Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) 2 oz (60ml)

Mullein is often recommended for a person who is dealing with any kind of lung issues. It is a favorite choice among seasonal allergy sufferers. It is also a top pick among those who deal with asthma, sinusitis, and congestion. It is very beneficial for those who have long-lasting issues such as whooping cough or bronchitis. Mullein is an expectorant, meaning it helps the body release phlegm and congestion. At the same time, it is a demulcent, soothing irritated tissues.

The mullein plant has been around for thousands of years. The plant is found in many parts of the world, including the United States, and has more than 200 species.

The most popular type commercially used is common mullein (Verbascum thapsus). The leaves are harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either fresh or dried to make various products.

(Click here to get access to database of all scientific clinical and test tube studies on Verbascum thapsus)

1. Has antiviral and antibacterial properties, helps fight influenza

Some lab studies have shown Verbascum species to have antiviral activity against influenza A and herpes. One laboratory study found combining the medication amantadine with mullein increased antiviral activity against influenza.

Lab studies have shown mullein leaf has antibacterial properties in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including:

• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• E. coli
• Staphylococcus aureus

2. Helps treating asthma and respiratory conditions

Mullein leaf has long been loved for soothing the lungs and quelling coughs. It is a mild relaxant to the lungs and also a mild demulcent. It soothes inflammation and dryness – often the causes of irritation for people with smoke exposure. In addition to the leaf, mullein flowers can have an added benefit to these dry irritated conditions.

Mullein is wonderful for coughs and lung inflammation from all kinds of irritants and pathologies, whether it is particulate matter in the air or symptoms from asthma or an upper respiratory infection. Once you experience mullein’s ability to soothe the respiratory system, you’ll be amazed at the power of this ubiquitous plant. Yet it is a gentle herb that is safe for children and the elderly. 

In the herbal world, it won’t do to simply call a cough a cough. Instead we need to know the quality of the cough. Is it dry or wet? Is it strong or weak? Here are some specific indications for coughs well suited to mullein: 

Mullein is considered a specific in bronchitis where there is a hard cough with soreness. Its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties indicate its use in inflammation of the trachea. In painful coughing, Mullein leaves combine well with Elder and Red Clover.  - Darcey Williamson

Mullein leaf is best when the cough is dry, irritating and unproductive, with a definite lack of mucous production.
- Robert Dale Rogers

[Mullein] is particularly used for dry, irritable, tickly coughs – the tickle sensation is usually evidence of inflammation conjoined with water stuck in the mucosa or skin. It is indicated in old coughs where the velvety carpet of the lungs, the hairs, are inflamed or worn down, so to speak. There may be tightness preventing full inspiration, tightness in the throat or voice box, or tightness in the sinuses and a feeling of tightness in the brain.  - Matthew Wood

3. Mullein for joint pain and Rheumatism 

There are many historic references to using mullein leaf externally on painful and rheumatic joints. 

More recently, mullein root has become popularized for back pain. Herbalist jim mcdonald says, “Mullein root on its own, though, is also markedly effective. Prepared either as an infusion or taken in small doses as a tincture, it's been a lifesaver for me when working a bit too gung-ho has me wake up the next morning with my back ‘kinked’ and not quite able to straighten up. I usually take about seven drops of tincture, stretch out a bit, and the kink disappears and I feel perfectly aligned. While the occasions when this has worked are too numerous to recount, it doesn't always work...just most of the time.”

Matthew Wood describes his reasoning for mullein’s mechanism of action in his book: “It releases synovial fluid into the bursa and disperses internal fluids into the surrounding tissues, lubricating joints, muscles, bones, and ligaments. It is thus a remedy for complex fractures, where the bone needs to be lubricated to be returned to its place. It is also indicated in spinal dryness, inflexibility, and pain, and nerve pain along pinched or irritated nerve tracts.”

4. Bladder benefits of Mullein

In addition to back pain, mullein root is also used to address a variety of urinary incontinence issues, including stress incontinence, pregnancy incontinence, menopausal incontinence, and childhood incontinence. It can also be used to assist those with interstitial cystitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, enlarged prostate). For more information about mullein root uses for incontinence see Christa Sinadinos’ article in the references. 

Mullein root strengthens the bladder muscles. I am no longer a moon woman, having passed over the moon a few years back. Other than an occasional hot flash, I experienced no other discomforts associated with my new state of being ~ except, when I laughed too hard, tears rolled down my legs. Mullein root took care of that problem! Harvest the first year root, preferably in autumn, clean it well and dry it. Then grind it to a fine powder in a coffee grinder or blender and fill #00 capsules with the powder. Take two with each meal for six weeks. This is also excellent for children with weak bladders and the embarrassing side-effect of wet beds. 
- Darcey Williamson

INTERACTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS!!!



Side Effects & Safety

Mullein is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the ear, short-term. A specific product that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to 3 days.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Children: Mullein is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the ear, short-term. A specific product that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to 3 days.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking mullein if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

No other drug interactions are known.

*These Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA

*This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent  illnesses. Consult your physician before implementing herbal extracts into your diet. Herbal compounds and extracts are very powerful and may interact with medication and may not be recommended if pre-existing conditions are present.