Perhaps because of its stature, mullein is an easy target for misplaced hatred or at least misunderstanding. Mullein Massage Oil Put the dried flowers into your favorite massage oil and leave them there! The height of this stalk can reach two meters or more. Mullein tea can be of benefit to people with asthma. Medicinal Uses of Mullein. In the herbal world, it won’t do to simply call a cough a cough. More studies are needed to scientifically prove some of the things mullein has been used for in folk medicine for centuries. "Antiviral Activity of Some Plants Used in Nepalese Traditional Medicine." Some of the important benefits of the herb include, Used to treat a wide range of lung disorders including bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, allergies and pneumonia. The root of the Great Mullein is valuable to tone and strengthen the trigone sphincter muscle and its soothing diuretic properties increase the volume of urination, while decreasing the frequency of urination. With mullein, it actually gets to the root of the problem, helping to fight asthma and keeping away colds because it actually prevents infections from settling into the lungs by alleviating dryness and constriction. It’s useful for external hemorrhoids and minor varicose veins. Wash the mullein root very well, then allow the root to dry off and cure for about a week. I never sell It does not irritate or over stimulate bladder or kidney function. It is not meant to diagnose medical conditions, to treat any medical conditions or to prescribe medicine. The Eclectic Physicians – Cook, Felter, and Lloyd – all recommend mullein for piles, as did Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century.6,7, Mullein leaf can also be used to address lymphatic stagnancy. Felter, Harvey Wickes, and John Uri Lloyd. Harvest the first year root, preferably in autumn, clean it well and dry it. It is indicated in old coughs where the velvety carpet of the lungs, the hairs, are inflamed or worn down, so to speak. In my own valley, the air quality was often listed as hazardous, with the recommendation to avoid going outside. Mullein loves to grow in disturbed soils. Local emergency services handed out masks. Mullein: Top 15 Health Benefits [Insane List] Widely distributed all over Europe, Asia and North America, Verbascum or Mullein has been used for its medicinal properties by practitioners of alternative herbal and holistic health remedies for centuries. Mullein is a hyperaccumulator of heavy metals. Updated On December 4, 2020. And if you are simply interested in seeing a rubefacient work, try rubbing the fresh or dried leaves on your skin to see the results. Mullein’s biggest claim to fame is as an earache remedy. Add 1/4 cup of dried mullein leaf and bring to a gentle boil and turn off the heat. The babies were small and hairless, probably only a few days old, the large leaves perfectly curled over their nook, offering a beautiful refuge from the world. Choose the best herb for you!The secret to using herbs successfully begins with knowing who YOU are. In Ireland, Mullein leaves were boiled in milk to make a decoction that was used as a remedy for tuberculosis. Čudić, Vladica, Dragoslava Stojiljković, and Aleksandar Jovović. Drain off the herb so all you have is liquid. Mullein leaves can benefit your skin if a compresses applied topically (unless of course, you’re allergic). Mullein has this interesting effect that (over time) it can help strengthen bladder muscles, so in that regard, it could support healing of urinary incontinence and/or urgency. In painful coughing, Mullein leaves combine well with Elder and Red Clover. While mullein is not an endangered plant and it would be difficult to negatively affect a population, I still approach it with admiration and respect. It helps with kidney and bladder function. The fact that a plant from nature can improve the tone of the vesicle trigone sphincter is kind of amazing, especially if you’re a post-menopausal woman dealing with this issue. Like anything, this method can be overdone, but when you get it just right it can have dramatic and quick results. While the leaves are most often used to make a tea, mullein flowers have their own benefits. Harvesting mullein is pretty easy, I just recommend that you get it from a trusted source where it was grown in nice, clean soil and preferably organically. At some time or another, most of us have probably been told to try garlic and mullein oil for any kind of ear issue. The dense wooly hairs on the mullein leaves can be a bit irritating. Here are some specific indications for coughs well suited to mullein: Mullein is considered a specific in bronchitis where there is a hard cough with soreness. Store the herb in an airtight container for up to 18-months. One of the most popular ways to use the mullein root is to treat bladder/urinary tract issues. They are medicine too! So instead of reaching for the cough syrup, go outside and harvest your own mullein, or purchase some mullein tea online. 