Mullein: All The Tricks of This Power Plant

Mullein 

 

Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries for respiratory ailments and issues affecting the lungs, which is why this potent medicinal herb is a key ingredient in our Lung Detox Tonic.

 

The common name Mullein is a derivation of the Latin word ‘Mollis’ which means soft and refers to the texture of the leaves. The plant is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and Asia and has been widely naturalized in North America and Australia. The first documented medicinal use can be ascribed to Dioscorides 2000 years ago who wrote about its use for pulmonary conditions. The leaves of the plant are traditionally used as medicine and made into a tea, tincture, or powder, though the flowers and roots have been used medicinally as well.

 

Mullein Benefits

A number of pharmacological activities have been attributed to mullein, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihepatotoxic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Traditionally, mullein leaf has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

 

•       chronic coughs
•       colds
•       congestion
•       bronchitis
•       asthma
•       pain
•       inflammation
•       migraine
•       earache
•       tuberculosis
•       sleep

 

Respiratory Health

The use of mullein plant has primarily been associated with the respiratory tract. When talking about mullein uses, It has been used for many respiratory conditions and has shown to be especially effective at relieving asthma, which causes your airway to swell and results in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

 

Anti-viral

 

Some studies suggest that mullein also possesses powerful antiviral properties. For instance, one test-tube study found that mullein extract was particularly effective against the influenza virus.

 

Anti-bacterial

 

Mullein may also offer antibacterial effects as well. One test-tube study found that mullein extract inhibited several strains of bacteria.

 

Active Compounds

 

The effectiveness of mullein is largely attributed to its many active compounds, such as:

 

• 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

 

Aside from the effects of the active compounds in mullein, animal and human research suggest that mullein tea works by reducing inflammation, thereby helping relax the muscles in your respiratory tract.

 

A powerful medicinal herb used for centuries for a variety of ailments, particularly those of the lungs and respiratory tract, mullein is a safe and effective herb that may help to support respiratory health and protect from harmful viruses and bacteria.

 

To learn more ways to support lung health, read our blog "Tips for Respiratory Health." 

 

 

 

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627472/?dopt=Abstract

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2952292/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273160/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3873812/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781767/