Not only does mullein grow easily with practically no care at all, it is useful for so many health conditions that it is a shame it isn’t more commonly known. This delightful herb is mild in taste yet powerful. It is useful for children, adults, the elderly and even pets.
The mullein plant is a biennial plant. The first year its soft, fuzzy leaves grow in a rosette form. The next year, in addition to the rosette, a stately stalk grows up through the center of the rosette and will bear lovely yellow flowers.
The leaves, flowers, roots and seeds all have medicinal value, though they are not equally easy to find. The leaves, however, are easy to find and have so many applications it behooves nearly anyone to keep it on hand. If you find a need for a particular part of the mullein plant and cannot locate it, do try just the leaves and see how you fare. You may be surprised at the success you experience.
What is Mullein Good for?
Lungs
Those who are aware of the herb mullein have likely been introduced to it because of its healthful effects on the lungs. Mullein is a wonderful herb to use in treating a cough, even the serious cough experienced in bronchitis and whooping cough. It may even bring some relief to those who suffer with COPD. Mullein tea, sweetened with honey, is a perfect beverage to sip on when you have a cold or the flu. Its taste is mild, but a bit of peppermint can be added for flavor if desired.
Relaxant
Mullein has a relaxing effect, which may be one reason it is useful in asthma. But it is also helpful for pain and insomnia, perhaps because of its mild narcotic action. (Especially the seeds.)
Lymph System
Mullein has quite a helpful effect to the lymphatic system. It can improve lymphatic circulation and reduce swollen lymph nodes. This can be accomplished by using mullein internally or externally. A salve made with mullein leaf can be massaged into swollen glands to bring relief.
Ear Infections
Mullein flowers, infused in olive oil make a great ear oil for infections, though if the flowers are not available, the leaves infused in olive oil make a close second.
Pain
The bark of the mullein plant, made into a tincture, is indicated for skeletal pain. The tincture can be taken internally or rubbed onto the skin to be absorbed directly into the joints. This tincture has the power to reduce pain and inflammation and increase synovial fluid, making movement more comfortable.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Perhaps the most underutilized benefit of mullein is its potential to help trigeminal neuralgia. This extremely painful nerve disease is sometimes called, “the suicide disease,” because it causes so much agony. If you are using mullein to treat trigeminal neuralgia, do make the effort to find a quality mullein root tincture. The tincture can be applied topically and/or taken internally.
How Should I Take Mullein?
A mullein tea is easy to make and easy to take. It can be consumed liberally throughout sickness. If you buy loose mullein leaf, do strain through a coffee filter. Mullein has little hairs that can be irritating.
Mullein is also available in capsule or tincture form.
It can be found in an oil (most commonly for use in the ears) or in a salve (for lymphatic swelling and also for cuts, burns, and wounds.)
If you decide to give mullein a try, do start with small dose to make sure it suits you. While rare, it can cause allergic reaction in some people, (though this is the case with nearly any herb or ingredient on earth.)
Have you tried mullein? We would love to hear about your experience!
