Mullein is a plant with a long history of use for respiratory health, wound healing, and urinary tract infections.
This plant is also regularly called common mullein, candlewick plant, velvet plant, blanket leaf, Aaron’s rod, Jacob’s staff, and old man’s flannel.
Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.
Mullein benefits the body by helping with urinary tract infections (UTIs), earaches, as well as asthma.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of mullein, its safety, and history.
Table of Contents
What is Mullein?
Mullein is a herbaceous biennial in the Scrophulariaceae (i.e. figwart) family. It was originally native to Europe and Asia, but it can now be found growing wild throughout North America and much of the rest of the world.
The scientific name for this herb is Verbascum thapsus, but it’s commonly called mullein or great mullein.
Mullein leaf and flowers have expectorant and soothing properties. This herb is commonly used by herbalists to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, dry coughs, asthma, and hoarseness.
Mullein leaf is said to work as a diuretic, help to reduce inflammation in the urinary system and prevent UTIs.
Common mullein’s soothing properties come from its polysaccharide mucilage and gum content which work to soothe irritated tissue. Its expectorant property is the result of saponins that are said to stimulate fluid production in the lungs.
The anti-inflammatory property of this herb is due to iridoid glycoside and flavonoid content that work to decrease inflammation.
Mullein has a long history of traditional uses as a medicinal plant, but recent advances in herbal research are just now establishing its health benefits.
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Health Benefits of Mullein:
There are many potential health benefits of mullein leaf. Most of the scientific evidence behind this herb is the result of test-tube research or animal studies, since there are only a handful of human clinical trials.
1. May Support Respiratory Health
Mullein leaf is one of the most commonly used herbs for respiratory health. It has a long history of use by herbalists for reducing inflammation and stimulating expectoration.
A health advisory board in Germany approved mullein herb for helping to clear the respiratory tract.
Research shows that this herb contains a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds, including:
- Luteolin
- Kaempferol
- Verbascoside
- Apigenin
- Quercetin
It’s thought that these anti-inflammatory compounds can work to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Human clinical trials are needed to determine these claims.
Additionally, mullein leaf benefits the body through its strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its ability to support lung and respiratory function.
Additionally, this herb has a demulcent, soothing effect on the respiratory tissues due to its mucilage content.
Summary:
Mullein appears to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may contribute to its ability to support respiratory health. Human clinical trials are needed to determine mullein’s efficacy for respiratory health.
2. May Promote Wound Healing
Clinical research shows that mullein may benefit the skin and speed up the healing process of wounds.
A recent double-blind placebo-controlled trial was completed in women given an episiotomy. The researchers gave the study participants either a mullein-based skin cream or a placebo cream over a ten-day period. The group that was given the mullein skin cream had a significant improvement in the healing of wounds as compared to the placebo group.
The researchers noted that the mullein group saw improvements in the latter half of the ten-day period, which indicates that mullein cream is best when used over a period of time.
Additionally, an animal study found that mullein helped to increase wound healing by 20%.
Summary:
Research suggests that mullein is effective in speeding up the healing process of wounds.
3. May Help with Urinary Tract Infections
Laboratory-based research suggests that mullein benefits the body in fighting UTIs.
A test-tube study looked at the antimicrobial properties of mullein extract in fighting common microbes found in urinary tract infections. The researchers found that this herb extract has strong antiviral activity against various microbes, including:
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Proteus mirabilis
- and Candida albicans
The researchers noted that their findings support the use of Verbascum thapsus in traditional medicine for the treatment of UTIs.
Summary:
Common mullein has been found to have antiviral activity and antimicrobial properties that are effective against a variety of microbes commonly found in UTIs. Human clinical trials are needed to determine the true impact of mullein on UTIs.
4. May Help with Earaches
Various clinical trials conducted on mullein oil show that this herb may work as an herbal remedy for earaches and ear infections.
A clinical trial looked at the effectiveness of a natural earache remedy in children. The natural remedy consisted of a variety of herbs, including mullein, garlic,