Added/Modified on January 5, 2017
Also Known As: Verbascum thapsus, candlewick plant, calendula, flannel leaf, donkey’s ears, Great or Common Mullein, Bunny’s Ears, Grandmother’s Flannel, Velvet Plants, and Jacob’s-staff.
A common wildflower native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, the Mullein plant has been naturalized to both the Americas, and Australia.
It is a biennial plant with densely-packed, small, yellow flowers and soft, thick leaves. This platn can grow anywhere, reaching a height of several feet.
However the Mullein is shade intolerant and unable to survive tilling, which makes it an uncompetitive weed.
Historically Mullein was used to make candlewicks, cast out evil spirits, and to treat a variety of diseases.
What is Mullein Leaf Tea? Mullein Leaf tea is made from the leaf and flowers of the plant. It comes in tea bags, loose leaf, or powdered form.
Mullein Leaf Tea Preparation: ◦1 tbsp. of dried mullein leaves ◦1 Cup Boiling water ◦Place mullein leaves in a steeping ball, or use a tea bag. ◦Put in cup; pour the water over the ball or tea bag to release the properties of the herb.
◦Steep for 10 minutes. Remove steeping ball or tea bag, sweeten to taste if needed with honey.
Home Remedies Using Mullein Leaf Tea:
Mullein Leaf and flower was listed as an official medicine in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1936. Traditionally Mullein Tea was used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and a variety of respiratory diseases.
Today Mullein Leaf tea is used to treat many respiratory illnesses including bronchitis, colds, coughs, and sore throats. Mullein tea has anti-bacterial properties that are used to reduce infection and inflammation.
Mullein is a natural expectorant effective in expelling mucus from the airways. It is helpful in easing allergic spasms associated with hay fever; it can also reduce the symptoms of asthma.
Mullein Leaf tea is a natural sedative, and will help with insomnia. It is also useful in the treatment of headaches and migraine, will calm muscle spasms, and is a natural pain reliever.
It can improve thyroid gland functioning, those on medication for thyroid problems should consult their doctor before using the herb. Its cleansing properties can help to ease and prevent infections of the urinary tract and bladder.
Mullein tea is utilized to rid the body of toxins. Because it balances the bowels, this tea can be used to treat both diarrhea and constipation. Mullein is a very gentle herb, which is safe to use for children, it is an effective treatment for whooping cough and croup.
Used topically, cooled Mullein tea can soothe and reduce hemorrhoids. Mullein tea has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Therefore it is an effective treatment for sores and wounds to keep them clean and free from infection. It is a calming agent when applied to skin rashes and burns and can promote healing.
Clinical research on Mullein tea includes, “Two double-blind trials enrolling a total of more than 250 children with eardrum pain caused by middle ear infection compared the effectiveness of an herbal preparation containing garlic, St. John’s wort, and calendula against a standard anesthetic ear drop product (ametocaine and phenazone). The results indicated that the two treatments reduced pain to an equivalent extent.
Side Effects of Mullein Leaf Tea:
There have been very few reported side effects to mullein. Some people may suffer stomach upset when they first begin using the herb. This usually happens when too much of the herb is being consumed, but most people would have to use vast quantities for a reaction to occur.
It is important to note that Mullein seeds contain the insecticide and fish poison rotenone and there are some toxic risks associated with the seed.
Care should be taken to make sure that mullein leaf products are not contaminated with mullein seeds, as long-term use might be harmful. For this reason, young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease should not use mullein for a prolonged period of time.
Allergic reactions to Mullein Leaf tea are rare, but symptoms such as a rash, breathing difficulties, or chest pains should be reported to a doctor.
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