06/07/2026
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This right here is Mullein, and Mullein is most often known for the leaf. The truth is the leaf, flower, and root have all been used in traditional herbal medicine. Each part has its own direction, and that is what makes this plant so amazing.
The leaf is the part most people know. Mullein leaf has traditionally been used for coughs, dry irritated lungs, bronchitis, asthma-like tightness, sore throats, chest congestion, and stubborn mucus. It is considered a classic demulcent and expectorant herb, meaning it helps soothe irritated tissue while also helping the body loosen and move mucus. That is why so many old-time herbalists reached for Mullein when someone had a deep cough, a rough throat, or lungs that felt heavy. Research reviews on Verbascum thapsus show that the plant contains compounds such as mucilage, saponins, flavonoids, iridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides like verbascoside, and other plant chemicals that help explain its traditional use for inflammation, irritation, and microbial issues. The strongest science today is mostly lab, animal, and phytochemical research, not large human clinical trials, so I always want to be honest: Mullein has strong traditional use and promising scientific support, but it is not a guaranteed cure-all.
One of the biggest reasons Mullein is loved for the lungs is because of the mucilage in the leaf. Mucilage is that soothing, slippery plant compound that helps coat dry, scratchy, inflamed tissues. When you make Mullein tea, you are not just making a “lung tea”; you are making something that can help calm the throat, settle irritation, and support the body in getting mucus moving instead of letting it sit heavy in the chest. The saponins in Mullein are also part of why it has been traditionally used as an expectorant, helping loosen phlegm so the body can clear it better.
The flowers are another treasure. Mullein flowers have traditionally been infused into oil and used for ear discomfort, especially when combined with herbs like garlic or calendula. The flowers have also been used for soothing inflamed skin, minor wounds, irritation, and delicate tissue. The flowers are gentle, but powerful in their own way. They have been studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential, and Verbascum species have a long history of use for infections, pain, inflammation, respiratory troubles, and skin conditions.
The root is the part that gets talked about the least, but it should not be forgotten. Traditional herbalists have used Mullein root very differently than the leaf. While the leaf is more about lungs, mucus, and soothing tissues, the root has been used traditionally for the back, spine, bladder, urinary tone, nerve-type discomfort, and structural support. Many herbal traditions speak of Mullein root as a plant for the lower back, hips, pelvic floor, bladder weakness, urinary urgency, and the kind of body weakness where things feel like they are not “holding” like they should. I want to be very clear here: this root use is mostly traditional herbal knowledge, not heavily proven by modern clinical trials. But in the herbal world, Mullein root has a strong reputation as a deep tonic for the body’s support system.
Mullein has also been traditionally used externally. The soft leaves have been used as poultices for skin irritation, swelling, bruises, sores, and painful areas. Some traditions used the leaf for wounds, burns, rashes, and inflamed skin. The leaves are soft like lamb’s ear, but those tiny hairs matter. Those hairs can irritate the throat if the tea is not strained well, so anytime Mullein leaf is used as tea, it should be strained through a very fine cloth, coffee filter, or tight tea bag. That is not optional in my opinion. You do not want those little hairs scratching your throat when you are trying to soothe it.
For tea, Mullein leaf is usually made as a gentle infusion. A simple way is to use dried leaf, pour hot water over it, cover it, let it steep, and then strain it extremely well. Some people prefer a longer steep because they are trying to pull more of that soothing mucilage out. Mullein can also be made into tinctures, syrups, infused oils, salves, steams, and smoking blends, though I personally do not encourage smoking as the best way to use herbs, especially when the goal is healing the lungs. Just because something has been smoked traditionally does not mean that is the cleanest or safest way to use it.
Mullein also has a history as a plant for the homestead beyond medicine. The tall dried stalks have been called “torches” in old traditions because they could be dipped and burned. The flowers were used for dye. The plant also brings pollinators when blooming, and it thrives in poor soil where many other plants struggle. It is one of those plants that shows up in disturbed ground, fence lines, fields, roadsides, and forgotten places like it was sent there to repair something.
Now for the safety side, because we do not play around with herbs. Do not use the seeds. Mullein seeds have been used historically as fish poison because they contain compounds that can be toxic to fish and possibly harmful if misused.
At Yahuah’s Farm, Mullein is one of those plants we love because it teaches people to look again. What the world calls a w**d, Father may have placed there as medicine. The leaf speaks to the lungs. The flower speaks to the ears and skin. The root speaks deeper to the back, bladder, and structure of the body. This plant is soft, tall, humble, and powerful, and once you learn what it is, you will never look at it the same again.
Mullein is not just a plant.
