Organic Mullein Leaf
$8.83
A tall, velvety herb from the old herbal books.
Spotted those tall, soft-leaved stalks growing wild? Did you know mullein has been brewed into teas in European herbal tradition for centuries? Try a cup of this classic.
Mullein is a tall, velvety plant with soft grey leaves and a spire of yellow flowers, which grows wild across Europe and Australia. It has been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries, especially for the chest and throat. Its soft leaves and flowers are brewed as tea, steeped into tinctures and made into lozenges to soothe the throat and support comfortable breathing, particularly during the cooler months.
Delivery: Ships from overseas. Usually arrives in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve dry, tickly coughs.
- Traditionally used to help soothe a sore, irritated throat.
- Traditionally used as an expectorant to help loosen mucus in the chest.
- Traditionally used to support respiratory comfort and easy breathing.
- Contains mucilage, which forms a soothing coating on mucous membranes.
- Traditionally used in oil form to soothe the ears, and as a skin emollient.
What people commonly use it for
- Dry, tickly cough (Traditional use)
- Sore, scratchy throat (Traditional use)
- Chesty congestion with colds (Traditional use)
- Seasonal respiratory comfort (Traditional use)
- Mild skin dryness (topical) (Traditional use)
Suggested to use alongside
- Marshmallow root: Traditional soothing herb for the throat
- Manuka honey: Soothing natural sweetener
- Herbal tea: Mullein is traditionally taken as a tea
The science behind it
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaves and flowers contain mucilage, a gel-forming polysaccharide that coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. This is what gives mullein its demulcent (soothing) character. The plant also contains saponins, iridoid glycosides such as aucubin and harpagide, flavonoids (including verbascoside, also called acteoside) and small amounts of essential oil.
Saponins are thought to have a mild expectorant action, helping loosen and move mucus from the airways, which explains its traditional use for chesty coughs. In laboratory studies, mullein extracts and verbascoside have shown antioxidant and soothing activity on inflammatory pathways. Reliable human clinical trials on mullein, however, are very limited, and most of what is known comes from traditional herbal practice (see the European Medicines Agency herbal assessment of Verbasci flos and Examine.com).
- Leaf tea: must be strained through a fine cloth or filter, because the tiny hairs on the leaves can irritate the throat.
- Flower infusion: milder, with a sweeter taste.
- Tincture and glycerite: convenient for dosing.
- Flower-infused oil: traditionally used topically, and as ear oil in traditional practice.
Mullein is generally mild and pleasant, often blended with herbs such as thyme, marshmallow root, licorice and peppermint in traditional respiratory teas.
Product details & ingredients
- Organic
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: Organic Mullein Leaf, C/S (Verbascum Thapsus)
Common questions
What is mullein used for?
Mullein is traditionally used to soothe sore throats and dry coughs and to help loosen mucus in the chest.
How do you make mullein tea?
Steep a teaspoon or two of dried leaf or flower in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. Strain very well through a fine filter or cloth.
Why do you need to strain mullein tea?
Mullein leaves have fine hairs that can irritate the throat. Straining removes them.
Can I smoke mullein?
Mullein has been used as a traditional smoking herb, but smoking is not recommended for lung health. Tea or tincture is a gentler way to use it.
Can mullein be used every day?
Mullein is usually used for a short period when you feel chesty or scratchy. Follow the directions on your product.
What does mullein taste like?
Mullein leaf tea is mild, slightly bitter and a little earthy, while the flowers are sweeter. A little honey is a nice addition.
Safety
Mullein is generally well tolerated, but fine leaf hairs can irritate the throat, so always strain tea. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless advised, and speak to a health professional before giving to children. See your doctor for a cough lasting more than a couple of weeks.
About the maker
This product comes from a smaller independent supplier. Supporting small and family-owned makers is a big part of what we do.
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