Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesPropertiesFormsSide EffectsAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Properties
Forms
Side Effects
Alternatives
Mulleinleaf (Verbascum) is a common weed used for centuries in herbal medicine. Herbalists often use mullein flowers and leaves to treat respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions, among other health concerns.
Mullein contains numerous active ingredients, includingflavonoidsand saponins with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties. However, very little evidence exists to support its use for any medical condition.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
The list of mullein’s purported uses is long. However, much of the evidence supporting these uses is weak.
Many studies evaluating mullein have been performed in vitro (i.e., in a test tube) rather than in humans.Though we can learn many things from in vitro studies, we won’t know the full effects of mullein until further human trials are complete.
Lung and Respiratory Health
Traditionally, mullein has been used to treat a handful of lung and respiratory conditions, particularly:
For the purpose of relieving these conditions, mullein is typically consumed in liquid form as an infusion or syrup. It is used alone or in combination with other herbs, like mint, rosemary, hawthorn flower, or pine leaves.
Plant compounds in mullein are known to have antitussive (cough-reducing) andexpectorant(mucus-thinning) properties. Mullein also contains ursolic acid, a substance that some researchers believe could be used to prevent and treatCOVID-19 infection.
With that being said, most beneficial flavonoids in mullein have poor bioavailability, meaning that the human body cannot absorb them easily. More research is needed to determine what use, if any, mullein has in treating respiratory illness.
Ear Disorders
Mullein is used as a traditional treatment forearachedue to its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.Sometimes, mullein extracts are included in ear drop formulations to treatear infection.Indeed, mullein is known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
In traditional practice, there are a few ways mullein is prepared for ear issues. An ointment may be made from the leaves then applied to the ear canal for pain relief. Or, mullein flowers may be infused in olive oil then used as ear drops to treat infection.
Again, there are no clinical studies evaluating the use of mullein as a treatment for ear pain and infection. More research is needed.
Burn and Wound Healing
One of the only human trials for mullein available investigated the herb’s use forepisiotomywounds. In the study, new mothers applied a mullein cream preparation on their episiotomy wounds twice a day for 10 days. The mullein cream enhanced the healing of episiotomy wounds.
Pain and Inflammation
Mullein contains a variety of plant chemicals with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that one of these plant chemicals, an antioxidant called kaempferol, could help reversecartilage destruction. It may also reduce the severity of pain and inflammation inrheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to easing arthritis-related inflammation, mullein has been used to treat:
Diarrhea
For people withdiarrhea, mullein leaves and flowers are typically infused in water then consumed. Diarrhea is usually related to some sort of infection. Diarrhea also causes inflammation in the body. Both concerns can supposedly be remedied with preparations of mullein, but like most other purported benefits, this has not been proven with human studies.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, mineralsAlternate name(s):Common mullein, mullein leaf,Verbascum, Verbascum thapsusLegal status:Legal in the U.S., available over the counterSuggested dose:Dosage varies and may depend on use, age, gender, and other factors.Safety considerations:There have been few reported side effects of mullein.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, mineralsAlternate name(s):Common mullein, mullein leaf,Verbascum, Verbascum thapsusLegal status:Legal in the U.S., available over the counterSuggested dose:Dosage varies and may depend on use, age, gender, and other factors.Safety considerations:There have been few reported side effects of mullein.
Health Benefits of Mullein Leaf
Overall, there is very little scientific evidence to suggest that mullein is an effective treatment for any health concern. It is clear, though, that mullein has many healing qualities that could potentially be used in medicine.
Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, and other actives that are individually proven to be:
How to Take Mullein
The mullein plant is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. If you have access to the plant, you can make an ointment using a pestle and mortar with olive oil, or you can infuse the weed in water or olive oil.
If you don’t have access to the plant in nature, you can find mullein supplements in almost every form. Some of the more popular ways to consume mullein include the following:
Tea
Mullein tea can be found online and in stores. The tea is often a concoction of several parts of the plant, such as the roots, leaves, and flowers. It is generally marketed as a tea for relieving symptoms of respiratory illnesses like thecommon cold, asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCOPD, and bronchitis.
8 Best Teas to Drink When You Have a Cold, According to Experts
Oil
Mullein oils are marketed for many purposes. They can be used in cooking or added to drinks, applied as ear drops, or used topically on the skin. When choosing a mullein oil, read the product’s label carefully and use as intended.
Extracts
Mullein extracts come in the form of tinctures. The products are usually meant to be consumed orally. Depending on the product’s directions, you may use it to drop mullein extract directly into your mouth, or you can add a few drops to your drink. Mullein extracts are commonly marketed as “lung cleanses” that provide respiratory and immune support.
Cream
Mullein creams and salves are produced for topical application to soften, soothe, and protect the skin. It is uncommon to find pure mullein creams—most are concocted with other organic and/or inorganic ingredients. If your skin is inflamed and irritated, consider doing a patch test to ensure none of the ingredients worsen your skin condition. To do a patch test, simply apply the mullein cream to a small area of your skin and wait to see how it affects you.
Supplements
Mullein supplements have become more common online and in stores. They usually come in capsule form, and tend to be marketed as providing respiratory, bronchial, and immune support.
Regardless of the form of your mullein supplements, protect them from reaching overly hot or cold temperatures. Discard your mullein supplements when they reach their expiration date as listed on their packaging.
There are no common or severe side effects associated with the use of mullein.
According to one review of various herbs, mullein has no reported side effects. In another study, participants who used mullein for episiotomy wounds did not experience side effects after using it for 10 days.
