Mullein's Surprising Health Benefits Make It Perfect for Fall and Winter!

According to The Mayo Clinic News Network, people get ill more during this time of year due to drier air (allowing viruses to hang around the air longer), greater contact with others indoors, less vitamin D from staying indoors, and even slight changes in our bodies. For example, cilia, small, hairlike parts in our upper respiratory tract that move foreign objects out, don’t function as well in colder weather. 

So, what can we do? After all, we don’t have any control over the temperature outside, and while we can use a humidifier indoors, much of this is outside of our control. One thing we can do is support our immune system with encouraging herbal remedies, and one I’d like to highlight today is mullein leaf. This often overlooked herb is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a fantastic choice for this time of year. 

Antibacterial Properties

Mullein leaf is touted for its anti-bacterial properties, so it often makes its way into wellness and immune-boosting herbal formulas. 

A 2020 study on mullein demonstrated that it has antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties. This study specifically tested mullein’s impact on bacterial strains, with bacillus cereus being the most sensitive to mullein’s impact. Bacillus cereus is a relatively common foodborne pathogen that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in humans, so these findings are definitely encouraging! 

Another study on 171 children found that this herb may treat ear infections, which are typically the result of bacteria. The group of children receiving a natural remedy containing mullein experienced much less pain and improved treatment outcomes. 

Antiviral Properties

Nobody wants to catch the flu, but it’s unfortunately common, especially around this time of year. 

Studies into mullein have found that it has supportive antiviral activity against influenza A. Researchers noted that mullein had strong anti-influenza viral activity, especially compared to the other herbs tested. 

Interested in learning more about supportive herbs for the immune system? Read our previous article on immune system boosters.

Provides Support During Respiratory Illness

One of the most frustrating parts of having a bad flu is feeling mucus build up in your throat, creating that constant urge to clear your throat. While over-the-counter medications are available to help with this, mullein has long been used as an expectorant — which thins mucus, allowing your body to break up mucus and get it out faster. 

According to The Cleveland Clinic, mullein is an expectorant that can help to get mucus out of your airways. As a result, mullein tea can be a supportive option for many people looking to boost their lung health. 

If you happen to fall ill, another study notes that mullein has comforting effects, such as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial benefits, which may reduce coughing and tightness in the respiratory tract. 

An animal study on mullein also found that it acted as a relaxant and anthelmintic (destroys parasitic worms). It may also have antispasmodic effects. 

Per The Cleveland Clinic, mullein is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Antioxidants critically protect our cells, with some research demonstrating that mullein stem extract is up to 85% effective at protecting cells from damage, resulting in a more robust natural defense. 

Mullein Herbal Remedies

If you’re interested in incorporating this supportive plant into your life, here are a few of our favorite ways to use it, including everything from potent extracts to delightful teas. 

Mullein Tea

If you want to promote healthy breathing or boost your respiratory health, consider these two organic tea options. Perfect for sipping on a chilly day! 

• Mullein Leaf Tea: This tea contains pure mullein leaf, which is a fantastic accompaniment to your wellness routine, especially if you are looking for respiratory support. Whether you have asthma, a cold, allergies, or a cough, this tea is a soothing option to promote improved breathing. 
• Lymphatic Cleanser Tea: We’ve all had that feeling where our sinuses feel “full,” whether it’s a result of a cold or allergies. This feeling is never fun, so we developed our Lymphatic Cleanser Tea, which helps the body detox by cleansing the lymphatic system with traditional herbs. This tea contains calendula, mullein leaf, jasmine flowers, spearmint, and other potent herbs to support overall health and wellness. 

Learn more about the importance of the lymphatic system and herbs that support it in our previous article on supportive herbs for the lymphatic system. 

Mullein Extracts and Capsules

Try these concentrated herbal remedies for a more potent dose of mullein. 

• Mullein Elixir Extract: This pure mullein extract contains the plant’s leaves, flowers, and roots to give you a powerhouse combination that supports healthy respiratory function. It’s also said to support improved nutrient assimilation! 
• Deep Breath Extract: If you struggle with nasty coughs, this extract is made from herbs traditionally used to rebuild the lungs and support deep respiratory conditions. Mullein, osha, red rood, pleurisy, and plantain come together for an immune-boosting combo that may help your immune system as an anti-viral, lymphatic cleanser, and liver detoxifying blend. 
• Lung Tonic Capsules: We craft our Lung Tonic Capsules with mullein, fenugreek, marshmallow root, and other encouraging herbs known for strengthening the lungs and supporting the body with wheezing, coughing, hoarseness or other lung ailments. 
• Ear Oil: Prone to earaches? This ear oil is a lifesaver to have on hand when earaches come around. With a base of organic extra virgin olive oil and a medley of supportive herbs, including mullein, St. John’s Wort, and feverfew, this oil encourages reduced ear discomfort. 
• Clear Head Capsules: If you often deal with allergies, watery eyes, or a runny nose, this “antihistamine-like” formula is perfect. Many report that this helps with stopping a runny nose, soothing the lungs, and encouraging recovery from a cough. 

Thanks for reading! We wish you a healthy and joyous autumn and winter season. 

Well Wishes, 

Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah

Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting Herbalist with over 27 years of hands-on experience and the owner of The Herb Stop.