Mullein Tea: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Mullein tea is a popular herbal beverage consumed due to its many proposed health benefits. It’s made from mullein plant leaves and flowers and has no caffeine. This tea is traditionally consumed for its potential health benefits. 

In this post, we will delve deep into mullein tea’s health benefits. We’ll learn how it may help manage respiratory illnesses, viral infections, sleep, relaxation, and much more. We will also look at how to make and use this herbal brew. 

Understanding Mullein

Mullein has been a staple in traditional medicine due to the numerous potential health benefits it offers. This section gives an insight into mullein’s botanical traits, historical usage, and chemical makeup.  

What Is Mullein?

Mullein is a plant genus with over 200 species. These plants primarily grow in Europe, Asia, and North America. The most common species used in mullein tea is Verbascum thapsus L., also called common mullein. This perennial plant has big, woolly leaves and pretty yellow flowers that bloom from June through September¹. 

Botanical description 

Common mullein is easy to spot. It towers between 0.5 and 1.8 metres with a straight stem¹. In its first year of growth, it develops a low-lying basal rosette with large woolly leaves. In the second year, it displays a tall stem studded with yellow flowers on top. 

Historical usage

Mullein has a rich history in herbal treatments. Different parts of the plant, such as the leaves, flowers, and roots, have been utilised for various health issues. It was believed to help manage respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin discomforts. It was also believed to be a possible management option for colds, coughs, and even tuberculosis¹. 

Chemical composition

Mullein contains a significant amount of active compounds, including saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and minerals. One of the key bioactive compounds found in mullein is verbascoside. This compound is well researched for its possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic (anti-cancer) properties¹. 

Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the compounds in mullein and their properties: 

• Saponins: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumoral¹, and pain-relieving 
• Glycosides: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory 
• Flavonoids: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer¹, and helps improve breathing 
• Minerals: Supports overall health and well-being 
• Verbascoside: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer 

Potential Health Benefits of Mullein Tea

With its rich past and unique chemical makeup, mullein tea promises a range of seemingly beneficial health perks. Let’s discover how drinking mullein tea benefits and powers up your health.  

1. Helping Manage Respiratory Conditions

In the past, mullein tea has been used in different respiratory conditions like colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma², probably due to its potential expectorant properties, which can help in removing mucus and phlegm and ease your breathing³. In addition, it may help improve inflammation in the airways owing to its possible anti-inflammatory properties. 

• Asthma relief: It may help reduce inflammation in the airways and improve breathing. The flavonoids and other active compounds in it may help soothe symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing related to asthma². 
• Cough suppression: With its proposed anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, mullein tea could act as a cough suppressant³. 
• Mucus loosening: Mullein leaf tea is believed to have expectorant properties³, thus helping in removing mucus from the airways. 

2. Helping Manage Viral Infections

Mullein tea is supposed to have antiviral properties that are attributed to the flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides in it. This might make it useful in certain viral infections³. In laboratory settings, mullein extracts have been shown to attack the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus⁴. Thus, drinking mullein tea may help protect you against viral infections by helping strengthen your immune system. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings. 

3. Supporting the Immune System

Mullein tea has long been proposed to be an immune system supporter. Making this tea a part of your wellness routine may strengthen your body’s natural defences, helping you avoid diseases and stay healthy. 

4. Potential Antibacterial Properties

Mullein tea is known to have antibacterial properties that might be effective in managing certain bacterial infections like lung (e.g., pneumonia and bronchitis), ear, and skin infections^1,3. It is proposed to be beneficial in reducing acne, eczema, and other inflammatory disorders of the skin when applied as a lotion/oil due to its antibacterial properties. In laboratory studies, mullein extracts were useful against infection-causing bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli⁵. 

5. Helping Improve Sleep and Relaxation

Traditionally, people have turned to mullein tea to help promote calmness and relaxation. These effects may be associated with the flavonoids in it, which can help soothe the nervous system and promote a sense of peace or calmness⁶. Therefore, it may potentially be helpful in individuals with insomnia, i.e., difficulty in falling asleep. However, it should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 

6. Aiding Digestive Health

Mullein tea may also help heal your gut by helping in a range of gastrointestinal ailments. It is probably able to soothe gastrointestinal inflammation and encourage regular bowel movements due to its proposed anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties³. Although this tea may help your gastrointestinal issues, having a well-balanced diet is necessary for sustained relief. 

7. Other Benefits

Do you know mullein tea may have other additional potential health benefits? Besides its key merits, mullein tea may help in relieving joint pain, easing muscle spasms, and managing ear infections. 

• Supporting joint pain relief: The proposed anti-inflammatory properties of mullein tea might also help with joint pain relief. It has been traditionally used to help manage arthritis³. 
• Supporting muscle spasm relief: The proposed antispasmodic properties of mullein tea may help ease muscle spasms or cramps caused by rigorous workouts, wounds, or chronic conditions¹. 
• Potentially useful in smokers: Mullein tea is believed to help clear mucus from the lungs and allow easier breathing³. This may be useful in smokers for soothing cough and throat irritation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might help reduce inflammation and manage stress in the respiratory tract^1,2. While mullein tea may be used in smokers for helping in detoxification and helping improving lung function, quitting smoking is the best way to improve overall respiratory health. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before trying herbal approaches. 

