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What Makes Mullein Leaf Good for You?

Updated: Jul 7, 2023


Mullein is a biennial plant in the Scrophulariaceae (i.e. figwart) family. It was originally native to Europe and Asia, but it can now be found growing wild throughout the United States and much of the rest of the world.


The scientific name for this herb is Verbascum thapsus, but it’s commonly called mullein.

  • Mullein leaves and flowers have expectorant and soothing properties. This herb is commonly used by herbalists to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, dry coughs, asthma, and hoarseness.

  • The leaves are said to be diuretic, helping to reduce inflammation in the urinary system and prevent UTIs.

  • Mullein’s soothing properties come from its polysaccharide mucilage and gum content which work to soothe irritated tissue. Its expectorant property is the result of saponins that are said to stimulate fluid production in the lungs.

  • The anti-inflammatory property of this herb is due to iridoid glycoside and flavonoid content that work to decrease inflammation.

What is in Mullein? Mullein has medicinal properties and contains many healthful compounds. The leaves of the mullein plant are naturally rich in an abundance of plant compounds including

  • ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and several essential minerals including

  • potassium;

  • calcium;

  • iron;

  • magnesium;

  • manganese;

  • phosphorus; and

  • selenium.

  • flavonoids,

  • saponins,

  • tannins,

  • mucilage,

  • coumarins and glycosides.


Mullien contains a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds, including:

  • luteolin - read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18991571/

  • kaempferol - read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33511932/

  • verbascoside

  • apigenin

  • and quercetin


What are the benefits?

Mullein is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of Mullein include:

1. May support respiratory health Mullein is one of the most commonly used herbs for respiratory health. It has a long history of use by herbalists for reducing inflammation and stimulating expectoration.


Mullein is a approved herb for clearing the respiratory tract, highly effective remedy for individuals who are suffering from bronchitis, lung congestion, colds, flu, asthma, emphysema, whopping cough, or any other respiratory ailment.


It’s thought that these anti-inflammatory compounds can work to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Human clinical trials are needed to determine these claims.

Mullein also has strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its ability to support lung and respiratory function.

2. Treating edema Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of Mullein may be effective in preventing edema from developing.

3. Easing ear infections

Because mullein has some antibacterial properties, preliminary research shows that mullein may be useful in treating middle ear infections in children. Instead of tea, the treatment consists of ear drops with mullein, St. John's Wort in oil or agave. However, scientists must perform more research to find the best way to treat ear infections with mullein. There have been no scientific studies on this particular treatment thus far.


4. Protecting the liver Mulleins appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.

5. Preventing and treating cancer Mullein extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.

6. Treating stomach complaints Mullein digestive problems including diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, hemorrhoids, and intestinal worms. Mullein also contains anti-spasmodic properties which makes its helpful for reducing both menstrual and stomach cramps.

read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956890/

7. Fighting against viral and bacterial diseases Mullein was used as a treatment for tuberculosis as far back as the 16th century and some believed that if mullein was taken in the early stages of the disease that it could bring about a full recovery.

Mullein’s strong anti-viral abilities also make it a potent remedy for the flu virus, the shingles virus, the herpes virus, the Epstein Barr virus, and Staph infections.

8. Treating mood disorders Mullein is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

9. Protecting the cardiovascular system The powerful antioxidants found in Mullein extract might help prevent cardiac damage and has also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.

10. Helping wounds to heal Extract of Mullein has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars. Mullein oil is also very helpful for skin conditions such as rashes, burns, wounds, blisters, eczema, and psoriasis.

11. Treating asthma Mullein may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.

12. Ease joint and muscle pain. Mullein contains a compound called verbascoside which is an anti-inflammatory and particularly useful in helping to ease the pain associated with joint or muscle pain.


13. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease Mullein might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease. Mullein products are available to purchase online.

Side effects Although Mullein may have very few reported side effects, a healthcare professional should be consulted before it is taken. Anyone considering using mullein is advised to discuss it with a doctor first. There have been very few side effects reported. People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions. Research There is plenty of recent research to back up the benefits as stated above, though many of the studies are still in the preliminary stages or the tests have only taken place on animals as opposed to humans, so there is plenty more to be done.


How to Prepare Mullein Tea

To make mullein tea, you can use commercially prepared mullein tea bags or dried loose leaves. Pour 1 cup of water over 1–2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves or flowers. Steep it for 10-15 minutes before drinking. You can drink the tea three or four times a day.


Divine Alkaline //.💜

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