Mullein Benefits: Traditional Lung Support from a Familiar Wild Plant

You’ve probably walked right past mullein on a hike without realizing that this tall, sun-loving plant holds some of nature’s most trusted traditional wellness support. With its striking yellow flower spikes and velvety-soft leaves, mullein has been part of herbal traditions for thousands of years.

This common roadside herb brings several benefits to the table and has been used in traditional practices for over 2,000 years. Across cultures, mullein has been cherished for its gentle, soothing qualities, especially for the respiratory system. The ancient Greeks and many Indigenous communities valued the plant for its ability to comfort irritated tissues and help the body maintain natural respiratory function.

As seasonal challenges roll in, mullein becomes an especially welcome ally, helping your body stay balanced and supported as you navigate the ebb and flow of the colder months. Whether you're seeking natural alternatives for seasonal respiratory challenges or looking to expand your at-home apothecary, mullein deserves your attention.

What Is Mullein and Where Does It Come From?

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also known as common mullein, is a biennial plant that grows wild across North America, Europe, and Asia. You'll recognize it by its distinctive appearance: tall flower stalks that can reach up to six feet high, covered in bright yellow mullein flowers, and large, velvety leaves that feel like soft flannel.

This resilient mullein plant thrives in open fields, mountainsides, and roadsides. Herbalists typically work with the leaves and flowers, which contain naturally occurring plant compounds such as mucilage, saponins, and flavonoids. These constituents are known for helping soothe tissues and support overall respiratory wellness.

Traditional herbalists have worked with mullein for centuries across diverse healing traditions. European folk medicine and Spanish folk medicine prized it for respiratory support, while Native American healers used mullein leaves in smoking blends and poultices.

The Science Behind Mullein's Healing Power

Modern research continues to echo what traditional herbalists have observed for centuries. Studies exploring mullein leaf show that the plant contains numerous naturally occurring constituents that work in harmony:

• Saponins help the body naturally move mucus and support a healthy inflammatory response.
• Mucilage that coats and soothes tissues.
• Flavonoids that provide antioxidant support and help maintain cellular wellbeing.
• Phytonutrients that help the body maintain microbial balance.

These compounds work together to promote comfort, especially for irritated respiratory tissues. The mucilage offers a gentle, soothing layer while saponins help the body maintain natural mucus movement. Research into traditional Spanish folk uses of mullein verifies these observations, highlighting its long-standing connection to respiratory and throat comfort.

Benefits for Respiratory Health

If mullein is famous for one thing, it's its affinity for the lungs and respiratory system. Mullein tea, mullein leaf, and liquid mullein extracts are popular choices for those wanting natural, plant-based support for everyday respiratory wellness.

Traditional systems of herbalism, including Turkish and Mediterranean practices, describe mullein as a gentle yet effective plant ally for:

• Encouraging natural mucus clearance
• Soothing throat and respiratory tissues
• Supporting healthy breathing patterns
• Providing seasonal respiratory wellness support

Mullein works with the body rather than overriding it, which is why so many herbalists return to it as a staple plant for respiratory balance.

How Mullein Supports Lung Health

Mullein leaf and mullein extracts operate through several pathways. Its naturally occurring mucilage helps coat and soothe the throat and bronchiole tissues, while its saponins support healthy mucus movement. Together, these actions help maintain a balanced respiratory environment.

Mullein tea brings warmth and moisture to irritated throat tissues, while inhaling the steam can be especially comforting. Liquid mullein extracts offer more concentrated support when you need something fast-acting and easy to use—one of the reasons we use mullein in WishGarden formulas that support clear breathing and healthy lung function. 

Overall Soothing and Balancing Properties

Mullein’s supportive nature isn’t limited to the respiratory system. Its naturally occurring plant compounds help the body maintain a healthy inflammatory response and soothe irritated tissues throughout multiple body systems.

Rather than simply masking discomfort, mullein helps support the body’s natural restorative processes and encourages a healthy inflammatory response. Its gentle, balancing qualities make it suitable for ongoing wellness support. Mullein’s soothing benefits extend to multiple body systems, offering broad daily support for:

• Comfort in joints and muscles
• Gentle digestive support
• Calming irritated skin
• Encouraging healthy circulation

Mullein Oil for Ear Discomfort

Mullein flower oil is a classic herbal preparation used for maintaining comfort in and around the ears. By infusing mullein flowers in a carrier oil like olive oil, you can create gentle ear drops that soothe discomfort and support the body's natural resilience.

When this herb is combined with olive oil, this soothing blend may help maintain a healthy environment in the ear while the oil provides gentle moisture to delicate tissues.

To use mullein oil safely, warm the bottle slightly in your hands and apply a few drops into the affected ear while lying on your side. Always ensure your mullein ear drops are properly strained to remove all plant material.

Do not use ear oils if you suspect a perforation or if your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.

Skin Health and Topical Support

Mullein has long been used in traditional herbalism to support overall skin wellness. Topical preparations are valued for their soothing qualities, helping to maintain comfortable moisture levels and providing a gentle protective layer on the skin. The natural mucilage in mullein offers calming support for areas of irritation, helping the skin feel more at ease.

