Mullein is an herb has been used medicinally since ancient times. The leaves, flowers and roots of the mullein plant are all used. I’m most familiar with this plant as a common weed that grows in my area. How wonderful to discover its healing benefits.
What is Mullein?
There are three hundred species of this biennial or perennial herb in the Verbascum family. Common mullein grows up to seven feet tall and has a single stem with large, thick, velvety leaves and pale yellow flowers.
Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, proteins and oils. It also contains mucilage, a substance thought to be responsible for the soothing actions the herb has on mucous membranes. Mullein’s saponins contribute to the plant’s expectorant properties.
Mullein’s Healing Benefits
This herb has amazing healing properties.
• Treats ear infections due to astringent properties. Tinctures containing mullein or a combination of mullein and other herbs can be found in health stores and online. They are a natural remedy for ear aches and infections.
Mullein tincture or oil can also be used as a natural way to treat ear infections in dogs.
• Reduces inflammation in the liver, calming spasms and soothing toxic liver heat. It decreases mucus formation within the liver’s blood vessels and cells and expels it.
• Powerful disinfectant, treating internal infections in the urinary tract, kidney and colon, and external infections on the skin.
• Eases bursitis, a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed. The most common locations are the shoulders, elbows and hip joints. A clean cloth can be soaked in mullein tea and then applied to the inflamed area, to ease pain.
• Improves respiratory disorders including bronchitis, dry coughs, sore throats, hoarseness, asthma and tonsillitis. Mullein leaves contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that rid the body of mucus and soothe raw, inflamed areas such as the throat.
How to Use Mullein
Mullein may be purchased as a powder, tincture, oil, capsule or in dried form to make tea. It’s also available in tea bags, alone or combined with other herbs.
Add 1 -2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves or flowers to 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes. Slightly warmed mullein oil or tincture can be dropped in an aching ear to treat infections.
I currently use an alcohol free mullein tincture, ingesting one dropperful twice a day. I’ll be adding mullein tea to my hot tea rotation or combining it with other herbs for a powerful healing blend.
In the summertime, mullein can be found growing as a weed in areas where the ground has been disturbed. This plant grows in my backyard garden, and I’ve pulling it up and tossing it! No longer.
The plant is easily recognizable by its tall spire of small yellow flowers. Check out this video about identifying and foraging for mullein. Or order online by clicking links below.
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I have bronchiectasis which means I get a lot of mucus in my lungs. I started using mullein extract 3 times a day, and it has helped clean out my lungs so much. I was never able to expel any mucus before. Now it is no problem! I can breathe so much better. Is the extract drops what one would use for ears?
That’s wonderful! I think mullein oil would be best for ears. You could try the extract though.