11 Impressive Health Benefits Of Mullein Tea + How To Make
Mullein tea has been used in traditional medicine for healing cold and cough and also as an astringent and sedative. This herbal tea is prepared from the leaves of the mullein (Verbascum thapsus) plant native to Europe.
The tea has a rich aromatic, refreshing, and herbal taste. This caffeine-free tea is said to possess antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and many other beneficial properties. Mullein tea may help treat respiratory conditions, bacterial and viral infections, sleeping problems, and tuberculosis.
This article discusses how mullein tea can benefit you. It also includes its process of preparation and the potential side effects the tea may cause. Take a look.
Table Of Contents
Health Benefits of Mullein Tea
1. May Treat Respiratory Conditions
Mullein tea may help combat several respiratory ailments like cold, cough, and bronchitis. It can also offer relief from sore throat. The antibacterial properties of mullein may help treat inflammation and infection in the respiratory tract (1).
Mullein tea may help relieve asthma, which causes swelling in the airways and results in shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing (2), (3). Mullein is said to possess expectorant, mucolytic, and demulcent properties that promote sputum secretion. This reduces cough, helps with the clearance of mucus from the airways, and relieves irritation of the mucous membranes (1).
Its flowers and leaves are used for treating a wide range of respiratory ailments, such as chills and flu, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, tonsillitis, and tracheitis (4). However, more human studies are needed to prove these claims.
2. May Help Fight Viral Infections
Mullein tea is said to have antiviral activity and may help fight certain viral infections. In one study, mullein extracts showed antiviral activity against influenza virus (5). Another study conducted by the National University of Rio Cuarto found that the methanolic extracts of mullein may fight against the pseudorabies virus (6).
Alcoholic extracts of mullein were found to exhibit antiviral activity against pseudorabies virus (7). However, more long-term research is required to understand this benefit of mullein in humans.
3. Exhibits Antibacterial Properties
Mullein tea may exhibit antibacterial properties. A study conducted by the Islamic Azad University found that the ethanolic extract of mullein has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. They act against certain bacterial strains, including Bacillus cereus (8).
Since ancient times, mullein has been used as an effective remedy to treat infectious diseases. Another study conducted by the Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences found that aqueous-alcoholic extracts of mullein possess some antibacterial effects (9).
4. May Relieve Issues With Sleep
Insomnia is a growing issue among men and women belonging to various age groups. Mullein tea may act as a natural sedative and help relieve sleeping problems (1).
The roots, leaves, and flowers of the mullein plant also possess sedative properties that help treat issues with sleep (10). More research is needed to understand mechanism of mullein tea in this regard.
5. May Aid Tuberculosis Treatment
Several studies state mullein to be a potential treatment option for tuberculosis. It could also help in the treatment of skin disorders and leprosy (11), (1).
However, more studies are needed to establish its potential as a treatment for tuberculosis.
6. May Improve Digestive Health
The consumption of mullein tea may help improve a number of digestive issues. It may provide relief from diarrhea and constipation (4), (12). It may also help cope with bowel related problems and help your body eliminate toxins easily.
7. May Soothe Skin Conditions
Mullein tea possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin problems. You can also use the oil to get relief from a variety of skin infections.
The tea may help heal blisters, wounds, and small cuts. The oil made from the mullein flowers can be applied externally on affected areas in the case of eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions (13). You may also topically apply mullein leaf extract on sores and wounds. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can have a calming effect on the skin.
8. May Help Relieve Joint Pains And Muscle Spasms
Mullein tea’s anti-inflammatory properties may make it ideal to use it in treating joint pain (12). This herb may reduce inflammation. The antispasmodic effect of this herbal tea may help treat muscle spasms (14).
9. May Treat Thyroid Issues
Anecdotal evidence suggests that intake of mullein tea may improve thyroid-related problems. The tea may help treat an overactive thyroid gland (a condition called hyperthyroidism). A formula created by a noted doctor had mullein as one of its constituents. This formula was specifically targeted to treat thyroid issues (15). However, research in this aspect is limited. We need more studies to substantiate the therapeutic effects of mullein tea for thyroid issues.
10. May Treat Headache
The leaves and fruits of the mullein herb have been effectively used for several years to treat migraines. A study conducted by the Abant Izzet Baysel University found that the herbal extracts of mullein may help relieve headaches (16).
11. May Help Treat Ear Infections
Mullein leaves have been used to treat ear infections. Those with ear ailments may try the remedy after consulting their doctor. A study conducted by the Tel Aviv University on 171 children found that ear drops containing mullein extracts may help treat ear-related infections (17).
If you want to learn how to make mullein tea, you can check out the following recipe. You can brew the tea with either dried or fresh leaves.