To my knowledge, mullein has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in various preparations of the herb that can be employed to enhance lung health and alleviate respiratory illness symptoms. It has minimal side effects¹¹. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Precautions and Side Effects

While mullein tea is largely safe to drink, there are some possible side effects of mullein tea and some precautionary measures one should be aware of, as follows: 

• Allergic reactions: People allergic to mullein may show symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, or swelling after consuming the tea. If you suspect you are allergic to mullein, stop using it, and talk to your healthcare provider immediately. 
• Drug interactions: Even though specific interactions of any drugs with mullein have not been reported⁷, it is always advisable to connect with your healthcare provider before consuming any herbal supplement. This is more relevant if you’re on medications or have any medical condition. 

Mullein, to my knowledge, is a herbal remedy for serious conditions like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. However, its prevalent use nowadays is directed towards less severe issues, including allergies, sore throats, and tonsillitis¹¹. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Risks and Considerations

If you plan to take mullein tea, here are some potential risks to consider: 

• Pregnancy and Lactation: We don’t have enough data about the safety of mullein tea during pregnancy and lactation. However, some herbal products are known to have adverse effects during pregnancy⁸. As a safety measure, it’s best to avoid mullein tea during these life stages unless approved by your healthcare provider. 
• Liver Health Concerns: Although the instances are rare, some liver toxicity cases have been linked to consuming mullein supplements⁹. If you have liver health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider before taking mullein tea. 

How to Make and Use Mullein Tea

If you wish to try mullein tea, follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious infusion: 

Preparing Mullein Tea

Here is the step-by-step process for preparing a cup of mullein tea: 

Ingredients 

• Dried mullein leaves  
• Boiling water  
• A sweetener of your choice (like honey or sugar), optional  

Procedure 

• Put 1 teaspoon of dried mullein leaves in your teacup or tea infuser. 
• Pour 1 cup of hot water over the leaves and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Filter the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. 
• Add a sweetener if you like and enjoy your mullein tea. 

OR 

• Take 30 g of mullein leaf. 
• Add it to nearly 1 litre of boiling water. 
• Cover the solution and let it steep for 4-10 hours. 
• Strain it thoroughly using a coffee strainer. 
• Make spiced milk with cinnamon, cloves, and a slice of ginger. 
• Refrigerate the solution without straining. 
• For a cup of tea, add both solutions in equal amounts. 
• Heat the mixture and add honey as a sweetener if needed¹⁰. 

Purchasing and Storing Mullein Tea

When buying mullein tea or dried leaves, choose good-quality products from trusted brands. Be sure to check the expiration date as the potency of the leaves may fade over time. 

• Quality Indicators: Choose mullein tea products that are certified organic and pesticide-free. Ensure the product has a clear label that lists the correct Latin name (V. thapsus) and a detailed ingredient list. 
• Storage Tips: Store dried mullein leaves or tea bags in a sealed jar. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Proper storage ensures the preservation of the tea’s potency and freshness. 

Also Read: Hibiscus Tea: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Conclusion

Mullein tea may offer a range of health benefits, making it an option for those who prefer natural approaches. Its benefits range from support for respiratory issues to better relaxation and digestion. 

As with any herbal supplement, it’s vital to consult with your healthcare provider before trying mullein tea, especially if you have any medical conditions or are on any medicines. By staying alert about its potential risks and side effects, you can safely and effectively enjoy the multitude of benefits mullein tea has to offer. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Riaz M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Jaafar HZE. Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2013;23(6):948-959. doi:10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X13701261 

2. Taheri M, Salehi M, Mohammadi S, et al. The effects of hyssop and mullein tea on the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients. 2023;11. Doi: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohammad-Taheri-49/publication/375369270 

3. 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. 2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34356473/ 

4. Abiri R, Abdul-Hamid H, Sytar O, et al. A Brief Overview of Potential Treatments for Viral Diseases Using Natural Plant Compounds: The Case of SARS-Cov. Molecules. 2021;26(13):3868. doi:10.3390/molecules26133868. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/13/3868 

5. Turker AU, Camper ND. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2002;82(2-3):117-125. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00186-1. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12241986/ 

6. The Science Behind Taking the Right Green Supplements. PSSRP. Published online August 18, 2021. doi:10.56831/PSSRP-04-132. Available from: https://primerascientific.com/pssrp 

7. Rodriguez-Fragoso L, Reyes-Esparza J, Burchiel SW, Herrera-Ruiz D, Torres E. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2008;227(1):125-135. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18037151/ 

8. Terzioglu Bebitoglu B. Frequently Used Herbal Teas During Pregnancy – Short Update. MMJ. Published online 2020. doi:10.5222/MMJ.2020.69851. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32733750/ 

9. Teschke R, Andrade R. Drug, Herb, and Dietary Supplement Hepatotoxicity. IJMS. 2016;17(9):1488. doi:10.3390/ijms17091488. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27608014/ 

10. Mullein milk/chai for happy lungs. Doi. Available from: https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/historic_sites/caddo_mounds/lessons/week_8/Mullein%20milk%20%281%29.pdf

11. Cleveland Clinic. How Mullein Benefits Your Lungs. Health Essentials [Internet]. 2022 Dec 19 [cited 2026 Feb 25]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mullein-benefits

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