Verbascum
Verbascum, common name mullein, is a genus of about 360 species of flowering plants in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. They are native to Europe and Asia, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean.
When to harvest mullein flowers, leaves, and roots?
When to Harvest Mullein Leaves
- Herbal Teas and Decoctions. An herbal mullein tea consists of pouring boiling water over fresh or dried mullein leaves and letting the liquid steep for 10 minutes before straining and ...
- Smoking Mullein. ...
- Poultices and Other Leaf Uses. ...
- Mullein Flowers. ...
- Considerations. ...
What is mullein good for?
Mullein Has 7 Tremendous Medicinal Benefits
- 7 Benefits of Mullein Root. Mullein root has numerous benefits that make it worth keeping around, including the following.
- Relieve Ear Aches. ...
- Increase Lymph Flow. ...
- May Reduce Goiter. ...
- Helps Breathing. ...
- Soothe Skin, Cold Sores and Hemorrhoids. ...
- Mullein Hemorrhoidal Cream
- Directions. ...
- Mullein Massage Oil. ...
- Improves Joint Function. ...
What is mullein used for?
Mullein is typically used for hoarseness, coughs, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory conditions. This wonderful herb can be enjoyed as a tea by placing 1 teaspoon into 1 cup of hot water, or in combination with other lung loving herbs in the form of a tincture. This herb is sticky, sweet and aromatic. How do you take common mullein?
How to use Mullin?
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Can you eat mullein flower?
Edible Parts Although the leaves and flowers are edible, enjoying a cup of tea made from these parts is generally preferable. Leaves and flowers can be used in a salad.
What do you do with mullein flowers?
You can use them fresh for tinctures, teas, and oils, and you can use them dried for all herbal preparations. I personally like to use fresh flowers in my tinctures, wilted flowers in my oils, and then dry the rest for storage in case I need them later.
What are the benefits of mullein flower?
Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. Studies show that demulcents create a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over mucous membranes.
What is mullein most commonly used for?
Although thought of primarily as a weed, common mullein has been used as an herbal remedy for coughs and diarrhea, and topical applications against a variety of skin problems. The flowers were also used to make yellow, green or brown dyes, depending on how they were processed.
How do you collect mullein flowers?
Mullein grows on a tap root, so harvesting is simple. Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil around the plant's base. Then, gently but firmly pull the root out of the soil. Taking your time and coaxing the root will prevent it from breaking.
Which is better mullein leaf or flower?
Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive.
What is the best way to use mullein for lungs?
0:452:28How to Detox and Cleanse Your Lungs with Mullein - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most practical way to consume mullein is as an herbal tea. Or you can add a few drops ofMoreThe most practical way to consume mullein is as an herbal tea. Or you can add a few drops of concentrated extract to other beverages as well with that said this herb is sold in oil powder elixir.
Can mullein heal lungs?
Mullein. The ancient mullein plant is another remedy for those with lung issues. It can help clear the lungs of mucus and reduce inflammation. It's used to treat cough, pneumonia, and all sorts of respiratory problems.
Is mullein a narcotic?
The whole plant possesses slightly sedative and narcotic properties. The seeds are mostly used as a narcotic and also contain saponins. The dried leaves are sometimes smoked to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and for hacking coughs.
What did the Native Americans use mullein for?
Many tribes employed the use of mullein leaf tea for coughs, colds, and rheumatism. They considered it to be analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and expectorant. The astringent and demulcent properties of the leaf tea were found useful in cases of diarrhea.
What part of mullein is used for tea?
leavesMullein tea is made from the leaves of the mullein plant. Although research in humans is limited, test-tube studies suggest that it may relieve certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and even fight viruses and bacteria. This flavorful tea is easy to make at home and associated with very few side effects.
What are the side effects of mullein?
Possible Side Effects Although there are no known adverse effects associated with the use of mullein, it's important to educate yourself about supplement safety before using any herb.
When do you pick mullein flowers?
Summer, or whenever the plant is blooming is the time to harvest mullein flowers. The first year leaves are often used, but can be picked and used throughout most of the growing stage, including when flowering, though be sure to check out the note about drying larger leaves below.
