Mullein Benefits: Traditional Uses, Compounds & Respiratory Support

Mullein: The Velvet-Leaved Herb of

Traditional Respiratory Care

Few herbs are as visually distinctive as mullein (Verbascum thapsus). With its tall flowering stalk, soft gray-green leaves, and velvety foliage, mullein has been recognized and used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. A member of the figwort family, common mullein is native to Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia and has since become established in many other parts of the world. 

Mullein is sometimes mistaken for lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina), another soft-leaved, silvery-green plant commonly found in gardens. Although the two plants share a remarkably fuzzy texture, they are botanically distinct. Lamb's ear is a low-growing, yellow-green of light sage-colored ornamental perennial valued primarily identified by its distinctive fuzzy foliage. Mullein is a broader, darker leaved plant that generates a flowering stalk in its second year of growth. While lamb's ear has been used for some topical preparations, it should not be ingested. Conversely, mullein has a long history of traditional medicinal use. 

 

A Long History in Traditional Herbal Medicine

Throughout history, herbalists have turned to mullein for a wide range of traditional uses. Preparations made from the leaves and flowers have historically been associated with coughs, sore throats, respiratory irritation, and other complaints involving the chest and airways. Traditional sources have also described uses involving the skin, ears, and other areas of the body. 

Its strongest historical association, however, has remained with the respiratory system. Mullein has traditionally been described as a soothing, demulcent, and expectorant herb, and European herbal traditions have long included mullein flower in preparations for coughs and colds. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes mullein flower preparations for the traditional-use relief of sore throat associated with dry cough and cold. 

That distinction is important. The EMA notes that its conclusion is based on long-standing traditional use and that clinical-trial evidence is insufficient. In other words, traditional use can tell us a great deal about how an herb has historically been used, but it is not the same as proof that the herb can treat a medical condition.

For that reason, mullein is best understood as a traditional herbal ingredient for respiratory comfort rather than as a substitute for medical care when symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening.

 

The Beneficial Compounds Found in Mullein

Part of mullein's enduring reputation may lie in its complex collection of naturally occurring plant compounds. Scientific reviews of Verbascum thapsus have identified several groups of phytochemicals, including:

    • Flavonoids
    • Saponins
    • Iridoid glycosides
    • Phenylethanoid glycosides
    • Phenylpropanoid glycosides
    • Coumarins
    • Vitamin C and naturally occurring minerals

Researchers have also identified mucilage and other constituents of interest in mullein. These compounds have attracted scientific attention because laboratory and experimental studies have investigated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and other biological activities associated with Verbascum species. 

These findings are intriguing, but they need to be interpreted carefully. Most of the evidence concerning specific biological activities comes from laboratory or experimental research rather than well-controlled human clinical trials. The presence of a biologically active compound in a plant does not, by itself, demonstrate that drinking the plant as a tea will produce a particular health outcome.

 

How Mullein Is Traditionally Taken

Mullein leaves and flowers have traditionally been prepared as an infusion or tea, and the herb is also available in preparations such as tinctures, extracts, capsules, syrups, and lozenges. Tea remains one of the simplest traditional ways to incorporate mullein into an herbal routine. 

When preparing mullein as a tea, the dried leaves or flowers are steeped in hot water and then carefully strained before drinking. That final step is particularly important with mullein leaf.

 

An Important Warning: Always Strain 

Mullein Tea Carefully

Mullein's characteristic softness comes from the numerous tiny hairs covering its leaves. Those hairs give the plant its distinctive velvety appearance, but they can also be irritating to the throat.

Healthline and HelloPharmacist both specifically recommend thoroughly straining mullein tea to remove the plant hairs before drinking it. 

A very fine filter, such as a coffee filter, a fine mesh infuser, or several layers of fine cheesecloth, can help remove the tiny hairs. A standard coarse tea strainer may not catch all of them.

This does not mean that mullein cannot be consumed internally. It means that mullein leaf should not be casually ingested in an unprocessed form or consumed in a tea in which the irritating plant hairs remain suspended.

