A demulcent, soothing respiratory herb traditionally used for dry, irritated coughs and throat irritation, and an expectorant that supports productive coughing and loosens respiratory mucus. A traditional herbal remedy rather than an established treatment for respiratory disease.
Medicinal plant
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
A soothing leaf tea for a dry, irritated cough.
Uses
Respiratory — Herbs traditionally used in preparations for the throat, chest, sinuses, or seasonal respiratory comfort.
Properties
Pectoral — Soothes and supports the lungs, chest, and throat
Demulcent — Coats, moistens, and soothes irritated internal tissues
Expectorant — Helps loosen and move mucus from the lungs and chest
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Moistening — Adds or preserves moisture and soothes dryness. Relaxing — Eases tension, constriction, or spasm.
Similar herbs: Borage, Marshmallow, Violet
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Biennial.
Hardiness
Biennial or short-lived perennial; this guide uses it as a biennial.
Harvesting
Harvest leaves from the first-year rosette and gather flowers from the second-year stalk.
Grow in zone
Harvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: MayHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest leaves: SeptemberHarvest flowers — Gather flowers in these monthsHarvest flowers: JulyHarvest flowers: AugustHarvest flowers: September
The flowering stalk usually appears in year 2.
Gardening tools
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Steep mullein in hot water to draw out its flavour and water-soluble properties. The simplest respiratory preparation, and the best choice from this plant — simple, uses an abundant part, and fits mullein's traditional respiratory use.
Parts used
Leaf DriedGather
- 1–2 tspdried leaf per cup of hot water
Harvest leaves before flowering. Dry in a single layer out of direct sun until crisp.
Prepare
- Tear or chop the dried leaf
- Cover with hot water
- Cover and steep 10–15 minutes
- Strain through a very fine filter or cloth before drinking
- Drink warm
Apothecary supplies
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Infuse mullein into a carrier oil for topical use in body oils, salves, and balms. A traditional external preparation, especially associated with ear-care traditions — but ear pain can signal infection or a ruptured eardrum, and shouldn't be treated with homemade oil without medical guidance.
Parts used
FlowerPrepare
- Harvest clean flowers
- Wilt or dry thoroughly so excess water doesn't enter the oil
- Cover flowers completely with carrier oil in a dry jar
- Infuse using a standard low-moisture infused-oil method
- Strain extremely well and store cool and dark
- Use as an external skin oil unless a clinician specifically advises ear use