Mullein - Verbascum Thapsus an expectorant with an prediclection for the respiratory system ( Thomsen, 2022).

(authors' own pictures)

Key benefits : Actions

Anti-catarrhal
Demulcent
Expectorant
Vulnerary (tissue healing) (Bartram,1998).

We all know how exhausting a raw, irritated throat or a persistent cough can be. Mullein is a time-tested, gentle botanical ally traditionally used to soothe the system. It's an old household remedy, often used by American Indians for its effects on the chest area ( Levy, 1982).

The regal mullein is usually found reigning over undisturbed courtyards and quiet country roadsides, with its majestic stalk of yellow flowers having the stately appearance of a junoesque figure. It's often found growing with the common foxglove which is from the same family - Scrophulariaceae (Thomsen, 2022)

Interesting fact, another common name for Mullein is 'COW LUNG WORT' a standby remedy used for ailments in cattle, it is equally good for humans ( Levy, 1982).

Genus is Verbascum - species Thapsus spp.
KB Homotypic Synonyms

Verbascum spectabile Salisb.

There are no known sustainability issues (bsbi, 2026).

Constituents in Mullein: saponins, mucilaginous polysaccharides, flavonoids and phenylpropanoid glycosides (Pengelly, 2004).

Saponins stimulate the stomach lining, which reflexively triggers an increased amount of fluid secretions in the respiratory tract, which helps break down stubborn mucus, giving you a productive cough (Pengelly, 2004).

Mucilaginous polysaccharide constituents are in the SOFT VELVETEEN leaves, containing mucilage which has the DEMULCENT action and consequently soothing effects. Coating the irritated mucous membrane of the throat, shields the aggravated tissues and reduces the sensitivity of the cough reflex, the SPASMODIC COUGH (Pengelly, 2004).

The flavonoids and phenylpropanoid glycosides have anti-inflammatory actions, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. These help with easing the airway swelling and contribute to getting rid of respiratory pathogens (Pengelly, 2004).

Soothe the season with a cup of Culpepers herbal tea.

(strained ) Mullein leaves / Sage / Marjoram and chamomile flowers in a tea pot to make a brew. Have a cup in the morning and evening to help sore throat inflammation (Culpeper, 1981).

Warning

Mullein leaves are covered in fuzzy hairs, strain your leaves through a fine cloth.

While you can source loose herbs yourself, herbs work best when matched to your unique body constituents. If you experience chronic respiratory issues, seasonal asthma or a lingering post-viral cough a 1 to 1 holistic consultation can help you build a custom herbal protocol designed specifically for your body's ecosystem.

Information on booking a 1 to 1 please click:

betonica.co.uk/learn-more

Find out more, click ⬇️

Seed SistAs have some great reels on Mullien

SWOLLEN GLANDS REMEDY -by Juliette de Bairacli Levy

For external use - boil water with mullein leaves or flowers in a pan, soak a cloth in the decoction, when warm, apply directly to the throat area.

(Author's own)

Blanket herb, common name, because it has broad velveteen leaves that feel like rabbits' ears. The leaves are grey and downy to the touch. ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

Discover what research reveals about Verbascum Thapsus medicinal compounds and health-promoting properties.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.7393

References:

Bartram, T. (1998). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Robinson.

https://bsbi.org/taxa/2cd4p9h.w59/verbascum-thapsus?q=mullein

Culpeper, N. (1981). Culpeper's complete herbal. Harvey sales.

Herbal reality (2026) https://www.herbalreality.com/?s=mullein

Levy, J. ( 1982). The illustrated Herbal handbook. Faber and Faber.

Pengelly, A. (2004). The Constituents of Medicinal Plants (2nd ed.). CABI Pub.

Thomsen M. The Phytotherapy Desk Reference. 6th ed. Aeon; 2022.

Social media post

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4yPsJDP3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

All pictures below are the author's own.

Verbascum Thapsus is expectorant with an Prediclection for the respiratory system. Traditionally Mullein leaves were dried and smoked for relief from asthma.

Read my blog and find out more.