Exploring Mullein: The Benefits of September's Herbal Ally

Sep 3

4 min read

Two tall yellow mullein flowers with fuzzy buds stand against a green leafy background, creating a vibrant and natural scene.

As summer slowly comes to end and fall begins later this month, it’s time to prepare our winter herbal apothecary. Mullein is the perfect herb for our home apothecary because of its benefits to the respiratory system; therefore, Mullein is our herbal ally for September.

Mullein is abundant now and has been all summer; so, forage what you can if you see it growing while walking or hiking. However, don't pick any herb that grows along a busy highway or road (which mullein does) because of car exhaust; rather go in about a mile to gather any plants.

Mullein - September's Herbal Ally

Tall yellow Mullein line a paved path, with rocky cliffs and green foliage in the background, creating a natural and serene scene. — Mullein plants along a roadside

Botanical Information

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial herb characterized by its woolly texture. In the first year, it forms a large basal rosette of soft, gray-green leaves. In the second year, it develops a tall, erect stalk ranging from 2 to 6 feet, adorned with yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom in summer. Originally from Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Asia, this plant also thrives in disturbed soils throughout North America. Although often regarded as a weed due to its prolific seed production, it has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, particularly for respiratory issues, owing to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant qualities.

Hand holding a lit torch with yellow flowers, near large rocks. Green bird drawings on rocks. Desert setting under a clear sky. — Mullein torch

Mullein’s History

Mullein has a long, fascinating history:

It was used by the ancient Romans as torches. They coated the stalks with tallow and then lit them.
Later the ancient Greens used the rolled, dried leaves as lamp wicks.
Mullein is not native to America, but in the 1600s, the Puritans brought mullein seeds from Europe to American to use in their medicinal gardens. Then mullein spread from there; in fact, mullein is very, very invasive. You can find it almost anywhere, so there’s no need to plant mullein seeds. I live in the high desert, and although there’s no mullein here, I can find it in the nearby mountains.
Once the early settlers introduced mullein to America, Native Americans soon began to use it. The soft, velvety leaves were used to line their moccasins. They also used the leaf as a poultice for abscesses, bruises, sprains, rashes, burns, skin infections, and many other ailments.

Mullein’s Health Benefits

Mullein is a wonderful plant for the respiratory system.

Large green plant with broad, soft leaves in a sunny garden setting. Leaves form a rosette pattern with textures visible. — Mullein leaves

The soft leaves (especially the young leaves) are used to soothe sore throats. Collect the leaves and dry them; then cut and sift the dried leaves. Store the dried leaves in a Mason jar for use in teas.
Many cultures around the world have used mullein tea for sore throats, and as a cough suppressant. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Cattlemen have used mullein to treat their cattle’s respiratory conditions.
One of the most common uses of mullein leaves was to smoke it for respiratory ailments. It was sometimes mixed with tobacco to ease coughs and to expel excess mucus.
Fresh mullein flowers infused in oil have been used for earaches.

Mullein Recipes

You can make a simple tea, a tincture, or an infused Mullein Oil.

Mullein Flower Oil

A woman in sunglasses smiles while gesturing toward a tall plant. She's wearing a blue shirt, standing in a lush, green garden. — Me gathering mullein flowers

To make Mullein Flower Oil:

Gather fresh mullein flowers and immediately add them to a Mason jar with olive oil or sesame oil. It's important to add the flowers to the oil when they're fresh - not dried. Dried mullein flowers have no therapeutic benefit. So, when I go to gather mullein flowers, I carry a small mason jar filled at least half way with oil.
Be sure the oil completely covers the flowers (by about an inch).
Label the jar and leave it in the sun, such as outside in your garden or on a windowsill for at least two weeks.
Shake the bottle very day as this helps with the infusion.
Strain the mixture by pouring it through a cheesecloth-lined colander over a clean jar or pot.
Discard the herbs or add them to your compost. Pour the infused oil in a dark glass bottle with a dropper and label the bottle.
Add any remaining infused oil to a clean Mason jar, label it; and place the jar in a cool, dark place, such as your cupboard or pantry, for future use.

Directions for Using Mullein Oil

Warm several drops of oil in a small pot on the stovetop (not in the microwave).
Test the oil's heat by touching a drop of the warm oil on your inner wrist (like you would to test a baby's bottle).
Tilt your head to one side and apply 1-2 drops of oil in your ear.
Gently massage around the outside of the ear.
Place a cotton ball in the ear; and repeat this for the other ear.

Mullein Leaf Tea

Making a tea with honey is the simplest and most effective way to take mullein for respiratory issues. Add a heaping teaspoon of dried mullein leaves to a pot and cover with a cup of "almost" boiling water; let steep for 15 minutes; strain; and pour into a mug. Add sweetener of choice, such as honey, and drink.

Happy gathering!