Although there are no known adverse effects associated with the use of mullein, it’s important to educate yourself about supplement safety before using any herb.
It is difficult for the FDA to effectively evaluate all supplements on the market. Therefore, many products out there are unregulated and haven’t been tested for safety. This means the actual content of some products may not match their product labels.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some supplements may not be safe for children, people who arepregnantor nursing, or people with certain medical conditions.
Similar Supplements
You may wonder if there are supplements on the market that are similar to mullein.
Many supplements claim to offer similar benefits. For instance, like mullein,vitamin Cis thought to improve wound healing. This is because vitamin C contains antioxidants and other substances that are important to all phases of wound healing.
Zinc, an important mineral, may also help heal wounds, especially leg ulcers.
Other supplements that may work in similar ways include:
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements or taking multiple supplements. They can advise you on potential interactions with medications or other supplements.
Summary
For some people, herbal supplements like mullein may relieve various symptoms. Although mullein appears to be fairly safe, it has not been proven effective in treating any health condition.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T.Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae).Biology (Basel). 2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618Riaz M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Jaafar HZE.Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects.Rev Bras Farmacogn.2013;23(6):948-959. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012Uzun L, Dal T, Kalcıoğlu MT, Yürek M, Açıkgöz ZC, Durmaz R.Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019;57(4):161-165. doi:10.5152/tao.2019.4413Derakhshanfar A, Moayedi J, Derakhshanfar G, Poostforoosh Fard A.The role of Iranian medicinal plants in experimental surgical skin wound healing: An integrative review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(6):590-600. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.32963.7873Taleb S, Saeedi M.The effect of theVerbascum Thapsuson episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.Bechara N, Flood V, Gunton J.A systematic review on the role of vitamin C in tissue healing.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092.Amirzade-Iranaq M, Tajik M, Takzaree A, Amirmohammadi M, Rezaei Yazdi F, Takzaree N.TopicalMentha piperitaeffects on cutaneous wound healing: A study on TGF-B expression and clinical outcomes.World J Plast Surg. 2022;11(1):86-98. doi:10.52547/wjps.11.1.86Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336National Library of Medicine.Magnesium in headache.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T.Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae).Biology (Basel). 2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618Riaz M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Jaafar HZE.Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects.Rev Bras Farmacogn.2013;23(6):948-959. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012Uzun L, Dal T, Kalcıoğlu MT, Yürek M, Açıkgöz ZC, Durmaz R.Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019;57(4):161-165. doi:10.5152/tao.2019.4413Derakhshanfar A, Moayedi J, Derakhshanfar G, Poostforoosh Fard A.The role of Iranian medicinal plants in experimental surgical skin wound healing: An integrative review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(6):590-600. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.32963.7873Taleb S, Saeedi M.The effect of theVerbascum Thapsuson episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.Bechara N, Flood V, Gunton J.A systematic review on the role of vitamin C in tissue healing.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092.Amirzade-Iranaq M, Tajik M, Takzaree A, Amirmohammadi M, Rezaei Yazdi F, Takzaree N.TopicalMentha piperitaeffects on cutaneous wound healing: A study on TGF-B expression and clinical outcomes.World J Plast Surg. 2022;11(1):86-98. doi:10.52547/wjps.11.1.86Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336National Library of Medicine.Magnesium in headache.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T.Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae).Biology (Basel). 2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618Riaz M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Jaafar HZE.Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects.Rev Bras Farmacogn.2013;23(6):948-959. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012Uzun L, Dal T, Kalcıoğlu MT, Yürek M, Açıkgöz ZC, Durmaz R.Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019;57(4):161-165. doi:10.5152/tao.2019.4413Derakhshanfar A, Moayedi J, Derakhshanfar G, Poostforoosh Fard A.The role of Iranian medicinal plants in experimental surgical skin wound healing: An integrative review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(6):590-600. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.32963.7873Taleb S, Saeedi M.The effect of theVerbascum Thapsuson episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.Bechara N, Flood V, Gunton J.A systematic review on the role of vitamin C in tissue healing.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092.Amirzade-Iranaq M, Tajik M, Takzaree A, Amirmohammadi M, Rezaei Yazdi F, Takzaree N.TopicalMentha piperitaeffects on cutaneous wound healing: A study on TGF-B expression and clinical outcomes.World J Plast Surg. 2022;11(1):86-98. doi:10.52547/wjps.11.1.86Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336National Library of Medicine.Magnesium in headache.
Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T.Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae).Biology (Basel). 2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618
Riaz M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Jaafar HZE.Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects.Rev Bras Farmacogn.2013;23(6):948-959. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012
Uzun L, Dal T, Kalcıoğlu MT, Yürek M, Açıkgöz ZC, Durmaz R.Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019;57(4):161-165. doi:10.5152/tao.2019.4413
Derakhshanfar A, Moayedi J, Derakhshanfar G, Poostforoosh Fard A.The role of Iranian medicinal plants in experimental surgical skin wound healing: An integrative review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019;22(6):590-600. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.32963.7873
Taleb S, Saeedi M.The effect of theVerbascum Thapsuson episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.
Bechara N, Flood V, Gunton J.A systematic review on the role of vitamin C in tissue healing.Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Zinc.
Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092.
Amirzade-Iranaq M, Tajik M, Takzaree A, Amirmohammadi M, Rezaei Yazdi F, Takzaree N.TopicalMentha piperitaeffects on cutaneous wound healing: A study on TGF-B expression and clinical outcomes.World J Plast Surg. 2022;11(1):86-98. doi:10.52547/wjps.11.1.86
Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336
National Library of Medicine.Magnesium in headache.
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