Mullein for Respiratory Health

Start preparing for the cold and flu season now. One herb that is beneficial for respiratory health is mullein (Verbascum Thapsis). It's abundant now; 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); rather go in about a mile to gather any plants. Read more about mullein for respiratory health - it's history and benefits.

Mullein for Respiratory Health

The History of Mullein

Mullein has a long, interesting 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 is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, north Africa, and Asia. However, the Puritans in the 1600s 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. So, it was the early settlers who introduced mullein to America; and 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 Benefits

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 them 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. In fact, 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. But making a tea with honey is the simplest and most effective way to take mullein for respiratory issues.

Mullein flowers infused in oil have been used for earaches. Gather 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. 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.  

If you don't want to make your own mullein products, visit my shop.

Resources

https://account.islandpacket.com/paywall/

https://mountainsmokes.com/history-and-cultural-significance-of-mullein/

https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/mullein