What part of the mullein plant do you use?
leavesThe plant is found in many parts of the world, including the United States, and has more than 200 species. The most popular type commercially used is common mullein (Verbascum thapsus). The leaves are harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either fresh or dried to make various products.
What part of mullein is used for tea?
leavesMullein tea is made from the leaves of the mullein plant. Although research in humans is limited, test-tube studies suggest that it may relieve certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and even fight viruses and bacteria. This flavorful tea is easy to make at home and associated with very few side effects.
When do you cut back mullein?
Cut back after flowering or allow to self seed. You can take root cuttings of verbascums in autumn.
What is a Mullein plant?
What is Mullein? The common mullein, usually found throughout the US, is a woolly-leafed biennial plant. During its first year of growth, the large leaves form a low-lying basal rosette.
What is a saline plant used for?
However, in its various forms, the plant has been used to treat hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, and gout.
What is the yellow flower used for?
The yellow flowers once were used as a source of yellow hair dye. In Appalachia, the plant has been used to treat colds and the boiled root administered for croup. Leaves were applied topically to soften and protect the skin. An oil derived from the flowers has been used to soothe earaches.
Is Mullein a cough suppressant?
It may have mild demulcent properties when ingested. Mullein has expectorant and cough suppressant properties that make it useful for symptomatic treatment of sore throat and cough.
What is Mullein root good for?
7 Benefits of Mullein Root. Mullein root has numerous benefits that make it worth keeping around, including the following. Relieve Ear Aches. Thanks to mullein’s strong anti-inflammatory effect, it can help with ear aches and infections. Research from over a decade ago revealed that little fact.
What is Mullein weed?
Mullein is known botanically as Verbascum thapus. It has soft fuzzy leaves as well as gorgeous yellow flowers towering at the top. For a “weed” it has amazing medicinal benefits and practical uses that have been utilized for centuries.
How tall does Mullein grow?
Today I want to teach you about mullein, a common plant that grows pretty tall, about 6 or 7 feet. Mullein is known botanically as Verbascum thapus.
Can you take Mullein with apricot oil?
Mullein can be extremely useful in some cases but not all, as it may help reduce goiter. Mullien may be taken internally as a dietary supplement, but also, the beneficial compounds can be put into jojoba or apricot oil and rubbed onto the thyroid gland area (goiter area), rubbed onto the thyroid gland area (goiter area).
Does Mullein help with allergies?
Of course, with any herb, there could be allergies so I’m not saying this is right for everyone. May Reduce Goiter. Mullein is a strong anti-inflammatory and has been studied for its effect in reducing glandular inflammation of the thyroid.
Does Mullein leaf help with back pain?
Mullein leaf can make a difference for painful aches and joints, and even mild back pain just because it is lubricating. The herb contains compounds that are lubricating to the synovial joints and tissue. This hydrating effect on the spine, joints and cartilage can have a soothing effect on mild injuries.
Is Mullein ear drops effective?
If you look at health food stores, and Amazon, you’ll find mullein-based ear drops, and according to one scientific paper, it might be just as effective as conventional treatments.
What is Mullein used for?
Mullein ( Verbascum thapsus) is a common weed that has long been used in herbal medicine, especially in remedies that aim to soothe the respiratory tract . These remedies involve the use of mullein's flowers and leaves. Mullein is also sometimes used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.
What are the benefits of Mullein leaves?
Health Benefits. Certain compounds in mullein's leaves and flowers are thought to act as demulcents or expectorants. Demulcents are substances that calm irritation or inflammation in the skin or internal parts of the nose, mouth, or throat. Expectorants are agents for stimulating the production or secretion of phlegm.
What is expectorant oil?
Expectorants are agents for stimulating the production or secretion of phlegm. In some cases, mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or inflammatory skin conditions. Mullein oil is also used in ear drops for the treatment of ear infections.
How long can you use mullein in your ears?
However, in studies, a specific product that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to three days. The correct dose for you may depend on factors including your age, gender, body weight, and medical condition. Speak with a healthcare provider to get personalized advice.
Can you take mullein with ear drops?
Tinctures, capsules, lozenges, powders, and ear drops containing mullein are found in many health food stores. Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend mullein as a treatment for any condition. If you're considering using it, talk to your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Does Mullein help with pneumonia?