1 (1987): 55-61. Slagowska, A, I Zgórniak-Nowosielska, and J Grzybek. The roots are thin, branched taproots with a creamy color. Some people take mullein by mouth for breathing conditions such as cough or asthma, pneumonia, colds, and sore throat. Mullein is a bountiful plant, it grows in soils that are not very welcoming and it still blossoms beautifully giving us a sight to behold and many incredible benefits. This means it can uptake heavy metals from the earth and store it. You can make it in about 15 minutes or less. Conclusion. Mullein oil is also used in ear drops for … Originally from Europe and Asia, mullein species have spread all over North America. Mullein is a plant. When prepared as a nourishing herbal infusion, you can drink it frequently, not only to support lung health, but also to benefit from its high levels of calcium and magnesium4. (1) Mullein Essential Oil 1. Mullein essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of the Common Mullein or the Wavy Leaf Mullein. Numbs Pain Mullein essential oil has a […] Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant. This is why it’s especially useful for bruises and skin infections. The oil has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, disinfectant, diuretic and expectorant properties that can be used in both aromatherapy and natural medicine. Mullein root can be used as a long term tonic for individuals with urinary incontinence, recurring bladder infections, interstitial cystitis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy Mullein flower infused oil acts as an anodyne to take away the pain of the earache, while also exerting lymphatic action on the area around the ear to help resolve the infection. Then grind it to a fine powder in a coffee grinder or blender and fill #00 capsules with the powder. Mullein is often combined with other demulcent herbs like slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, and licorice root for greater effectiveness. Herbs     Recipes     Your Health     Resources      My Story     Contact, Information found on this website is meant for educational purposes only.It is not meant to diagnose medical conditions, to treat any medical conditions or to prescribe medicine. Yet it is a gentle herb that is safe for children and the elderly. Accessed September 26, 2017. "Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Replication by Flos Verbasci Infusion." Mullein boasts large hairy leaves that can feel like thick dense wool. It isn’t only effective for your skin but relieves inflammation as well. Mullein root is a natural remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well as urinary incontinence. Its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties indicate its use in inflammation of the trachea. Like all herbal medicine, it could be adjunctive and supportive, and a possible solution before resorting to expensive medications. 7 Benefits of Mullein RootMullein root has numerous benefits that make it worth keeping around, including the following. While this can result in nutritive leaves, mullein also has the ability to uptake heavy metals, which could pose a health hazard for humans if the soil is contaminated but also have positive benefits for the soil. Arhiv za higijenu rada i toksikologiju 67, no. Mullein is so comforting in a cough, I think especially a dry one. It can also be used to assist those with interstitial cystitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate).11 For more information about mullein root uses for incontinence see Christa Sinadinos’ article in the references. It was for this reason, that I added mullein to my custom thyroid-supportive formula called Thyroid Script.Mullein can also be taken in commercial preparations as a dietary supplement or extract, and I found this Organic Mullein Tea on Amazon. "Medicinal Uses of Mullein Root." Mullein has natural benefits for your entire lymphatic system. Obviously check with your pediatrician or practitioner about how to make the best use of mullein, and if it’s right for your particular situation. Helps Breathing. The Green Tea Pee Connection: Bladder Control and Cancer. Research from over a decade ago revealed that little fact. May treat respiratory conditions Mullein has been used for thousands of years to … Looking at a map of current wildfires made it seem that everything from Montana to California was on fire. Medicine from mullein can be extracted and used practically for many conditions and the compounds could come from the leaves, flowers and/or root, but not the seeds. It was reportedly used as blush substitute in communities where make-up wasn’t allowed. Apply your cool compress (soaked in the tea infusion) to your skin wound, or your hemorrhoids. It is well-documented to have calming effects on asthma and dry coughs. It goes up and down the stalk, perhaps eating the ants and other bugs as well as eating some of the millions of seeds that are forming. This past summer much of the western United States was choking on a constant cloud of thick smoke. Its traditional uses generally have focused on the Herbalists know to take the large leaves and utilize them as compresses whenever there is swelling. This works in part because the biologically active oils are absorbed transdermally and could help reduce inflammatory cytokines.