Mullein Medicinal Health Benefits, Uses, & Recipes
Mullein – Gray, Green. Hairy. Yuck. Doesn’t sound very appealing to me. Yellow. Flowers. Medicinal. Magical. Now you’re talking my language. What language is that?
The language of health and wellness without side effects. The language of a natural remedy available medicine in my back yard. From top to bottom – literally – earaches to hemorrhoids. The health benefits of mullein make it a must have in the list of medicinal herbs for any medicine cabinet.
mullein HISTORY
Common mullein is an upright biennial plant that can grow up to 6 1/2 feet tall. Yes, it is partially identified by its slightly hairy, gray green oval shaped leaves as well as its spikes of bright yellow flowers. It grows on open uncultivated land and along roadsides. The leaves and flowers are collected in the summer.
The historical use of mullein for the respiratory system dates back to the 16th century. In the United States, mullein was once credited for its magical as well as medicinal powers.
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HEALTH BENEFITS OF Mullein
It contains mucilage, flavonoids, saponins, volatile oil and tannins. Mullein is probably best known for its treatment of the respiratory tract. It is known to give relief of cough and congestion.
It specifically treats respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, sore throats, or even dry coughs. The mullein leaves and flowers can be used as an infusion to reduce mucus formation and stimulate a productive cough to expel phlegm.
In addition to respiratory problems, this medicinal plant is also great for other health conditions and can be used in various forms. Steeped in olive oil, mullein flowers provide an excellent remedy for ear infections.
Applied to the skin, the use of mullein is emollient working great on contact dermatitis, skin rashes and other skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial in easing joint pain, calming digestive issues and help promote wound healing.
USES FOR Mullein
Here are some of my favorite recipes and how to use them. You can also watch our video on how to make them here:
Earache oil | Mullein flower infused oil
Pick flowers and dry. Put in a small jar and cover with extra virgin olive oil. Cover jar with a piece of cloth to allow moisture to escape. Place jar on a sunny windowsill for 2 weeks, stirring every day to keep flowers submerged in oil. When flowers have faded and become quite transparent, the oil is ready to be strained and bottled. Pour through a fine sieve into another jar. Pour slowly as there may be water at the bottom of the jar. Leave the watery layer behind. Store in a cool dark place for up to a year. For earache, put 1 to 3 drops of oil in affected ear as needed for pain.
mullein tea
The leaves can be used by themself or you can add flowers. Place a rounded tablespoon of dried herb (more if using fresh) in a mug. Add a cup of boiling water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain to remove any loose-leaf hairs. Drink freely for dry cough or throat irritations.
mullein poultice
Lay mullein leaves in a dish and pour boiling water on them to soften. Leave until cool enough to handle. Place on affected area.
mullein cough syrup
You need: mullein flowers, elderflowers, and mullein leaves. Put 1oz of mullein leaves, 1oz of mullein flowers, 1oz elderflowers and 1 quart of water in a mason jar. Steep for 4 hours. Strain leaves/flowers. Add honey to taste. Take 1
mullein cough drops
Steep 1oz (by weight) of 2 parts mullein & 1 part each of mint & horehound in 1 qt water. Strain herbs. Pour infusion into large stockpot with 1lb. cane sugar and 1 tsp cream of tartar. Heat & stir until dissolved and temperature reaches 280°F on candy thermometer. Make thumbprint holes (1/2tsp) holes in 1/2″ powdered sugar in pie pan. Carefully pour mixture into holes and let harden.
References & Additional Sources
We have gathered our knowledge of medicinal herbs/plants from the following resources over the years. Check them out here!
**At Centennial Roots, we prioritize the safety of our followers and encourage informed decisions about health matters. The information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Centennial Roots is not liable for risks associated with using the information on its site.