For everyday skin challenges such as minor scrapes or dryness, mullein is traditionally used to help maintain a clean, comfortable environment and to encourage the skin’s natural renewal processes. Individuals with occasionally stressed or sensitive skin often appreciate mullein’s ability to support the skin’s natural barrier and promote a sense of relief and comfort.

How to Use Mullein: Practical Applications

You have several effective options for incorporating mullein into your wellness routine. Mullein tea remains one of the most popular and accessible ways to experience its benefits. Drinking mullein tea allows you to enjoy the direct soothing effects of warm liquid on respiratory and digestive tissues.

Mullein extracts in liquid form deliver more concentrated, fast-acting support when you need it most. These preparations extract a wider range of compounds than tea alone and allow for precise servings, as well as easy integration into your daily routine.

WishGarden uses mullein in multiple blends to harness its incredible lung-supporting properties, promoting healthy breathing and respiratory balance.

WishGarden Formulas Featuring Mullein

Deep Lung - Deep Lung is a signature WishGarden formula and top seller. This multifaceted remedy is a true herbal hero to promote healthier lungs. It's great as a lung tonic and rehabilitator for anyone who wants support for stronger and healthier lungs, especially when outside factors are bogging down your breath. 

Respiratory Strength - Respiratory Strength offers deep support for encouraging strength and vitality in the lungs. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle with compromised lung health or have consistent exposure to toxins – firefighters, construction workers, smokers, city dwellers, to name a few.

Serious Cough - This powerful formula soothes tired throats, calms coughs, and supports lung health. It is designed for wet or dry coughs, ones that are intermittent or as rhythmic as a timepiece.

Ear Be Well Kit - Our Ear Be Well tincture uses lymphatic and immune herbs to reach into the inner ear and support a healthy microbial balance. Ear Be Well Topical Oil, a traditional blend of mullein flower and garlic bulb infused in oil, soothes sore ear canals. Together, these products provide a powerful solution to encourage relief!

Serious PM Cough Syrup - Our calming combination of Passionflower and Hops promotes restful sleep while Wild Cherry, Elecampane, and Mullein open the airways, normalize mucus production, and coat the throat – a seriously soothing syrup!

Congestion Rescue for Pregnancy - Congestion Rescue Immune Support for Pregnancy can safely be used during pregnancy after the first trimester, and during lactation to support a mother's natural immune response while soothing the throat, sinuses, and upper respiratory system.

Safety Precautions

While mullein is generally safe for most people, certain individuals should exercise caution. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using mullein before the first trimester of pregnancy, or if they have any health issues. 

If you're taking prescription medications, particularly those for diabetes or blood pressure, talk with your healthcare provider before adding mullein to your routine. The herb may interact with certain medications or amplify their effects.

People with known plant allergies should approach mullein cautiously. While allergic reactions are rare, they can occur. Start with a small amount of any new mullein product and watch for signs of sensitivity.

Most people tolerate mullein well when used as directed. Occasionally, individuals may notice mild drowsiness with larger amounts. As always, start low and listen to your body.

FAQ- Benefits of Mullein

Does mullein actually help your lungs?

Mullein has a long history of use as a lung-supportive herb. It helps maintain healthy mucus movement, soothes the throat, and supports overall respiratory balance.

Who should not take mullein?

While mullein is safe for most people, certain groups should avoid it or use it cautiously. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using mullein products. People taking medications should also check with their doctors.

If you have known allergies to plants in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), approach mullein carefully and start with very small amounts to test your tolerance. Anyone scheduled for surgery should discontinue mullein use at least two weeks prior.

What are the benefits of mullein?

Mullein benefits span multiple body systems, making it one of herbalism's most versatile plants. The herb excels at supporting respiratory health and a healthy inflammatory response, providing skin nourishment, soothing digestive discomfort, and providing gentle nervous system support. These wide-ranging health benefits stem from mullein's unique combination of mucilage, saponins, flavonoids, and other plant constituents.

Can I drink mullein tea every day?

Drinking mullein tea on a regular basis is generally safe and beneficial for most people. Many herbalists recommend 1-3 cups of mullein tea daily for ongoing respiratory support, especially during cold and allergy season. The gentle nature of mullein makes it generally appropriate for long-term use without adverse effects.

Daily mullein tea can help maintain healthy respiratory function, support your immune system, and promote a healthy inflammatory response throughout the body. However, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult your healthcare provider before using mullein, especially regularly.

Experience Mullein's Benefits with WishGarden Herbs

Mullein is one of those plants that asks very little and offers a lot in return. Its soft leaves, steady presence, and long history of use remind us that respiratory support does not have to be aggressive to be effective. Whether taken as a tea, extract, or oil, mullein works gently alongside the body to soothe, balance, and support natural lung function over time.

Rooted in tradition and still deeply relevant today, mullein remains a trusted herbal ally for breathing a little easier and staying connected to the quiet intelligence of plants.

Taylor Stewart studied herbal medicine through PrairieWise Herbal School and The Herbal Academy. She’s passionate about sharing the gifts of plant medicine and how herbs can help us live more in tune with our bodies. She is the Practitioner Sales Specialist and a Customer Journey Representative at WishGarden Herbs.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.