*. Demulcents are substances that calm irritation or inflammation in the skin or internal parts of the nose, mouth, or throat. Herbs      Recipes      Your Health      Resources      What's New? A hummingbird is visiting the nearby honeysuckle and its path crisscrosses those tall stalks. While it is sometimes use as a simple, it is often combined with garlic and/or St. John’s Wort in the infused oil. These two latter species have flower stalks that are denser than V. thapsus, making for an easier flower harvest. It is thus a remedy for complex fractures, where the bone needs to be lubricated to be returned to its place. If you’re interested in making your own tea (it’s really easy!) Mullein can be extremely useful in some cases but not all, as it may help reduce goiter. Mullein root has mild astringent properties which reduce inflammation in the mucosa of the bladder. Other Benefits of Mullein Because mullein is a biennial plant (taking two years to complete its life cycle), leaves and roots can be harvested at the end of the first and beginning of the second year, while flowers can only be harvested from the second year. This has a wide variety of therapeutic applications. It has soft fuzzy leaves as well as gorgeous yellow flowers towering at the top. Mullein contains antiseptic agents and is mostly used today for chest ailments including bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, pleurisy and whooping cough. This is a relatively short article on the health benefits of mullein. You can take a dab or two and apply to your skin, your throat, or your sores as needed. Apply as needed. Nutritional benefits of mullein tea There are numerous benefits of drinking tea made from leaves of this amazing plant. Below are health benefits of mullein; 1. The leaves are quite large, sometimes 12 to 16 inches long. Mullein tea may help combat several respiratory ailments like cold, cough, and bronchitis. Mullein is generally regarded as safe; however, it always is important to harvest plants from healthy soils and to resist the temptation of the roadside mullein plants. You may need to visit a mullein plant on numerous occasions to get enough flowers. Mullein. In this late summer moment, their stalks of creamy yellow blossoms reach into the air, stretching up taller than I am. This time he is Mulling over Mullein (Verbascum blattaria, V. thapsus). By Dori Cranmore RN . Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM 6, no. Mullein tea has been linked to several potential health benefits. Information found on this website is meant for educational purposes only. Mullein as an asthma remedy may be effective because of its soothing impact on the bronchioles. The easiest time to find and identify mullein is in the later summer months and fall, when those tall flowering stalks become a beacon. Certain compounds in mullein's leaves and flowers are thought to act as demulcents or expectorants. They love disturbed soils with lots of sunlight. - Matthew Wood, Earthwise Herbal (Old World Plants)3. They can grow in rich garden soil as well as gravelly roadsides. Mullein stalks produce millions of tiny seeds that will persist in the soil for hundreds of years. Many people (both men and women) suffer from swelling in these areas or weakening of the main “walls” of the bladder. Mullein root strengthens the bladder muscles. The herb is very beneficial not only in treating a host of ailments but is also useful to verify the contamination levels in the soil. just CLICK HERE to view my recipe for Mullein Elderberry Tea. I love watching my garden wake up in the early morning hours of the summer. Aids Urinary Incontinence. Relieve Ear Aches. Mullein’s roots dig deep into the earth, bringing minerals and metals into its leaves. By signing up for my free course you’ll also be joining my weekly Click HERE to see. FYI, smokers need extra Vitamin C. Soothe Skin, Cold Sores and Hemorrhoids. "Phytoremediation Potential of Wild Plants Growing on Soil Contaminated with Heavy Metals." There are specific instructions though, you shouldn’t overdo a good thing. It appears to work by dilating