An aromatic herb native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, Mullein, scientifically known as Verbascum Thapsus, has been a renowned plant for thousands of years. Besides known for its distinctive appearance with tall flower spikes covered in small yellow florals with large, soft, leaves, the aromatic plant is adored by wildlife for providing food and habitat to butterflies and moths. And then, the herb has a lot more to offer. Valued for its respiratory benefits and other medicinal properties, mullein herb can be useful in treating asthma, bronchitis, and congestion owing to its expectorant properties. The article delves into its uses, health benefits, and a simple tea decoction that can be brewed from this powerful herb.

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Health Benefits Of Mullein

Here are some wellness benefits mullein offers:

Aids Respiratory Health

Imbued with expectorant properties, mullein can help expel mucus from the lungs, thus soothing irritated respiratory passages.

Combats Inflammation

Replete with anti-inflammatory properties, the extracts of this herb reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Treats Ear Infections

Mullein oil is used topically to alleviate earaches and ear infections. It is believed to have soothing and antibacterial properties.

Bolsters Skin Health

In traditional herbal medicine, mullein is sometimes applied topically to treat wounds, burns, and other skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.

Soothes Spams

Being anti-spasmodic, Mullein has been a traditional remedy and is used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.

Also Read: Enjoy the soothing benefits of Herbal Tea

In What Forms Is Mullein Available?

Tea: Mullein leaves and flowers can be dried and brewed into tea, which is a common way to consume it for respiratory and other health benefits.

Capsules And Extracts: Supplements of this clustered herb's capsule or liquid extract form are also available.

Topical Application Oil: Mullein oil or ointments are popular and used externally specifically to treat ear infections, skin problems, and skin allergies

Also Read: Tea Therapy: Invest In These 6 Herb-Infused Concoctions For Holistic Wellness

How To Brew Mullein Herbal Drink?

Though mullein is primarily used for its medicinal properties rather than as an ingredient for beverages, still you can make a soothing mullein tea from dried mullein leaves. Known for its mild, slightly floral taste, mullein tea is a flavoursome beverage, and here is how you make it:

Mullein Tea With Herbal Blend

Ingredients

  • Dried mullein leaves
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves
  • 1 tsp dried elderflower
  • 1 teaspoon dried licorice root for sweetness and throat-soothing

Method

  • Boil water in a kettle
  • Mix the dried mullein leaves, peppermint leaves, elderflower, and licorice root in a bowl
  • Add the herbs when the water reaches boiling point
  • Let it all steep for about ten minutes or a little longer
  • Strain the tea and remove all the herbs
  • If desired, sweeten with honey and add a squeeze of lemon for flavor.
  • Stir and enjoy your mullein tea!

Precautions:

Often considered safe to use for respiratory conditions and as a general tonic, in case you have any medical conditions, you must consult with a healthcare professional before consuming mullein tea or mullein extracts. Individuals allergic to plants in the Scrophulariaceae family may also experience allergic reactions to mullein. The herb may interact with certain medications; thus, it is advisable to consult wa healthcare provider before using it.

(This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health And Nutrition Expert)

Author Profile:

Preeti Sharma:

Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.

References:

  1. Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae)

José Blanco-Salas,1, María P. Hortigón-Vinagre,2, Diana Morales-Jadán,3 and Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8301161/

  1. https://phcogj.com/article/1688