How To Make Mullein Tea
Ingredients
- Dried leaves of mullein
- One cup of water
- Raw honey or sugar (for taste)
Procedure
- Add a small handful of dried leaves to a cup (240 mL) of boiling water.
- Steep them for 15–30 minutes.
- Use a strainer or cheesecloth and remove as many of the leaves as possible to prevent throat irritation.
- You can add raw honey or sugar for taste.
Where To Buy Mullein Tea
You can find mullein dried leaves, tea bags, extracts, tinctures, and capsules in health food stores. You can also procure them online. Here are the best picks for the different kinds of mullein.
Frontier Co-op Mullein Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic – Buy it here!
Gaia herbs Bronchial Wellness Herbal Tea – Buy it here!
Mullein Tincture 2 FL OZ Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract – Buy it here!
Secrets Of The Tribe Mullein Leaf Capsules – Buy it here!
Though mullein tea is generally safe for consumption, it does have a few side effects that you need to keep in mind. Check them out in the next section.
What Are The Side Effects Of Mullein Tea?
Mullein plant tea does not have any documented potential risks on humans. The few reactions that may occur in some users are not fatal. Studies do not show any side effects on pregnant women as well. However, anecdotal evidence suggests expectant mothers avoid prolonged use of any compound that contains mullein. Other potential adverse effects mullein tea may cause include the following:
- Skin Irritation
Some individuals have reported skin irritation after using mullein extracts in tea and other forms. Avoiding the extract may cure the skin irritation in such people.
- Breathing Issues
Mullein leaves are fluffy and hairy. If they get stuck in the throat, they may cause breathing issues. This usually happens when you make the tea and do not strain the mixture well. In some isolated cases, people taking the tea have reported difficulty inhaling and inflammation of their chest walls. However, medical intervention is not required in most instances.
The side effects are not backed by research. Hence, if you experience any of them, visit your doctor right away.
Conclusion
Mullein tea is a flavored herbal drink with many medicinal properties. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this natural remedy may help in treating certain ailments, ranging from bacterial and viral infections to sleeping disorders.
However, there are no documented potential risks of mullein tea. It is safe to consume it in regular amounts. If you experience any symptoms or side effects, visit your health care provider.
17 sources
- Ali, Niaz et al. “Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum Thapsus Mullein.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 12 29.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3350428/ - Assessing the Effectiveness of Mullein on Respiratory Conditions Such as Asthma, ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308991417_Assessing_the_Effectiveness_of_Mullein_on_Respiratory_Conditions_Such_as_Asthma - Horak, Fritz et al. “Diagnosis and management of asthma – Statement on the 2015 GINA Guidelines.” Wiener klinische Wochenschrift vol. 128,15-16 (2016): 541-54.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010591/ - Rodriguez-Fragoso, Lourdes et al. “Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico.” Toxicology and applied pharmacology vol. 227,1 (2008): 125-35.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2322858/ - Rajbhandari, M et al. “Antiviral activity of some plants used in Nepalese traditional medicine.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 6,4 (2009): 517-22.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781767/ - Escobar FM, Sabini MC, Zanon SM, Tonn CE, Sabini LI. Antiviral effect and mode of action of methanolic extract of Verbascum thapsus L. on pseudorabies virus (strain RC/79). Nat Prod Res. 2012;26(17):1621–1625.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21999656-antiviral-effect-and-mode-of-action-of-methanolic-extract-of-verbascum-thapsus-l-on-pseudorabies-virus-strain-rc79/ - Zanon SM, Ceriatti FS, Rovera M, Sabini LJ, Ramos BA. Search for antiviral activity of certain medicinal plants from Córdoba, Argentina. Rev Latinoam Microbiol. 1999;41(2):59–62.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10932751-search-for-antiviral-activity-of-certain-medicinal-plants-from-cordoba-argentina/ - Mahdavi S, Amiradalat M, Babashpour M, Sheikhlooei H, Miransari M. The antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial properties of Verbascum thapsus L [published online ahead of print, 2019 Aug 28]. Med Chem. 2019.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31456524-the-antioxidant-anticarcinogenic-and-antimicrobial-properties-of-verbascum-thapsus-l/ - Tabari, MohaddesehAbouhosseini. “Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous-Alcoholic Extracts and the Essential Oil of Verbascum thapsus L.” Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products 10.3 (2015).
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281561649_Antimicrobial_Activity_of_Aqueous-Alcoholic_Extracts_and_the_Essential_Oil_of_Verbascum_thapsus_L - Turker, Arzu Ucar, and Ekrem Gurel. “Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research.” Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives 19.9 (2005): 733-739.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7542947_Common_mullein_Verbascum_thapsus_L_recent_advances_in_research - McCarthy, Eibhlín, and Jim M O’Mahony. “What’s in a Name? Can Mullein Weed Beat TB Where Modern Drugs Are Failing?.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2011 (2011): 239237.
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