Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Native to: Europe, North Africa & Western Asia

Cultural & Historical Uses:

Utilized to treat asthma, chest congestion, & dry coughs.
In traditional herbalism, the smoke has been utilized for cleansing & grounding practices.
Clears phlegm & soothes bronchial irritation.
Commonly used to ailments including:
- Bronchitis, asthma, dry/hacking cough & smoker's lung.

Scientific Properties

Saponins: aids in the breakdown of mucus.
Mucilage: soothing compound that coats the throat & bronchial passages to reduce irritation when inhaled.
Anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial properties.

When Burned..

Mucilage & saponins do not survive combustion, but the following effects are still viable:
- Contains trace compounds that may soothe of nervous system via aroma.
- Low in resin, which creates a more gentle sensation on the lungs.

Contraindications!!!

If you are on prescription blood thinners, diabetes medication or blood pressure medications, use with caution as there may be interactions.
There is not a substantial pool of research on the effects of mullein on pregnant or breastfeeding women, therefore use with caution.
Those with known allergies to plants in the Scrophulariaceae family abstain from use or use with caution.

Resources & Citations

Chevallier, A. (2000).
The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.
Dorling Kindersley Publishing.

Foster, S., & Duke, J. A. (2000).
A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Giner, R. M., et al. (1996).
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Verbascum thapsus L.
Phytotherapy Research, 10(2), 79–81.
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199603)10:2<79::AID-PTR742>3.0.CO;2-Z

Saeidnia, S., et al. (2014).
A review on the constituents and pharmacological activities of Verbascum species.
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 13(4), 1245–1258.
PubMed Central - PMC4270721

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013).
Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine.
Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

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