Careful preparation is part of responsible herbal practice.

Because safety information is limited for some populations, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing a chronic health condition should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using concentrated herbal preparations. 

 

Mullein, Burdock Root, Lemongrass, and Catnip: 

A Seasonal Herbal Combination

Mullein can also be thoughtfully combined with other traditional herbs to create a comforting seasonal tea during the colder months. Burdock root, lemongrass, and catnip each bring their own character to an herbal blend.

Mullein provides the blend's traditional respiratory focus, while burdock root contributes a deep, earthy flavor and a long history of traditional herbal use. Lemongrass brings a bright citrus aroma and refreshing flavor, while catnip contributes a gentle herbal character traditionally associated with relaxation and comfort.

Together, these herbs can create a warming seasonal infusion that supports hydration and respiratory comfort while providing an enjoyable daily tea ritual. Rather than viewing the combination as a treatment for respiratory illness, it is best appreciated as a traditional herbal companion during cold season—a comforting way to bring warmth, hydration, and intentional self-care into the day.

 

Make Bloom & Breathe Part of Your Cold-Season Ritual

Making Bloom & Breathe part of a twice-daily ritual during cold season can be a simple way to create moments of warmth, hydration, and intentional care. With mullein, burdock root, lemongrass, marshmallow root, tulsi, thyme, and naturally caffeine-free South African Honeybush tea, this thoughtfully crafted blend brings together herbs traditionally valued for respiratory comfort with soothing botanicals and aromatic ingredients. A warm cup in the morning and another in the evening can offer a comforting pause during the colder months while supporting hydration and the simple restorative pleasure of slowing down.

More than just a cup of tea, Bloom & Breathe can transform a daily wellness routine into a seasonal ritual—one warm, fragrant moment of self-care at a time.

 

A Velvet-Leaved Tradition Worth Remembering

Mullein's place in herbal history is a fascinating example of the relationship between traditional knowledge and modern botanical research. For centuries, herbalists have recognized this tall, soft-leaved plant as an important part of traditional herbal practice, particularly during seasons when coughs and respiratory discomfort are common.

Today, we can appreciate mullein for both its rich history and its complex phytochemistry while maintaining an appropriate respect for the limits of modern evidence. Traditional use provides an important historical record, while scientific research helps us investigate what may lie behind that history.

And perhaps mullein teaches another valuable lesson about herbalism itself: even the gentlest-looking plants deserve thoughtful preparation.

Those soft, velvet-like leaves may be beautiful—but when preparing mullein for tea, careful filtration is an essential part of the process.

For anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms, herbal tea should never replace appropriate medical evaluation.

 

 

A Note About Herbal Research

The references below discuss traditional herbal use, botanical constituents, safety, and modern scientific investigation. Traditional use and laboratory or experimental findings should not be interpreted as proof that an herb can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. This article is intended for educational purposes and explores the historical and botanical context of mullein in traditional herbalism.

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References

Ajmera, R. (2025, May 23). What Is Mullein Tea? Benefits, Side Effects, and More. Healthline. Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT.
Healthline — What Is Mullein Tea? Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Dar, M. A., Bhat, M. F., Hassan, R., Masoodi, M. H., Mir, S. R., & Mohiuddin, R. (2018). Extensive phytochemistry, comprehensive traditional uses, and critical pharmacological profile of the great mullein: Verbascum thapsus L. The Natural Products Journal, 8, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.2174/2210315508666180821153531.

European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Verbasci flos — Mullein Flower. European Medicines Agency.
European Medicines Agency — Verbasci flos (Mullein Flower)

Gupta, A., Atkinson, A. N., Pandey, A. K., & Bishayee, A. (2022). Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review. Phytotherapy Research, 36(4), 1507–1522. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7393.
PubMed — Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L.

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina). NC State Extension.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/stachys-byzantina/common-name/lambs-ear/

Staiger, B. (2026, July). Mullein: Uses, Safety & Side Effects. HelloPharmacist. Medically reviewed by Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS.
HelloPharmacist — Mullein: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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