Mullein Leaf Cut & Sift

Mullein Leaf, also known as Verbascum Thapsus, is an herbaceous biennial in the Scrophulariaceae family. While it is native to Europe and Asia, it can now be grown anywhere, and it crops up commonly in North America. The Mullein plant blooms with beautiful yellow flowers. Its soft, thick leaves have also been called Grandmother's Flannel.

The dried leaves can be brewed into an herbal tea or used to make oils and syrups.

Common Names: Great Mullein, velvet plant, white mullein, bullock's lungwort shepherd's club, hare's beard, cow's lungwort

Making a Tea:

To make the tea, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of Mullein to an 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of boiling water, then steep them for 5-10 minutes. To prevent throat irritation, use a strainer or cheesecloth to remove as many of the leaves as possible.

If you desire, you can add raw honey, cinnamon, or a lemon wedge.

More on Mullein:

Mullein grows in the United States but originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and Dr. Khan says different parts of the plant have different beneficial properties. Native Americans and colonists used it for various medicinal purposes, from helping with coughs and breathing to healing wounds.

They used to:

Smoke the leaves.
Make a cough syrup out of boiled roots.
Apply the leaves in a paste to the skin.
Rub the leaves over inflamed skin.

Mullein’s uses and health benefits
According to Dr. Khan, mullein still has practical uses today. It’s helpful for any lung condition that can lead to inflammation or infection. Before antibiotics, it was a go-to herbal remedy for:

Pneumonia.
Tuberculosis.
Whooping cough.
These days, it’s more commonly used for less serious conditions, like:

Allergies.
Sore throat.
Tonsillitis.

For respiratory issues, take mullein by mouth. People often drink mullein tea — sipping a cup of tea of any kind is soothing, and mullein may add health benefits. You can also take a mullein capsule, extract or oil.

Mullein benefits your respiratory tract — especially when fighting illness — in several ways:

1. Loosens mucus
Mullein is an expectorant, a substance that thins mucus (phlegm) and makes it easier to cough up. Expectorants help break up mucus to get it out of your system.

2. Calms inflammation
When you have lung and throat issues, using mullein may relieve some of your discomfort. Its flowers and leaves contain mucilage, which coats mucous membranes (the moist linings inside of your respiratory tract) with a film, reducing inflammation.

Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, salves and oils that contain mullein can also help relieve pain and irritation in skin wounds.

3. Protects cells
Mullein contains antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids (substances found in fruits and vegetables). Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, unstable molecules that damage your cells.

One research paper highlights this benefit, showing that mullein stem extract combined with alcohol was 85% effective at protecting cells from damage. As mullein has antioxidant properties, it boosts your body’s natural defenses.

4. Fights germs
Mullein has antiseptic qualities, meaning it prevents the growth of disease-causing germs. One study found that it was effective at fighting pneumonia, staph and E. coli bacteria.

Other research indicates that mullein has antiviral properties, too, and may even slow the influenza virus. Taking mullein when you have a cold or flu may help you beat the infection faster.

Using mullein tea for lung health
You can use mullein tea or other forms of the herb to improve lung health and reduce symptoms of respiratory illness. It has a long history of use and little to no side effects. 

Disclaimer: These statements are not FDA tested and has Mullein not been FDA approved as a treatment or cure for any health problem, including cancer.