Mullein

Common mullein is a medicinal plant readily found in roadsides, meadows and pasture lands and has been used to treat pulmonary problems, inflammatory diseases, asthma, spasmodic coughs, diarrhea and migraine headaches.

Do not collect Mullein from any source that may have been treated with pesticide or weed killer.

Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive.

the mullein plant may cause skin irritation for some people, so be sure to exercise caution if you're handling the herb directly . The tiny hairs of the plant can also irritate your throat, which is why it's important to strain this tea thoroughly before drinking it. Mullein has a sweet soft taste like peppermint. Mullein is a pleasant smoke by itself because it is gentle and soothing to the lungs.

Its flowers and leaves contain mucilage, which coats mucous membranes (the moist linings inside of your respiratory tract) with a film, reducing inflammation. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, salves and oils that contain mullein can also help relieve pain and irritation in skin wounds. Mullein oil has been used for earaches and some skin conditions.

Dried mullein leaves, flowers and roots can all be used to heal a variety of lung conditions. As mullein can be harvested locally, mullein leaf and flower tea are a very good method for using the herb. Leaves chopped and steeped in boiling water for 10-15 minutes; mullein tea can be consumed up to 3 times a day. Mullein roots and leaves can also be dried and smoked for medicinal purposes. Mullein flowers are often infused into oil, but they can also be packed in sugar to make mullein syrup. The sugar draws the liquid out of the petals, and the whole mixture will turn into a thick syrup that's good for coughs. For respiratory issues such as coughs and congestion, mullein tea may provide relief within a few hours of consumption. However, for chronic conditions or more severe symptoms, it may take longer for the effects to be noticeable.

It is also used as a sedative and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

Mullein is applied to the skin for wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, bruises, frostbite, and skin infections (cellulitis). The leaves are used topically to soften and protect the skin.

It's generally considered safe with few reports of side effects.

Right now, there is not enough information on whether mullein tea affects during pregnancy or the liver, but those with severe liver or kidney disease should avoid mullein leaf supplement to be safe.

Always talk with your doctor before taking a supplement.

Common Comfrey leaves are larger and less hairy than Great Mullein's; Common Foxglove leaves are more pointed and feel like leather. Moth Mullein is from the same family, but it is smaller and has white flowers.

Also known as: Great Mullein, Velvet Plant, White Mullein, Bullock's Lungwort, Shepherd's Club, Hare's Beard, Cow's Lungwort.