Mullein Medicinal Uses

Mullein has a long history of medicinal uses. It is well known as a herbal remedy for the treatment of respiratory conditions and various other disorders. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial plant.

Mullein Medicinal Uses Overview

• When used internally, the Saponins and the Antimicrobial action of the plant, helps to treat bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, colds, coughs, tuberculosis, pleurisy, whooping cough, and related respiratory problems.
• It is also used externally to treat earache, hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, and gout.

Mullein Herbal Preparations and Uses

Preparations of the Mullein plant can been ingested, applied topically, and smoked. Dry the leaves for use in teas, nourishing infusions, or as a smoking or vaporizing herb. Leaves can be applied topically as a poultice. Whole/flat leaves can be frozen to preserve them as future poultice material. Mullein roots can be chopped and dried for use in decoctions. The dried roots can also be powdered for use in capsules. Fresh or dried root can be used in an alcohol extract. Dry the flowers for use in teas and oils.

Infusions – Mullein Medicinal Uses include the use of infusions, such as teas, to support lung health plus benefit from the calcium and magnesium contained in the plant.

Tinctures – Mullein Root can also be used in infusions or tinctures, to treat pain, joint pain, Rheumatism, and a variety of urinary incontinence issues.

Smoking – Mullein leaves can be smoked. Inhaling mullein smoke is a way to relax lung constrictions directly and aid in stopping a cough.

Decoction – A decoction of the Mullein leaves can be used to treat rheumatism, Joint Pain and a decoction of Mullein leaves and flowers can be used to treat inflamed tissues, tuberculosis, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, lung complaints.

Poultice – A herbal poultice made from Mullein leaves can be applied to draw out splinters and boils, for backaches, lymphatic swellings and even broken bones, soothing swollen glands and for mumps.

Oils – Mullein flower infused oil is well known as an earache remedy. Infuse fresh or freshly dried flowers in a carrier oil to make your own earache remedy.

Mullein Herbal Recipes

Mullein Tea

1 ½ cups boiling water
1-2 teaspoons dried mullein leaves and/or flowers
1 teaspoon dried spearmint (optional for flavor)
1-2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Steep the mullein leaves in hot water inside a tea ball or strainer for 15 minutes. Add honey if you like a sweeter tea.

Mullein Inhalant

Boil Mullein leaves in water for 5 minutes and inhale the steam to relieve coughs, congestion and asthma.

Mullein Decoction (This is a strong decoction for inflamed tissues, tuberculosis, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, lung complaints.)

113g Mullein leaves and flowers (equal parts)cut
1.5l Distilled water
118 ml Glycerine
Place the herb in the water, bring to a boil and simmer slowly for 15 minutes. Strain, press, and then return the liquor (liquid) to a clean vessel and reduce to 500ml. Add the glycerine while hot, allow to cool, bottle and keep in a cool place.

Mullein Oil Eardrops

57g Mullein Flowers
Olive Oil
Place the mullein flowers into a jar or wide-mouthed bottle, add sufficient pure olive oil to show 1 inch of oil above the flowers, stopper and shake well. Place in a warm place or expose to the sun for 14 days, macerating or shaking well every day. Pour off and press out the oil and bottle.