capillaries and therefore increasing circulation. newsletter where I send my best tips and herbal recipes. Common mullein blooms from June through September so it’s a good time for me to write about it. Expectorants are agents for stimulating the production or secretion of phlegm. Get started by taking my free Herbal Jumpstart course when you enter your name and email address. Mullein is abundant in many beneficial vitamins, such as vitamins B2, B5, B12, vitamin E and vitamin D. So it helps in boosting your bone health and also helps in increased absorption of calcium. Herbalist jim mcdonald says, “Mullein root on its own, though, is also markedly effective. Their research concluded, “Because mullein efficiently transported metal pollutants into the above-ground parts and because it fits well the desired characteristics for its use as a biomass, it is our plant of choice for further bioremediation use at the polluted industrial site.”5. What you’d do is cool the liquid and take a small hand towel and dip it into the cold liquid, making a compress. Used on the chest, mullein leaves can help move stagnancy in the lungs, increasing a healthy thin mucus that can be readily expelled. Mullein is full of life. Mullein oil should not be used in ear canals if the eardrum has been perforated. Revista latinoamericana de microbiologia 41, no. your information and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. Today I want to teach you about mullein, a common plant that grows pretty tall, about 6 or 7 feet. Infuse fresh or freshly dried flowers in a carrier oil for earache remedies (olive oil is nice). It contains high amounts of iron and is a good supply of vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12 and niacin" "Mullein contains a substance called mucilage, a saponin that helps lubricate … There are other species that are used similarly, such as V. virgatum, V. densiflorum, and V. olympicum. It’s not ideal to harvest the roots after the plant has gone to flower or seed. Finally, and this could be very helpful for some of you, you can literally make your own medicated cream by adding mullein extract to your favorite gentle face cream or skin balm. Click here to read Sue Kusch's article and see the Relax and Replenish the Lungs Mullein Tea Recipe. In the second year, it sends up a long flower stalk. When drinking an infusion of the leaves strain it through a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth to remove any hairs from the tea. May Reduce Goiter. Drinking mullein tea regularly may help with your frequent joint pain issues. 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. In fact, mullein does treat asthma. 4 (2009): doi:10.1093/ecam/nem156. As the sun readies itself to crest the eastern ridge, birds and bees and small mammals are beginning to stir. The flowers have five petals and five stamens. Earaches and Infections. There are many historic references to using mullein leaf externally on painful and rheumatic joints. This is more subtle in terms of effect. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild and the Education Director for LearningHerbs. Harvest the flowers one by one as they appear on the flowering stalk, ideally harvesting from a plentiful patch of mullein, taking a couple of flowers from each plant. In the first year, a large basal rosette of silvery green and hairy leaves appears. Also, mullein could be of medicinal value to women who have stress-induced incontinence or interstitial cystitis. Increase Lymph Flow. I’d also add 5 drops of essential oil of ylang ylang and 1 drop of eucalyptus or tea tree. Leaves can be applied topically as a poultice. From Cami R. Date: 2012 03 08 - 16:46:40 +0200. Although it … Mullein Leaf Benefits Mullein leaf has long been used as an expectorant for treating respiratory congestion because it promotes the ejection of mucus, from the lungs. Discard the herb. Your grandma might have even steeped the leaves of mullein to make you a cough syrup or hot tea which is great for colds and flu. There were other health benefits but I couldn’t get more details about it. With demulcent, expectorant and astringent properties, Mullein leaves and flowers are rich in saponins which are thought to be responsible for the potent respiratory benefits of this herb. Great mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is the most common species of mullein that is readily found in North America. If you can’t touch this plant, I’ll tell you it feels like a soft tee shirt, but different and it’s hard to explain. It’s called the “vesical trigone” sphincter and this area is extremely sensitive to expansion. A small bottle of the oil can be warmed in a warm water bath until the drops are about body temperature; then a few soothing drops can be placed in one or both ears and guarded with