Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
毛蕊花
Pinyin: Máo Ruǐ Huā
Plant Family
Scrophulariaceae
Part Used
Flower, leaf
Origin
Europe, Asia; naturalized in North America
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Mullein is a tall, fuzzy-leaved plant with a long history of use for respiratory conditions. The soft, velvety leaves have been made into teas, extracts, and smoked herbs to soothe coughs and congestion. Mullein is known as a gentle but effective lung tonic and demulcent.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sweet
Meridians (归经)
lung, kidney
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Coughs, bronchitis, and asthma
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Ear infections (ear oil)
- Wounds and skin conditions (topical)
- Diarrhea and GI inflammation
- Urinary tract inflammation
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Tea (leaves/flowers), tincture, extract, capsule, ear oil, smoking blend, poultice.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1–2 tsp dried herb per cup, 3x/day; tincture: 2–4 mL 3x/day; capsules: 500–1000 mg 2–3x/day; ear oil: 2–3 drops in affected ear 2–3x/day.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Leaves harvested in first year (rosette stage) before flowering. Flowers harvested in second year during bloom (summer). Harvest on a dry day.
Quality Indicators
Flowers: bright yellow, intact, aromatic. Leaves: gray-green, fuzzy, whole or cut. Should be free of stems and brown material. Wild-harvested from clean areas is traditional.
Storage
Airtight container in cool dark place. Dried herb lasts 1–2 years. Protect from moisture and light.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (insufficient data - avoid)Breastfeeding (insufficient data)Known allergy to mullein or plants in the figwort family
Possible Side Effects
- Generally very safe and well-tolerated
- Rare: mild digestive upset
- Allergic skin reaction (topical use - rare)
- Ensure tea is well-strained to remove tiny hairs that can irritate the throat
Drug Interactions
- Diuretics (additive effect)
- Lithium (may increase retention - monitor)
- Generally low interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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