top of page

Fact Sheet- Mullein: Cough up that Stuff & more

Writer's picture: Kathy HarveyKathy Harvey

Mullein grows in the United States and other places world- wide. Dr. Khan of the Cleveland Clinic writes that 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.

The ancients 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.

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:

You may find mullein extracts, capsules, oils and teas. 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.


  • Loosening mucus: Mullein is an expectorant that thins mucus and makes it easier to cough up.

  • Calming inflammation: It may relieve discomfort related to lung, joints* and throat issues.

  • Protecting cells: Mullein contains antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids.

  • Fighting germs: It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

  • Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) and earaches, as well as asthma


Cautions: If you apply mullein directly to your mucous membranes or on your skin at a high potency, you may have a skin reaction. “If it’s diluted, though, it doesn’t typically cause any side effects,” Dr. Khan states. “To date, there are no reports of negative reactions or toxic side effects of mullein.”


References:


3 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page