Mullein is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds that can help soothe and calm inflamed tissues, making it a valuable ally in relieving respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. It is a natural expectorant, meaning it helps to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract, providing relief from congestion and coughs and can even assist smokers in detoxing their lungs. Mullein has proven to be effective against certain types of bacterial and viral infections due to its antimicrobial properties which help it to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Its analgesic properties also make it a great option for sore throats. Mullein is a versatile plant as it not only supports the respiratory system and gives a boost to the immune system, but when used as an oil, it can also alleviate itching and inflammation of the skin, and has been used to aid in common skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and burns.
Looking to embrace the medicinal benefits of Mullein? Try adding it to your medicine cabinet in the form of a tincture or try a simple tea. The tincture recipe below uses alcohol as its menstruum, for other options please see our blog post listed below.
Mullein Tincture:
Dried Mullein (amount will vary depending upon the size of your mason jar)
80 Proof Vodka (or menstruum of your choice)
Begin by making sure that your mason jar is clean and dry.
Fill your jar ½ way with dried mullein, do not pack the herb tightly in the jar (some will say ¾ of the way but ½ makes for a little stronger tincture)
Fill the jar with the 80 proof vodka (or menstruum of your choice)
Put your lid on tightly and shake everything up.
Make sure that you label and date your jar.
For this specific recipe, allow this to sit for at least 2 weeks, making sure that it is stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Remember to shake daily. After at least 2 weeks, strain the plant material (you may need to strain twice to make sure you get all the plant material out). Finally, transfer your handcrafted medicine into an amber dropper bottle and label.
The dose for mullein tincture is 1-4 ml./3-4 times a day. 1 Dropper is the equivalent to about 30 drops or 1ml.
Simple Mullein Tea:
1-2 teaspoons dried mullein leaf
8 oz boiling water
Optional: Honey and Lemon
Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaf to 8 oz of boiling water. Allow to steep for 10-15 mins. Strain the plant material from the water. Add honey to taste. I personally like to add a little lemon to mine as well, but that is always optional.
**As always, we are not medical professionals here, and we are not giving any medical advice. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating mullein into your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications. It is important to note that mullein should not be ingested in large amounts or for extended periods of time. **