Mullein
Other plantsThe Tobacco from Elsewhere
After its introduction to North America, mullein was adopted by several Indigenous peoples. Among the Potawatomi, Mohegan, Penobscot, and Menominee, its dried leaves were smoked for colds, bronchitis, and asthma.
A plant from Europe had thus become, on the other side of the Atlantic, a smoked respiratory remedy.
Medicinal properties
Flowers
Mullein flowers are used for catarrh of the respiratory tract, particularly with cough and bronchial congestion. Their mucilage has a soothing action, while their saponins are notably associated with a mild expectorant action.
Leaves
Traditionally used by herbalists for dry, irritating, unproductive coughs, the leaves are considered mildly demulcent and relaxing for the respiratory tract. They are notably prepared as an infusion and must be strained carefully because their fine hairs can be irritating.
Recipe
Mullein Flower Infusion
- Plant part
- flowers
- Duration
- 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 g dried mullein flowers
- 150 ml water
Preparation
- Place the dried flowers in a cup.
- Pour the simmering water over the flowers.
- Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain carefully.
- Drink the infusion hot or warm.
Sources and references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plants of the World Online: Verbascum thapsus L.
- U.S. Forest Service. Fire Effects Information System: Verbascum thapsus, Common Mullein.
- European Medicines Agency. European Union herbal monograph on Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol. and V. phlomoides L., flos. EMA/HMPC/611537/2016.
- Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al., editors. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1998. Verbasci flos (Mullein flower).
- de la Forêt R. Herb Notes: The Benefits of Mullein. LearningHerbs.
- Kraft K, Hobbs C. Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2004. Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum), p. 95.
- European Medicines Agency. Final assessment report on Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol. and V. phlomoides L., flos. EMA/HMPC/611531/2016.
