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Mullein

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Mullein Verbascum thapsus herb illustration

Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · Source

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Family: Scrophulariaceae  |  Parts Used: Leaf, flower, root

Mullein is a tall, soft-leaved plant with a long track record for respiratory support. Its high mucilage content coats and soothes inflamed mucous membranes, while saponins help loosen and move congestion. Used across Western and Native American herbalism for lung and bronchial congestion, spasmodic coughs, sore throats, earaches, and lymphatic support. Mild-tasting and well-tolerated, it works best when started at the first sign of symptoms.

Respiratory Immune Western Native American

Traditional Uses

  • Lung and bronchial congestion
  • Spasmodic coughs
  • Sore throat
  • Earaches (flower oil)
  • Lymphatic congestion support

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Infusion: 2-4 tablespoons dried herb (or 4-6 tablespoons fresh) per quart boiling water; drink 2-3 cups daily.
  • Mullein flower oil (ear oil): 2-3 drops in the affected ear for earaches.
  • Smoking: Roll the dried leaf and smoke for direct respiratory delivery. Used in Native American tradition.
  • Topical poultice: Apply as a warm leaf wrap. Wrap in muslin or cheesecloth if skin sensitivity is a concern.

Bonnie's Notes

Mullein tea is effective and mild-tasting. I recommend starting it as soon as symptoms appear rather than waiting. It works best early in a respiratory illness when the mucous membranes are just beginning to get irritated.

Plant Notes: Mullein is a biennial. In its first year it grows as a low rosette of large, woolly leaves. The tall flowering stalk, which can reach 6 feet, appears in the second year. The soft fuzz on the leaves is a practical identifier in the field.

Cautions

  • May cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
  • Test for allergic reaction or skin sensitivity before topical use. If irritation occurs, wrap the leaf in muslin or cheesecloth as a barrier.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Now widely naturalized across North America, growing in zones 3-9. Thrives in almost any soil type and is a common roadside and disturbed-ground weed. Requires very little care.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar, p171

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p162

Published Research:

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research | Phytotherapy Research (2005)

Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review | Phytotherapy Research (2022)

The complete chloroplast genome of Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae) and its phylogenetic affinities | Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources (2022)

The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L | Medicinal Chemistry (2020)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

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