Mullein Leaf Cut and Sifted for Herbal Tea

MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus)

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Energetics: Cooling, moistening (leaf); slightly drying (flowers)
Taste: Mild, slightly bitter, earthy, smooth

HISTORICAL AND FOLK BACKGROUND

European Herbalism:

• Mullein has been used for over 2,000 years. The Greeks and Romans used it for lung ailments and even as torch wicks — due to its thick, woolly leaves.

• The Latin name Verbascum is thought to come from "barbascum", meaning bearded plant, referencing its soft, fuzzy leaves.

• Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder noted its use in treating coughs and as a remedy for earaches, using the flowers infused in oil.

Indigenous North American Uses:

• Indigenous tribes (including the Cherokee, Navajo, and Zuni) used mullein as a smoke for lung ailments, topical poultice for inflammation, and tea for coughs.

• The dried leaf was sometimes smoked to clear the lungs of congestion and to relieve asthma.

Folklore:

• Mullein was considered a protective plant, often placed near doorways or burned to ward off evil spirits.

• Sometimes called “hag’s taper” or “witch’s candle” due to its tall flowering stalks, which were dipped in tallow and burned.

HERBAL BENEFITS OF MULLEIN

1. Respiratory Support

• Mullein is a superior lung tonic, particularly for dry, irritated, or inflamed respiratory passages.

• Soothes tissues, reduces inflammation, and loosens stuck mucus.

• Used for:

  • Dry cough

  • Bronchitis

  • Smoker’s lung

  • Asthma

  • Post-viral cough

2. Demulcent Action

• The soft, mucilaginous quality of mullein leaf provides a coating effect to the mucous membranes of the throat and lungs.

• Excellent for scratchy throats, hoarseness, or chronic irritation.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Astringent

• Reduces swelling in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and sometimes the digestive tract.

• Useful for sore throats, mild digestive complaints, or even hemorrhoids when used topically.

4. Ear Health (Flower Oil)

• Infused mullein flower oil is a traditional remedy for earaches and ear infections.

• Often combined with garlic oil or St. John’s wort in ear drops.

5. Mild Diuretic and Lymphatic Support

• May help relieve mild water retention and gently stimulate the lymphatic system.

PARTS USED

• Leaves: Best for lung support, demulcent and anti-inflammatory. Used in tea, tincture, or smoke.

• Flowers: More delicate, slightly sedative, often used in oils.

• Root (less common): Used for musculoskeletal and bladder support.

MULLEIN TEA: HOW TO USE IT

Mullein has a soft, gentle, earthy flavor that pairs well with both aromatic and sweet herbs. It makes an excellent base for lung-supportive teas and is best strained through a fine mesh due to the leaf’s tiny hairs.

BASIC MULLEIN TEA RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried mullein leaf

• 1.5 to 2 cups hot water (just under boiling)

Instructions:

1. Place mullein in a teapot or mug.

2. Pour over hot water.

3. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.

4. Strain very well (use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to catch the hairs).

5. Drink warm. Add honey if desired.

Use: 1 to 3 cups per day for up to 2 weeks during respiratory illness.

TEA BLEND IDEAS

1. Lung Repair Tea

For dry cough, irritated lungs, or post-infection healing.

• 1 tsp mullein leaf

• 1 tsp marshmallow root (demulcent)

• 1/2 tsp licorice root (anti-inflammatory)

• 1/2 tsp elecampane root (expectorant, lung tonic)

Steep 15 minutes. Strain well. Drink up to 2 times per day.

2. Smoker’s Support Tea

To help cleanse lungs and support long-term lung repair.

• 1 tsp mullein leaf

• 1 tsp peppermint (decongestant)

• 1/2 tsp thyme (antibacterial)

• Optional: small pinch lobelia (only in microdoses with supervision)

This tea gently opens the lungs and clears toxins.

3. Soothing Throat and Chest Tea

• 1 tsp mullein

• 1 tsp chamomile (anti-inflammatory)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon bark (warming)

• Honey to taste

This blend is soothing, grounding, and great for both children and adults.

ENERGETICS

• Temperature: Cooling (leaf), slightly warming (flower)

• Moisture: Moistening (leaf), mildly drying (flower)

• Organ systems affected: Lungs, throat, lymph, ears, urinary

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS

• Mullein is very safe for most people.

• Always strain carefully to avoid throat irritation from leaf hairs.

• Rare allergy cases may occur in people sensitive to plants in the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family.

• Mullein flower oil should never be put into the ear if the eardrum is perforated.

SUMMARY

Mullein is a deeply gentle and reliable ally for the lungs, throat, and respiratory tract, and a supportive remedy for dryness, inflammation, and congestion. Whether taken as a tea or used in topical or oil preparations, it’s a foundational herb in any home apothecary — especially during cold and flu season or for those recovering from respiratory conditions.