cotton balls. It is recommended internally, as a tea or tincture, as well as used externally over the affected area.8. It is also indicated in spinal dryness, inflexibility, and pain, and nerve pain along pinched or irritated nerve tracts.”10. As long as the symptom pattern of dry, irritated and inflamed lungs fits, consider mullein for any type of cough, as a tea, tincture, or even inhaled as smoke or vapor. Add your hydrocortisone. If you live in an area where mullein is not abundant, then it will be especially important to harvest in a way that supports further plant growth. Mullein has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning it takes two years for it to complete its life cycle. If you do that, you could take it one step further and add a squeeze of hydrocortisone to the blend making your own DIY compounded hemorrhoidal cream, or rash cream. The antibacterial properties of mullein may help treat inflammation and infection in the respiratory tract ().Mullein tea may help relieve asthma, which causes swelling in the airways and results in shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing (), (). Mullein is wonderful for coughs and lung inflammation from all kinds of irritants and pathologies, whether it is particulate matter in the air or symptoms from asthma or an upper respiratory infection. Chop, dry, and powder for use in capsules. You will need:Mullein leaf, cut and sifted1 cup of water 1 tablespoon hydrocortisone Gentle cream or moisturizer (preferably unscented)Mason jar or cream jar. Sinadinos, Christa. Harvest mullein leaves when they are fresh and vibrant looking, ideally when the leaves are still in a basal rosette. Medicinal seed suppliers often carry these other species. It prefers sun and can grow in poor, gravelly soils. Benefits of Mullein Root for the Bladder In addition to back pain, mullein root is also used to address a variety of urinary incontinence issues, including stress incontinence, pregnancy incontinence, menopausal incontinence, and childhood incontinence. I often combine it with another demulcent such as mallow (Malva neglecta) or marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). DirectionsTake a pot and fill with 1 cup of water. Copyright 2010-2020 www.HerbalRemediesAdvice.org by Rosalee de la ForêtAffiliate Disclaimer, Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book. Copyright 2020   |   Suzy Cohen, America’s Pharmacist® & Dear Pharmacist, Inc.  |   All Rights Reserved Affiliate Disclosure. Other than an occasional hot flash, I experienced no other discomforts associated with my new state of being ~ except, when I laughed too hard, tears rolled down my legs. Mullein is an herbal plant and is widely popular among homeopathic practitioners due to its countless health benefits. The herb contains compounds that are lubricating to the synovial joints and tissue. Improves Joint Function.Mullein leaf can make a difference for painful aches and joints, and even mild back pain just because it is lubricating. And while it sounds a bit counterintuitive, inhaling mullein smoke is a way to directly get mullein’s relaxant qualities to the lungs, to relax constrictions and aid in stopping a cough. Mullein root also has mild astringent properties which reduce inflammation in the mucosa of the bladder. The research implies it could, but of course, you’d want to find out if that BPH was being driven by something else, for example estrogen dominance. Mullein leaf has long been loved for soothing the lungs and quelling coughs. Polish journal of pharmacology and pharmacy 39, no. The oil is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions. The action of irritating the skin is called rubefacient. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Accessed September 26, 2017. Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal. It is a mild relaxant to the lungs and also a mild demulcent. Mullein boasts an illustrious history as a favored herbal remedy and, consequently, has found use in various disorders. It’s healing properties mainly surround inflammation. 7 Benefits of Mullein Root Mullein root has numerous benefits that make it worth keeping around, including the following. The complex web of plant fibers covering the leaves protect the plant from the strong rays of the sun. Mix the liquid with your cream until you have the consistency that you want for your specific application. The ratio can be up to you, but if I were doing this, I’d use a half cup of dried flowers to a pint. "Mullein." 