The Benefits and Uses of Mullein

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The Benefits and Uses of Mullein

In this busy world we live in, who can afford to be sidelined by an illness? If you’re facing an infection in your respiratory system, urinary tract or ears and you need a way to reduce your symptoms and get back to feeling your best, check out the mighty mullein.

While mullein may not hold the same clout as some of its other herbal contemporaries, this fuzzy flower shouldn’t be overlooked when searching for an herb with immune-boosting traits. Check out some of the benefits of mullein along with how it can be included in your business offerings.

JUMP TO:
What is Mullein?
Benefits of Mullein
How to Use Mullein
Mullein for Your Business
Where to Buy Mullein Leaf

WHAT IS MULLEIN?

What is mullein image

Mullein goes by many names, including great mullein, velvet dock and feltwort. Mullein is a wayside herb that takes up residence in difficult-to-grow areas like the space between rocks, by the side of the road or cracks in concrete.

Once fully grown, a mullein plant can tower over its habitat reaching up to eight feet tall. Mullein is largely recognizable by its tall stem, large fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers. Mullein originated in Europe and northern Africa but was introduced to North America by early settlers. Its long history has led to a variety of medicinal uses.

WHAT IS MULLEIN GOOD FOR?

Mullein has been shown to aid wellness and help the body combat several health issues. Some research indicates that indigenous populations in North America used mullein to treat asthma, cuts and sores, and severe mucus buildups. Modern research has shown that different parts of the mullein plant support different parts of the body.

The Mullein Leaf

The mullein leaf image

Mullein leaves are the most commonly used part of the herb. They contain saponins and mucilaginous polysaccharides, which provide an expectorant action and add a soothing quality to the herb. The leaf has a cooling, astringent and slightly bitter flavor. Mullein leaves have been connected to aiding the respiratory system in a few ways, including:

  • Countering coughing
  • Reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract
  • Clearing phlegm from the lungs
  • Adding a soothing demulcent action in the respiratory tract

Two prominent formats of mullein leaf are cut and sifted and powder. Now that we’ve covered mullein leaves, it’s time to dig deeper into the roots of this herb.

The Mullein Root

The mullein flower is generally used with a combination of herbs to reduce the symptoms of the early stages of ear infections. The verbascoside in the flower offers an anti-inflammatory action that is useful in reducing ear infection discomfort. Mullein flower oil is a common way to apply this part of the herb to the ear for the greatest effect.

Next, let’s explore a few ways to prepare mullein.

The Mullein Flower

While mullein leaves help give you a breath of fresh air, mullein roots can support the excretory system, specifically the urinary tract.

These roots are diuretic and astringent, helping tone and strengthen the muscles around the bladder. In addition to these astringent properties, mullein roots also help reduce inflammation in the bladder, which may help lessen the symptoms of UTIs and other infections.

What gives the roots their diuretic and astringent effects? Flavonoids and glycosides are the main active ingredients in mullein roots that help your excretory system.

Before we talk about ways to take mullein, let’s look at the mullein plant’s flower to see how it can potentially aid your health.

HOW CAN I TAKE MULLEIN?

How can I take mullein image

Mullein Leaf Tea/Infusion

Mullein leaf can be infused into tea or other beverages to help aid with coughs, colds or asthma. A warm cup of tea can be soothing when fighting one of these respiratory issues. When making mullein leaf tea, it’s essential to finely strain it as tiny hairs from the leaves can be irritating to the throat. This can create the opposite effect of its intended use.

To make mullein tea, you need to:

  • Steep one tablespoon of mullein in 8-12 oz of water
  • Finely strain once the mullein has steeped (a coffee filter is recommended)
  • Drink up to four cups of mullein tea daily to help alleviate symptoms

Decoctions

You can create a decoction from mullein roots to boost your urinary system’s health. To make a decoction, you need to:

  • Boil one tablespoon of roots in 8-12 oz of water in a covered pot for 10 minutes
  • Strain well
  • Drink up to four cups daily to alleviate symptoms

Extracts

Mullein roots, leaves and flowers can be made into extracts. Extracts offer the most direct delivery of the beneficial compounds from the mullein to the body for maximum impact. To create a tincture, you need to:

  • Cover the part of the herb you want to use in alcohol (60% alcohol) or glycerine (50%)
  • Make sure the herb is completely submerged in the liquid
  • Leave covered for 10 days
  • Shake daily
  • Strain well
  • Consume 20–60 drops a day

If you’re a business that provides natural wellness products, herbal supplements or other holistic solutions to customers, there are a few ways mullein can help you get the most out of your natural product lines.

HOW CAN I INTEGRATE MULLEIN LEAF INTO MY BUSINESS PRODUCT LINEUP?

As we’ve seen recently, the global herbal medicine market is steadily growing. Now more than ever, customers are looking for natural ways to bolster their bodies’ immune systems and alleviate symptoms of a variety of health issues.

Mullein leaf can be added to your immune-supporting arsenal of herbs. It may go under the radar compared to heavy hitters like elderberries, apple cider vinegar and echinacea, but it’s another great herb for your customers to explore.

Three reasons mullein leaf is the perfect addition to your business’ product lineup include:

  • Tea image Mullein is an excellent addition to cold-combatting teas. Whether you sell hot tea blends or cold bottled teas, mullein can add an immune-boosting ingredient to your label. Not only is it an added benefit to your herbal concoctions, but it can also bring a unique flavor profile to your beverage.
  • Mullein leaf and flower oils pair well with herbs in salves and other topical products. When you combine mullein flower or leaf with an oil of Oils imageyour choice and other excellent topical herbs, like calendula, you can offer customers a natural alternative to other skin ointments.
  • Mullein leaf shows a potential increase in customer interest. Mullein leaf is expected to grow in market size by 3.5% in the next 10 years. This growth is fueled by growing consumer interest in holistic wellness products, healthy beverages and flavor variants, along with the health benefits that mullein can provide.

WHERE CAN I BUY HIGH-QUALITY MULLEIN LEAF?

The team at HerbCo.com has connected businesses with essential herbs and spices for more than 25 years. Our mullein leaf supply, including premium mullein leaf tea, is responsibly sourced to make sure you can create excellent products for your customer base. View our entire lineup of herbs and spices today to learn more.

Disclaimer: Information and statements about the products on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.