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Mullein Leaf

Mullien LeafMullein Leaf – what is it and how could it potentially help your health? Read on to find out.

What is Mullein leaf?

Mullein Leaf is a biennial plant native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. It was naturalised in the Americas and Australia in the 1700s. The plant has large woolly leaves and yellow flowers with a honey-like odour.

Early North American settlers brought the plant with them from the European continent because of its various health benefits. Mullein has played a significant role as a medicinal herb throughout the Mediterranean countries and Eurasia for thousands of years. It was used as a treatment of coughs, tuberculosis, asthma, diarrhea, headaches, arthritis, gout and wounds.

What about now? Continue reading to find out.

What Are the Health Benefits of Mullein Leaf?

Picked before the plant is covered with flowers, Mullein Leaves are found to have many medicinal properties, due to numerous constituents including polysaccharides; iridoid glycosides, flavonoids like methylquercitin, hesperidin and verbascoside. Additionally, it contains saponins and volatile oils.1

Here are nine fantastic health benefits of this traditional herb:

  • Respiratory Disease Treatment

    Mullein leaves in tea may help against many respiratory disorders like colds, coughs and bronchitis. Some findings show the leaves are effective against sore throat due to its antibacterial effects.2

    Others, even demonstrate that Mullein leaves in tea or dry smoked may help alleviate asthma symptoms, reduce inflammation of the respiratory system and removes excess mucus from the throat and nasal passages.2

  •  Allergies

    Suffer from allergies? Mullein leaves taken in tea, powdered herb form or alcohol extract may be an effective treatment. How? Well, it’s been found that active compounds of Mullein protect mucous membranes and their irritability or allergic reactions as a result.3
  • Digestive System Maintenance

    Did you know that drinking Mullein tea or consuming it as a herbal powder can also help with digestive issues?

    According to some studies, it’s effective against diarrhea and constipation and it may also assist with bowel related problems, whilst helping eliminate toxins from the body.3 Some studies found Mullein leaves are also used to treat dysentery, due to their anthelminthic properties.4
  • Skin Health

    The health of your skin is also important, and Mullein may help.

    When applied externally, Mullein may be an effective treatment from various skin problems such as sores, burns and bruises. When mixed with olive oil, it can have a calming effect on the skin too.3

    But wait, there’s more! According to some findings, Mullein can also help fight eczema and other types of inflammation-related skin problems. Along with this, Mullein may also help prevent festering of the skin.3
  • Ear Infection Treatment

    A 2003 study found that usage of Mullein leaves extract can help with ear pain. The patients experienced significant improvements after three days of treatment.5

    The plant is generally safe and can be used to treat ear infections in children and teens.5
  • Headache Relief

    Suffer from headaches? Luckily, Mullein may provide you with some much-needed relief.

    In the form of tea leaves prepared from an alcoholic tincture, Mullein demonstrated its efficacy against headaches and migraines.1 You can use 8 to 10 drops of the tincture to alleviate symptoms.
  • Smoking Stopper

    Think you’ve tried everything to quit smoking? Think again.

    Mullein leaves are a natural alternative to assist with quitting your smoking habit. How? By taking it in the form of tea, herbal powder or tincture, Mullein can help support the lungs. Along with this, inhaling smoke from dry Mullein leaves, has a relaxant effect upon the lungs and can help to reduce a cough.1
  • Urinary Disease Treatment

    If you are suffering from a urinary tract infection or something similar, Mullein may be able to provide you with some relief.6

    How? Mullein is reported to be mildly diuretic and can have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the urinary tract. Some findings show that ethanolic extracts obtained from Mullein leaves have biological activity against the urinary tract pathogens, thus helping prevent urinary tract infections.6
  • Antifungal and Antiviral Effects

    Need to combat a nasty fungus or virus? Leaf extracts of Mullein have been found to be active against bovine herpesvirus type 1 and show slight antifungal activity.1

Is Mullein Safe?

Usage of Mullein leaves rarely causes any side effects. However, like any remedy (herbal or otherwise), possible side effects can occur. For example, if you are sensitive to some bioactive compounds of Mullein, it may cause skin irritation, breathing issues or headaches. If any of these symptoms occur, you should cease the use of this herb.

Talk to your health professional to find out if Mullein is right for you. 

Properties

  • Allergies3
  • Anti-Bacterial4,5,6
  • Anti-Fungal1
  • Anti-Inflammatory3
  • Antioxidant3
  • Antiviral1
  • Arthritis3
  • Asthma1
  • Bruises3
  • Cough1
  • Demulcent3
  • Diarrhea3,4
  • Digestive Function3,4
  • Digestive Restoration3
  • Diuretic6
  • Gout6
  • Headaches1
  • High/Good Levels of Flavonoids1
  • Laxative1
  • Respiratory Support1,2
  • Skin Issues3
  • Toxin Removal3
  • Urinary Tract Issues6
  • Wound Healing3

References

  1. Riaz M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Jaafar HZE. Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects. Rev Bras Farmacogn. 2013;23(a):948-959. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012
  2. Karman R. Assessing the Effectiveness of Mullein on Respiratory Conditions Such as Asthma.; 2016. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.28242.76483
  3. Turker AU, Camper ND. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;82(2-3):117-125.
  4. Ali N, Ali Shah SW, Shah I, et al. Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum Thapsus Mullein. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:29. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-29
  5. Sarrell EM, Cohen HA, Kahan E. Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Pediatrics. 2003;111(5 Pt 1):e574-579. doi:10.1542/peds.111.5.e574
  6. Dulger GA, Tutenocakli T, Dülger B. Antimicrobial potential of the leaves of common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L., Scrophulariaceae) on microorganisms isolated from urinary tract infections. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2015; 3(2):86-89.