In test-tube research, mullein has been found to fight flu-causing viruses. However, since the flu can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia , it's critical to seek medical attention when experiencing flu symptoms (rather than attempting to self-treat the condition).
Does mullein help with ear infections?
Ear infections. In a 2003 study of 171 children with otalgia (ear pain or an earache), those who used ear drops containing mullein (along with garlic, Calendula, St. John's wort, lavender, vitamin E, and olive oil) had a statistically significant improvement in ear pain over the course of three days.
What is Mullein herb?
Mullein as Herbal Treatments. Mullein ( Verbascum thapsus) is an herbaceous plant that produces large, woolly, grayish-green leaves and bright yellow flowers in summer, followed by egg-shaped, pale brown fruits in fall.
Where does Mullein come from?
Although mullein is native to Asia and Europe, the plant has naturalized across the United States since it was introduced in the 1700s. You may know this common plant as big taper, velvet dock, flannel-leaf, lungwort, or velvet plant. The plant has been utilized throughout history for its herbal properties.
How to make mullein tea?
To make mullein tea, pour a cup of boiling water over a small amount of dried mullein flowers or leaves. Allow the tea to steep for five to 10 minutes. Sweeten the tea with honey if you don’t like the bitter flavor. Make a poultice by grinding dried flowers and/or leaves to a fine powder. Mix the powder with water to make a thick paste.
How tall is Mullein?
Mullein herb plants, which can reach heights of 6 feet (2 m.) are considered noxious weeds by some people, while others consider them to be valuable herbs. Read on to learn about mullein herbal uses in the garden.
How to make a poultice for a swollen ear?
Make a poultice by grinding dried flowers and/or leaves to a fine powder. Mix the powder with water to make a thick paste. Spread the poultice evenly on the affected area, then cover it with gauze or muslin. To avoid making a mess, cover the poultice with plastic wrap.
Why do people take mullein?
Some people take mullein by mouth for breathing conditions such as cough or asthma, pneumonia, colds, and sore throat. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other uses. In manufacturing, mullein is used as a flavoring ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
Is mullein safe for bronchitis?
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of mullein for these uses. Side Effects. Mullein is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the ear, short-term. A specific product that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to 3 days.
What is Mullein oil used for?
Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant. The oil is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions. One older study. Trusted Source. showed some benefit for ear pain based on a trial of 171 children between 5 and 18 years old with an ear infection.
Where are mullein leaves harvested?
The most popular type commercially used is common mullein ( Verbascum thapsus ). The leaves are harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either fresh or dried to make various products.
When was Mullein last reviewed?
Last medically reviewed on March 13, 2020.
Is mullein leaf safe for a virus?
Bacterial or viral infections can pose serious health risks. Before self-treating these infections with mullein leaf, consult your doctor . If you have any serious chronic health conditions, talk to your doctor about the safety of mullein leaf for you.
Can you take Mullein leaf while pregnant?
There’s no information on safety for use during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in infants and very young children. Talk to your doctor before considering mullein leaf if any of these apply to you. Bacterial or viral infections can pose serious health risks.
Does Mullein cause rash?
Side effects. Based on anecdotal evidence and published studies, there are no reports of major side effects from mullein. , a skin reaction that can cause itching, rash, and irritation. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, be sure to do a patch skin test before using mullein on your skin.
Is Mullein good for gout?
gout. By the late 1800s, mullein became a popular treatment for people with tuberculosis in Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Keep in mind that many of the benefits of mullein are based on anecdotal experiences. More human clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of this herb.
What is Mullein plant?
Mullein is a general name for a large genus of flowering plants called Verbascum ; the most commonly used species from this genus being Verbascum thapsus. For thousands of years, the leaves of these plants have been used for herbal medicine, and certain parts of the plant are still used today.
What are the benefits of using Mullein leaves?
Mullein Benefits. There are many impressive benefits to using mullein leaves, particularly for respiratory ailments, cardiovascular health, and various infections, among others. Bursitis: Using the leaves or flowers topically on the knees to calm bursitis.
