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Mullein For Lung Health

December 23, 2021 by Danielle Osgood Leave a Comment

close up of mullein plant and first year leaves and second year blossoms.
Photos above curtesy of iStock.

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Mullein is great for lung health. But what is Mullein? Mullein is a biennial plant of the figwort family and found in many places all over the world. It is mainly regarded as a weed, yet many people use it for medicinal purposes. It is found in old fields, road sides, on the edges of gravel pits, and many other places that may have poor soil. In the first year, the leaves grow as a rosette of sorts with no blossoms. In the second year of the plant, it grows this tall cane-like shoot with a long pod of blossoms at the top. You’ve probably seen this plant around and maybe didn’t even realize it. There are many varieties of mullein, but the most common is verbascum thapsus, the one with yellow blossoms. This variety is also known as “Common Mullein”, “Moses’ Blanket”, “Shepherd’s Staff”, “Wooly Mullein” and “Cowboy Toilet Paper” just to name a few. And it is this common mullein that is most widely used for medicinal purposes, although the other varieties contain the same properties as well. The leaves are about 4-12 inches long and have little “hairs” or “fuzz” all over. The stem of the plant can also be used to start a fire when dried.

Uses for Mullein

Mullein is used for a variety of ailments. From allergies and earaches to joint pain and migraines. It has been documented to have been successfully used in Ireland to treat tuberculosis. It is also used for asthma, tonsillitis, sore throat, fevers/chills and pneumonia.

How does it help?

The plant is found to contain anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Being also an expectorant, it helps coughs to be more productive, clearing the lungs and airways, yet also soothing. Speaking of soothing, this little gem of a plant also acts as a sedative. This makes it a good pick for anxiety and sleep issues. It can also help with sore muscles. Truly a neat plant and something you will want to add to your stash!

How to Use Mullien

Dried mullein leaves and corn cob pipe.

To glean the benefits of this herb you can decoct it as a tea, make a tincture, an infused oil (the infused oil is what you want for earaches) or you can even…smoke it. That’s right. Smoke it. Some people smoke it as a way to quit cigarettes, as it is non-toxic. The smoke is rather light and delicate, not having much of a flavor by itself. It is not addictive and will not make you high. In fact, someone who is experiencing chest congestion, “heavy” feeling lungs and feeling of insufficient intake of air may want to try smoking mullein for relief.* It is the fastest way to get those beneficial compounds into your respiratory system. Mullein has even been used to help treat the ****d virus. (Although I am not aware of it being used in a medical facility for this purpose.) You may want to dampen the leaves just a little with some water before smoking in a pipe or paper roll for a more even burn.

Tea is a great way to enjoy the benefits as well. Make sure to strain it through a fine cloth or strainer to remove the little hair-like bristles that are on the leaves. Those hairs will irritate your throat.

If you are someone who is interested in building your own apothecary I recommend investing in an oximeter and (if you know how to use one) a stethoscope. They can be very useful tools to have in your arsenal. Especially when it comes to respiratory ailments it is crucial to know when you need to seek the help of a professional. If ever anyone is experiencing difficultly breathing, has a blue tinge to their lips and or fingernails and toe nails get the person help immediately. Sure, in many cases we can treat mild illnesses and ailments at home. But serious conditions are no time to mess around.

Stethoscope and a digital oximeter on a wooden board.

I hope this is helpful. It is a great herb to add to your home apothecary! And chances are, you can find it growing in the wild right near your home. Here I would also like to share a man’s testimony on using Mullein for lung health.

*Shop This Post*

Dried Mullein leaves

Mullein Capsules

Corn Cob Pipe

Rolling Papers

Tincture/Dropper Bottles

Oximeter

Stethoscope

* I am not a doctor. This post is not meant to treat, diagnose or otherwise take the place of a certified healthcare professional. This post is for educational purposes only and all individuals take full responsibility for their own health and treatments.

Filed Under: Apothecary Tagged With: asthma, asthma remedy, bronchitis remedy, cold remedy, cough remedy, earache remedy, herbs for smoking, lung health, mullein benefits, mullien, natural pain relief, pneumonia remedy, remedy for virus, smoking mullein, uses for mullein, virus remedy

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