Medicinal Properties of the Mullein Plant

The medicinal properties of mullein are many and once you know how amazing this plant is, you’ll never call it a weed again! As a bonus, this plant can be used for humans, pets, and livestock.

2 mullein plants in a field of tall grass

What is Mullein?

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is native to Europe, N. Africa, and Asia; but it now grows almost everywhere. When I moved to our new homestead one of the first plants I noticed was mullein out in one of our pastures. It’s often thought of as a weed because it readily reseeds itself and easily spreads to new areas.

Mullein is a biannual that grows to an average of about 6 feet during it’s second year. During the first year it stays pretty low to the ground; and the plant will produce flowers, seeds, then will die the second year.

The leaves are covered with small hairs that make them feel fuzzy. Some people call mullein leaf “cowboy’s toilet paper” or “emergency toilet paper,” but I highly recommend NOT using it as toilet paper no matter what kind of emergency you’re having. The small hairs of the leaf can actually end up irritating you, and that’s one place you definitely don’t want irritated!

close up of a mullein leaf — *The leaves* *are fuzzy and often described as having the shape of lungs.*

Mullein flowers are a lovely sunshine yellow color. Flowers are only found on the 2nd year plant, right before the plant produces seeds and dies.

Medicinal Properties of Mullein

_{**I am not a doctor and is this not medical advice. Please consult your physician before using herbal medicine.}

Overview

Mullein can benefit anyone with lungs. Since most living beings have those, mullein is a plant you’ll want on hand. Whether it be colds, asthma, or something more severe, mullein can help you out. The plant doesn’t stop there, though. It will also help with skin and digestive issues. You’ll find more detailed information below.

The aerial parts of the plant (everything above ground) are the most well known parts used for medicinal purposes, but the root can also be used.

The Plant for Lungs

The most well known use for mullein is for lung health. If you have an ailment of the lungs, chances are good that mullein is the plant you’ll want to be reaching for. The properties that make it so good for lungs is that it has antispasmodic properties, it’s a good expectorant (meaning it helps cough stuff up), and works as a demulcent which relieves irritation of mucous membranes.

Some lung conditions that mullein may be helpful for are:

dry coughs
bronchitis
pneumonia
colic
tuberculosis
COPD
whooping cough
chest congestion
asthma from smoking
hoarseness
lung inflammation

Taking mullein in tea form is an excellent way to use this plant for respiratory ailments.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of lung conditions, but I think it shows how well mullein pairs with the lungs.

a mullein plant in flower in an overgrown field of grass with some trees in the background

Medicinal Properties for Skin Issues

Lungs may be the star of the mullein show for most people, but this beauty of a plant can do so much more than help you breathe better. It’s also a good anti-inflammatory and antioxident. Mullein’s anti-inflammatory medicinal properties are from the flavones and flavonols present in the plant. Both of these qualities make it a good choice for some skin wounds and issues where inflammation is a big factor.

wound healing (can reduce swelling and inflammation)
burns
eczema (used externally in a poultice or cream)
inflamed skin conditions

Digestive

The mullein plant is an astringent and can be helpful for diarrhea in both humans and livestock. It probably wouldn’t be my go to plant for this, but it certainly can help if this is what you have on hand. This medicinal property of mullein can also help with hemorrhoids if this is something you battle with.

The plant can also help with rectal prolapse in animals. The best way to use it for this purpose is to infuse it into olive oil and use that on the prolapse to help relax it so it can move back into place.

Other Medicinal Properties of Mullein for Issues in Humans and Livestock

The root is often over looked as a medicinal part of this plant, but it is also very useful for a number of ailments and conditions. It has been recorded as an anti-spasmodic, or relaxant, and has been noted as being helpful for seizures and convulsions. I’ve never used it in this way to use at your own discretion and do not use as a replacement for medical care.

The relaxant property of the root can also help with muscle stiffness and cramping. It has also been shown to increase collagen production.

Ways to Use Mullein

It’s important to note that when using mullein, it’s important to strain out the very fine hairs from any tincture, tea, or oil infusion you make. The hairs that make the leaf feel fuzzy when touching it can be very irritating when injested or rubbed on the skin.