When was Mullein last updated?
by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - February 04, 2020. ✓ Evidence Based. Mullein leaves have been in use for generations in traditional medicine, and still, hold a number of potential health benefits when used properly.
Can you use Mullein leaves as a disinfectant?
Ear infection: Crushing mullein leaves into a paste to alleviate ear infections [3] Disinfectant: Brewing the leaves into a tea or tincture can be used as a disinfectant. Respiratory health: Soothing respiratory ailments, such as asthma, sore throat, and dry cough. Chest infections: Speeding up recovery from bronchitis and chest infections.
Can you take Mullein while pregnant?
Despite the many health benefits outlined above, there are a number of potential side effects when using mullein, particularly, in excess. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to speak with your doctor before using this herb in any form, due to its many active ingredients.
Can you make tincture from crushed leaves?
You can extract the essential oil from these leaves. You can mix crushed leaves into a smoking blend. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tincture. You can crush the seeds and mix them with water to form an anti- inflammatory paste.
Can you smoke Mullein weed?
Mullein weed is useful for symptomatic treatment of sore throat and cough. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. While it may seem counterintuitive, you can actually smoke these leaves to improve lung health, due to the active ingredients of the plant.
What is a Mullein plant?
They’re often attractive, with tall spikes of yellow flowering rosettes. This biennial plant, Verbascum thapsus, was historically used as an herbal treatment for coughs, congestion, chest colds, bronchitis, and inflammation.
How tall does Mullein grow?
Varieties of mullein, or velvet plants, in gardens need a little more care. Mullein plants of the common variety can grow as tall at 10 feet (3 m.) when flowering. Once you’ve planted mullein in gardens, expect to spend time removing fuzzy rosettes if you don’t want it to spread.
What did Native Americans use tea for?
Native Americans and soldiers during the Civil War era made teas from leaves of mullein plants to treat asthma. During the 1800’s, settlers used it in their compounds to treat tuberculosis.
Where do Mullein seeds germinate?
Seeds often germinate in disturbed areas of roadways, fields and river banks.
Is Mullein invasive?
Hybrid types of mullein in the garden are not as invasive as the common type. Grouped together and called ornamental mullein, hybrid varieties are more suitable when growing mullein in gardens. Flower in colors of white, pink, lavender, and yellow compliment the sunny garden.
Is Mullein a weed?
Common mullein in gardens is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many states, but more than 300 varieties of ornamental mullein plants can grow in the garden or natural areas without abundant reseeding.
What Is Mullein?
What Is It Used for?
- Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Mullein boasts an illustrious history as a favored herbal remedy and, consequently, has found use in various disorders. Its traditional uses generally have focused on the management of respiratory disorders where it was used to treat asthma, coughs, tuberculosis, and related respiratory proble… - Miscellaneous uses
There is little evidence to indicate that the plant can offer more than mild astringent and topical soothing effects. It may have mild demulcent properties when ingested. Mullein has expectorant and cough suppressant properties that make it useful for symptomatic treatment of sore throat …
What Is The Recommended Dosage?
- There is no recent clinical evidence to support specific dosage of mullein. However, classical use of the herb was 3 to 4 g daily.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer
What Is Mullein Used for?
Possible Side Effects
- Although there are no known adverse effects associated with the use of mullein, it's important to educate yourself about supplement safety before using any herb. Supplements haven't been tested for safety. Because dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the actual content of some products may not match their product labels. Also keep in mind that supplements may no…
Dosage and Preparations
- There is not enough scientific data to determine an appropriate dose of mullein. However, in studies, a specific product that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to three days. The correct dose for you may depend on factors including your age, gender, body weight, and medical condition. Speak with a doctor to get personalized a…
What to Look For
- Tinctures, capsules, lozenges, powders, and ear drops containing mullein are found in many health food stores. Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend mullein as a treatment for any condition. If you're considering using it, talk to your healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a sub…
Summary
- For some people, herbal treatments may relieve various symptoms. Mullein seems like a fairly harmless herbal treatment to try, and it may reduce pain or inflammation from the flu, earaches, and skin problems. However, it’s not proven to be effective, and it shouldn’t be used in place of prescription medication or treatments that your doctor recommends. If you try a mullein compo…