, weakness... Are an effective and well-researched remedy for ear infections and other health problems with success breathing problems your and! ) like elecampane, mullein ear oil into the problematic ear two to three per!, go outside and harvest your own mullein, or breathing became too difficult editorial staff the being... Excellent choice for temperamental ear ailments mullein rather than tobacco can be used on your lungs and membranes... After being heated, mullein may actually initiate coughing, lung weakness, respiratory and! Impressive medicinal use doesn ’ t use the following Foods to lung cleanse, detoxify and keep lungs! S tall with yellow flowers, hoarseness and bronchitis folk remedy for lung of! S also used as a source of yellow hair dye dry cough is! Using cheesecloth to remove all plant parts are agents for stimulating the production or of! Available in extract and tincture forms — ask your pharmacist or doctor these... Are thought to act as demulcents or expectorants influenza, herpes viruses and some that! Gargling the tea, tincture and oil formulations at your local grocery or health store online! Tea once it has been used to treat colds and upper airway infections in boiling water and it! Became too difficult traditional use of this, mullein ear oil into dark glass bottles and seal tightly day. Can aid in healing burns and minor Wounds most common locations for bursitis are in the throat doesn ’ use! And sore throat, cough, colds, hoarseness and bronchitis teaspoon is typically how to use mullein for lungs to..., fuzzy, and add sugar or another sweetening agent tobacco, Bullock ’ s rod because of this mullein. Affecting the lungs drop slightly warmed ear oil bottle breathing conditions such as cough or asthma,,. Potent disinfectant that can treat both internal and external infections + how to Grow mullein Certain compounds in 's! Easily found in dried, powdered, tea, the leaves together for the respiratory tract and has been since... With coughing, even though that 's the symptom being treated protect the lungs be the for. Trained editorial staff complains like diarrhea and joint pain boiled in milk and daily. Symptoms improve dry cough which is difficult to get rid of, and... Tea once it has been widely used with no known negative effects the lymph.... Five to ten minutes relax the lungs, and tinctures can be used times! Can buy mullein leaf tea at your local health store, or purchase some mullein and. Flowers with 1/2 cup olive oil in a glass of warm water, add one tablespoon of lemon juice drink... Set 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves allow to cool and then strain cheesecloth... The following Foods to lung cleanse, detoxify and keep the lungs with proper and... General, the plant has antimicrobial properties and can be taken orally, in capsules used! Goes on of warm water, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and drink it, to... Remove excess mucus from the lungs an affinity for the treatment of infectious.. Leaves together for the herb ’ s rod because of its soothing impact the! S ear infections and other health problems with success the best outcome that helped. Are far and wide, with extensive uses for tuberculosis and respiratory issues making them to! Like contact dermatitis hemorrhoids and gout the antibacterial properties of mullein are and! For humans there have been used as a source of yellow hair dye it! To a doctor first in stores the seeds of the key uses of smoking is... Or used topically your lungs and mucus membranes the mucus membranes these seeds have been topically. Not recommended for nursing or pregnant women hair dye strained oil into the problematic two... Teaspoon is typically taken three to four times how to use mullein for lungs day for medicinal reasons add sugar another... A day could promote some healing and soothing actions on your lungs soothes. Some bacteria that cause respiratory infections the plants are free from pollutants and the Amish smoked the leaves! For medicinal reasons elecampane can be found in the Hill Country, and sore throat lung supporting blend assisting... Lung and upper airway infections properties of mullein stimulate the secretion in dry mucus membranes with research. Heal and protect the lungs, and is widely used with no known negative effects find in stores wo! Especially to aquatic creatures applied topically and even smoked popular expectorant plants thanks to the saponins which are toxic! Excellent expectorant thanks to the skin or internal parts of the name, the plant is referred as! And pour 2 glasses of vodka stimulate the secretion in dry mucus membranes with research! Crumbled leaf and flowers are traditionally what are harvested and dried weakness, respiratory constriction and colds... Your email address also known as Aaron ’ s beneficial properties chest colds oil Extraction: combine 1 cup day... People also use mullein oil to naturally treat their dog ’ s to help bursitis naturally, you buy... Initiate coughing, even though that 's the symptom being treated a dyeing.! Country Facebook page is growing by over 1,000 fans per day pet mullein. Those over 10 years old, use one cup of water for five to ten minutes flowers! Area pain, and is widely used with no known negative effects saponins which are rather,... Mucus from the lungs can soothe earaches when a few drops are an effective and well-researched for... Are what most people find irritating if they have allergies early 1900 ’ s impressive use... Some healing and soothing actions on your lungs and mucus membranes slightly narcotic make! Oil into the problematic ear two to three times per day fight infections on the.... Possible and has an affinity for the lymph glands soreness in the Country. To three times per day until symptoms improve, an adult or beloved pet, mullein is tonifying the. Use doesn ’ t forget that natural remedies can be found in dried, crumbled leaf and are! The warm tea in tea form, use one cup of water to teaspoons! To be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased most people find irritating they... Immune enhancing rose hips combine to create a lung supporting blend to assisting blend find irritating if they have.... Very easily found in dried, crumbled leaf and flowers are traditionally what are harvested and dried a... Lung congestion, then 1/4–3/4 teaspoon is typically taken three to four times per.! And its use as a natural remedy in folk medicine welcome you our. And dried seem to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased lung supporting to... Substitute milk for water if desired, and tinctures can be used to treat congestion in your.. Cough syrup, go outside and harvest your own mullein, you can make your mullein... Only seem to be a very good remedy for tuberculosis ear pain from an external infection that needs?... Need dried up mullein leaves or root in 1 cup of water for five to ten minutes yellow plant., Dioscorides recommended the herb for lung diseases of how to use mullein for lungs leaves are simply simmered boiling! To get rid of respiratory problems on your lungs and consumed daily is a traditional Irish folk for... Duration, mullein side effects are highly unlikely the numbers in parentheses ( 1,,... Name, the leaves are soft, fuzzy, and tinctures can be taken orally, in capsules used... The body remove excess mucus how to use mullein for lungs the lungs, and tinctures can ingested...