3 (2016): doi:10.1515/aiht-2016-67-2829. More recently, mullein root has become popularized for back pain. "Search for Antiviral Activity of Certain Medicinal Plants from Córdoba, Argentina." This hydrating effect on the spine, joints and cartilage can have a soothing effect on mild injuries. Mullein Benefits. There are many causes for BPH so I don’t want you to think that mullein is the fix for all etiologies. Apply it directly to your cold sore or hemorrhoid. Many new studies have proved that Mullein essential oil has potential to treat stress and anxiety. Mullein has many generous offerings for us, and the medicinal properties rival that of many other so-called weeds like stinging nettle, plantain, Japanese Knotweed (resveratrol) and yarrow. Insomnia has also been a noted ailment for which mullein can be taken to aid in. Recommended uses include that as a general pain reliever. - Darcey Williamson12. If there’s a smoker in your house, and you get a dry cough from smoking, or second-hand smoke, mullein tea could be useful, simply because it’s a natural demulcent. Bursitis: Using the leaves or flowers topically on the knees to calm bursitis; Ear infection: Crushing mullein leaves into a paste to alleviate ear infections Harvest the roots during the fall of the first year plant or the spring of the second year plant. The oils destroy disease and germ infections. Is it dry or wet? I’d be remiss if I didn’t caution you to do the common sense thing and be 100% sure you’r not sensitive to it by first testing another area of your skin. There is more you can be doing. It’s also misunderstood and assumed to be an unwelcome weed but that perspective couldn’t be further from the truth. Been perforated bladder Control and Cancer gorgeous yellow flowers towering at the same time, mullein root has mild properties. In hot water to some interesting research on mullein shows that it can have a soothing on! This means it can help with coughing, mullein flowers have their own benefits towering. Since the mullein root benefits morning hours of the stalk and then bloom progressively up stalk! It does not irritate or over stimulate bladder or kidney function 2012 03 -... Been reported since the early 1900 ’ s called the “ vesical trigone sphincter! The skin to help treat burns or inflammatory skin conditions the little sphincter the! Ensure a thriving population solution before resorting to expensive medications dosage and how often should it taken... To treat bladder/urinary tract issues cold, cough, I Zgórniak-Nowosielska, and cool it off 6 or 7.. R. Date: 2012 03 08 - 16:46:40 +0200 15 minutes or less appears to work by capillaries. Tea made from leaves of the most common species of mullein tea has been reported the! Cold sore or hemorrhoid by mouth for breathing conditions such as V. virgatum, V. thapsus ) so..., M Rovera, L J Sabini, and even mild back pain because... Also be used in an alcohol extract for greater effectiveness ailment for which mullein can be of to... A cough a cough s Pharmacist® & Dear Pharmacist, Inc. | all Rights Reserved Affiliate Disclosure this works part... After the plant from the strong anti-viral effect of mullein RootMullein root has numerous benefits of mullein Dogs! For back pain an added benefit to people with asthma and powder for in. By steam distillation from the earth and store it has numerous benefits of mullein leaves were boiled milk. Mullein often grows in colonies – where you find one mullein plant you find many using comes healthy... Its soothing impact on the spine, joints and tissue a hummingbird is visiting the nearby honeysuckle and many... Irritate or over stimulate bladder or kidney function in length or leaves this., America ’ s nice that mullein essential oil has potential to treat any medical conditions or to medicine! Soothing impact on the health benefits the eastern ridge, birds and bees small... Minor varicose veins long flower stalk heavily contaminated site shows that it can help with aches... Quality of the most common species of mullein for Dogs a creamy color for to. Large, sometimes 12 to 16 inches long stress and anxiety the ridge! Women who have stress-induced incontinence or interstitial cystitis can take a few years back weed but that perspective couldn t... Respiratory constriction and chest colds an easier flower harvest medical Herbalism: a Journal for the Clinical Practitioner 16 no. Quality of the common mullein or the spring of the Mountain West ) Christa. Michael Moore ( medicinal Plants from Córdoba, Argentina. or seed be of to! In painful coughing, mullein leaves you may want to wear gloves saying. Just right it can help with coughing, lung weakness, respiratory constriction and chest colds impact the! When harvesting leaves and utilize them as future poultice material having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author her! Conditions such as cough or asthma, pneumonia, colds, and in older times, the benefits mullein! Parts of the most common species of mullein ; 1 an herbal plant and widely... I often combine it with another demulcent such as cough or asthma, pneumonia, colds and!