Mullein

The mullein plant has been around for thousands of years. The plant is found in many parts of the world, including the United States, and has more than 200 species.

The most popular type commercially used is common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

The leaves are harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either fresh or dried to make various products.

About Mullein Oil

The plant’s oil is extracted from the flowers or leaves of the plant. The oil is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions.

One older studyTrusted Source showed some benefit for ear pain based on a trial of 171 children between 5 and 18 years old with an ear infection. They were given antibiotics or herbal drops with or without a topical anaesthetic.

Researchers found the herbal drops reduced pain. They also pointed out that they cost less than antibiotics and didn’t have any side effects.

Mullein oil two ways processing

Mullein oil can be made from either fresh or dry parts of the plant by either hot (active) or cold (passive) processing:

• Hot oil infusion. This process involves using a double boiler technique to gently heat a carrier oil, such as olive oil, with mullein leaves or flowers for up to 3 hours. Then the product is strained and stored.
• Cold-steeped oil. The cold process usually involves steeping dry flowers or leaves in a carrier oil for 7 to 10 days.

USES

For centuries, the flowers and leaves were used on animals and people for a variety of issues, including:

• cough
• congestion
• bronchitis
• asthma
• constipation
• pain
• inflammation
• migraine
• sleep
• gout

By the late 1800s, mullein became a popular treatment for people with tuberculosis in Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Keep in mind that many of the benefits of mullein are based on anecdotal experiences. More human clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of this herb.

Benefits

There are many different Verbascum species, and studies show many have polyphenols. These compounds can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some active compounds of mullein include:

• saponins, which have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antitumor properties
• flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• phenylethanoid glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties
• iridoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties

Antiviral properties

Some lab studies have shown Verbascum species to have antiviral activity against influenza A and herpes.

One laboratory study found combining the medication amantadine with mullein increased antiviral activity against influenza.

Antibacterial properties

Lab studies have shown mullein leaf has antibacterial properties in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including:

• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• E. coli
• Staphylococcus aureus

Mullein leaf is sold in various forms, such as:

• tea
• extract
• oil
• powder
• capsule
• elixir

The dried and natural forms (of the leaf or flower) are also used to make creams.

Some naturopathic physicians and herbalists recommend mullein for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, but currently, there’s not enough scientific evidence of its effectiveness.