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Verbascum thapsus (Scrophulariaceae)

Botanical Information

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Names: Mullein, Common Mullein, Great Mullein, Aaron’s Rod
Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers, Root

Description

Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as Mullein, is a biennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it has naturalized in North America. It thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, and open fields, producing a rosette of woolly leaves in its first year and a tall flowering stalk in its second year. Traditionally, mullein has been used as a respiratory remedy, anti-inflammatory, and soothing demulcent. It is particularly valued for lung health, ear infections, and wound healing.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in European, Native American, and Western herbal traditions for coughs, bronchitis, and lung infections.
  • Traditionally smoked or made into steam inhalations for asthma and lung congestion.
  • Employed as a poultice for wounds, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Infused in oil for earaches and mild ear infections.
  • Used as a mild diuretic to support kidney and urinary health.

Constituents

  • Mucilage
  • Saponins
  • Flavonoids
  • Iridoids
  • Tannins
  • Essential oils

Actions

  • Expectorant
  • Demulcent
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antispasmodic
  • Antimicrobial
  • Astringent

Medicinal Uses

  1. Respiratory Health & Coughs
    • Soothes irritated mucous membranes in cases of dry, hacking coughs.
    • Acts as an expectorant, helping clear mucus from the lungs.
    • Beneficial for bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and whooping cough.
  2. Ear Infections & Earaches
    • Mullein flower oil is traditionally used for ear infections and pain relief.
    • Combined with garlic-infused oil for enhanced antimicrobial effects.
  3. Wound Healing & Skin Health
    • Used as a poultice or infused oil to treat burns, sores, and wounds.
    • Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help soothe eczema and rashes.
  4. Urinary & Kidney Support
    • Mild diuretic properties help support kidney function and reduce water retention.
    • Used traditionally for bladder irritation and mild urinary infections.
  5. Joint & Muscle Pain Relief
    • Applied topically for joint inflammation, sprains, and muscle aches.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea from Leaves or Flowers):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried leaves or flowers per cup of hot water.
  • Steep for 10-15 minutes, drink up to three times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Ear Oil (Infused Mullein Flower Oil):

  • Place 2-3 drops in the affected ear twice daily (not for ruptured eardrums).

Poultice (For Wounds & Skin Inflammation):

  • Crushed fresh or dried leaves applied directly to wounds or swollen areas.

Steam Inhalation (For Lung Congestion):

  • Add a handful of dried mullein leaves to a bowl of hot water.
  • Inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes to ease lung congestion.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Fine leaf hairs can be irritating if not strained properly when making tea.
  • Ear Oil: Avoid using in perforated eardrums.
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe, but consult a professional for proper use.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and moistening; supports lung health, tissue repair, and inflammation reduction.
European Folk Medicine: Used for respiratory ailments, wound healing, and urinary health.
Native American Medicine: Smoked for lung conditions and used as a poultice for swollen joints.

Combinations

  • For Dry Coughs: Combine with marshmallow root and licorice.
  • For Mucus & Lung Congestion: Blend with elecampane and thyme.
  • For Ear Infections: Use with garlic-infused oil.
  • For Wound Healing: Pair with yarrow and calendula.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting:
    • Leaves are best collected in spring or early summer.
    • Flowers are harvested in mid to late summer.
  • Drying:
    • Air dry leaves and flowers in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage:
    • Keep dried material in an airtight container away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

  • Studies confirm mullein’s expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional use for lung health.
  • Research suggests its mucilage content helps soothe throat and lung irritation.
  • Mullein flower oil has been studied for its effectiveness in treating ear infections.

Conclusion

Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) is an excellent herb for respiratory health, ear infections, and skin healing. It is gentle yet effective, making it a valuable remedy for coughs, lung congestion, and wounds. Proper straining is advised when making tea to avoid irritation from fine leaf hairs.