mullein herb
Also known as: Mullein, common mullein, great mullein, candlewick plant, Verbascum densiflorum, Verbascum phlomoides, Verbascum thapsus
Overview
Mullein (*Verbascum thapsus*) is a biennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, now widely naturalized in North America. It is characterized by its thick, fuzzy leaves, tall flowering stalk, and yellow flowers. Traditionally, mullein has been used for a variety of ailments, primarily respiratory conditions such as cough, bronchitis, and asthma, as well as inflammatory diseases. It is also applied topically for skin irritations and ear ailments. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, iridoids, mucilage, and essential oils, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. While mullein has a long history of traditional use, the scientific research supporting its efficacy is considered moderate, with most studies being preclinical or observational. Robust clinical trials, particularly large-scale randomized controlled trials, are limited, meaning the quality of evidence for many of its purported benefits is generally low to moderate.
Benefits
Mullein is primarily recognized for its traditional use in respiratory health, particularly for cough and bronchitis. However, robust clinical evidence to support these uses in humans is limited, with no large, well-controlled randomized controlled trials confirming efficacy. Preclinical studies suggest mullein possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds like saponins and flavonoids, but the clinical relevance of these findings is not yet clear. One notable area of research involves its use for ear pain. A study comparing an herbal ear drop (containing mullein, garlic, St. John’s wort, and calendula) to standard anesthetic drops in children with otitis media found similar pain reduction in both groups. However, this study lacked a placebo group, making it difficult to attribute the effect specifically to mullein or to quantify its individual efficacy. While traditional use suggests benefits for respiratory symptoms in adults and potential for ear pain in children, the overall strength of evidence remains weak, primarily relying on traditional knowledge, preclinical data, and small, often methodologically limited human studies.
How it works
Mullein's therapeutic effects are believed to stem from its diverse chemical composition. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be mediated by saponins and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways. Essential oils and other compounds present in mullein may contribute to mild antimicrobial effects. The high mucilage content in mullein is particularly relevant for its traditional use in respiratory conditions; mucilage forms a soothing, protective layer over irritated mucous membranes, potentially reducing irritation and inflammation in the airways. When applied topically, mullein may exert soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on skin and ear tissues. While preclinical data suggest modulation of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress pathways, the specific molecular targets and detailed mechanisms of action in humans are not yet well characterized. Absorption and bioavailability of mullein's active compounds are poorly studied, though mucilage may slow absorption when taken orally, and topical application bypasses systemic absorption.
Side effects
Mullein is generally considered safe when used as directed, with no major safety concerns widely reported in the scientific literature. Common side effects are rare, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset with oral use. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented in clinical studies, though allergic reactions are theoretically possible, especially in individuals with known allergies to plants in the Scrophulariaceae family. There are no significant drug interactions reported for mullein. While some sources mention a theoretical risk with anticoagulants due to coumarin content, this has not been confirmed clinically. Contraindications are not well established, but caution is advised for pregnant or lactating individuals due to insufficient data; use in these populations should be under medical supervision. Similarly, data for use in children are limited, so caution is recommended. Overall, mullein appears to have a low toxicity profile, but long-term safety data are lacking.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for mullein has not been established in clinical trials. Traditional and common usage guidelines suggest the following optimal dosage ranges: For mullein tea, 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers steeped per cup, taken 1–3 times daily. For tinctures, a typical dose is 1–2 mL, 1–3 times daily. For topical applications, such as for skin or ear conditions, mullein preparations can be applied as needed. The maximum safe dose has not been formally established, but traditional use indicates a low toxicity profile. Mullein can be taken as needed for symptoms. Oral forms like tea or tincture are typically used for respiratory symptoms, while oil or extract preparations are common for topical application to the ear or skin. The mucilage content in mullein may slow the absorption of other compounds when taken orally, and topical use primarily exerts local effects without significant systemic absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is mullein effective for respiratory issues?
While traditionally used for cough and bronchitis, clinical evidence for mullein's efficacy in respiratory conditions is limited and of low quality. Most support comes from traditional use and preclinical studies.
Is mullein safe to use?
Mullein is generally considered safe with few reported side effects, mainly mild gastrointestinal upset. Allergic reactions are possible but rare. Long-term safety data are limited.
Can mullein treat ear infections?
A study showed herbal ear drops containing mullein reduced ear pain similarly to anesthetic drops, but it did not prove mullein treats the underlying infection. It may help with pain, but not necessarily cure the infection.
Are there any drug interactions with mullein?
No significant drug interactions have been reported. A theoretical risk with anticoagulants exists due to coumarin content, but this has not been clinically confirmed.
How should mullein be taken?
Mullein can be taken as a tea (1-2 tsp dried leaves/flowers per cup, 1-3 times daily) or tincture (1-2 mL, 1-3 times daily) for oral use. Topical preparations are used as needed for skin or ear conditions.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647/ – This review summarizes the traditional uses and preclinical evidence for *Verbascum thapsus*, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and respiratory benefits. It concludes that while traditional use is extensive, robust clinical evidence is limited and of low quality, with most data coming from in vitro or animal studies.
- https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/mulleins-therapeutic-uses – This summary of clinical trials, including one involving over 250 children, indicates that herbal ear drops containing mullein (among other herbs) reduced ear pain similarly to standard anesthetic drops. However, the study's limitation of lacking a placebo group means specific efficacy of mullein cannot be confirmed.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1520 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of *Verbascum ponticum* extract on A549 lung cancer cells. It found that the extract induced apoptosis via mitochondrial disruption. While high quality for preclinical research, these findings are not directly applicable to human supplementation or the typical uses of *Verbascum thapsus*.
