Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a humble weed that has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in treatments that endeavour to calm the respiratory tract. These remedies involve the usage of mullein’s wildflowers and leaves. Mullein is additionally seldom used as a flavoring substitute in alcoholic refreshments.
Health Benefits
Particular composites in mullein’s leaves and flowers are believed to act as expectorants or demulcents. Demulcents are elements that calm inflammation or soreness of the skin or inner areas of the nose, mouth, or throat. Expectorants are agents for inciting the creation or secretion of mucus.
In some instances, mullein is employed straight to the skin to help nurse burns or inflammatory epidermis maladies. Mullein oil is also commonly utilized in ear drops for the treatment of infections.
In a laboratory analysis issued in 2002, researchers observed that mullein helped kill several kinds of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (the most frequent cause of staph infections) and Escherichia coli. Botanists typically work with mullein to address the subsequent health difficulties:
Upper respiratory infections
Colds
Bronchitis
Asthma
The application of mullein to treat any disease is not well-supported by scientific data. Nevertheless, research indicates that mullein shows promise for success in the treatment of the latter conditions:
1. Ear Infections
Mullein has well-established emollient and astringent properties making it an excellent option for irritable ear ailments. Tinctures that are composed solely of mullein leaf extract or a mixture of mullein and additional herbs are regularly found in health shops (and online) as a straightforward remedy for earaches and infections. A study issued in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in 2001 put forth that a herbal ear drop with mullein was just as effective as an anaesthetic one. Individuals also employ mullein oil to quickly treat their dog’s ear infections and other health difficulties. That’s correct — don’t overlook the fact that herbal remedies can be applied to your animal companions too!
2. Bursitis
Bursitis is a distressing malady that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs (known as bursae) that cushion the bones, ligaments and muscles near your joints. Bursitis transpires when the bursae grow inflamed. The most usual places for bursitis are in the neck, elbow and waist. To treat bursitis naturally with mullein, you can brew some mullein tea and immerse a fresh cloth in the lukewarm tea. The cloth can then be applied regularly over the troubled area, which should help to reduce the inflammation. You can also devise a mullein compress.
3. Powerful Disinfectant
Mullein oil is a strong disinfectant that can address both internal and external infections. Internally, it has shown to aid infections in the ears, urinary tract, kidneys, and colon. When employed externally, mullein can assist in fighting skin infections and irritations.
4. Alleviate Respiratory Illness
Mullein tea can help to support various upper respiratory difficulties, including bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, and tonsillitis. Mullein leaves carry an extract with robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, that serves to rid the body of phlegm and relieves the raw, irritated tracts, like the throat. Some practise smoking mullein for respiratory issues. Dried mullein can be put in a pipe and smoked to tackle congestion within the lungs. Nevertheless, this is a controversial way of using mullein and if practised, should never be performed for a lengthy amount of time. Furthermore, smoking mullein is one of the least efficient methods of using ‘mullein’s advantageous properties. Mullein even benefits individuals with asthma due to its calming effect on the bronchioles.
5. Bacteria Eradicator
Researchers at Clemson University fortified the antibacterial qualities of mullein. In 2002, these scientists summarised that mullein extracts are active toward different species of disease-causing bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli more commonly known as E. coli.
Dosage and Preparations
There is not sufficient scientific data to ascertain a suitable dose of mullein. Nonetheless, in studies, a particular product that comprises mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been employed in the ear for up to three consecutive days.
The exact dose for you may depend on circumstances including your age, and medical condition.
One final note
Look out for Mullein Leaf in Sweet Willow Wellness web shop– a nutritive, anti-bacterial herb, with a delicious flavour. Perfect to use as a tea remedy for chest ailments!
The information provided here is educational in nature. These statements have not been evaluated by the US FDA. Any product referred to in this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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