Mullein Uses & Benefits: Herbal Remedies for Lungs, Immune Support & more

Verbascum Thapsus

Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite plants in the herbal world—mullein. You’ve probably seen it standing tall on roadsides, with its soft fuzzy leaves and a golden-yellow flower spike reaching for the sky. While some pass it by as a common weed, plant people know better: mullein is one of nature’s most reliable remedies for lung health, coughs, and immune support.

Whether you’re sipping mullein tea, making a salve, or crafting a homemade infused oil, this plant offers deep, nourishing medicine—and it’s gentle enough for almost anyone to use.

🌿 Mullein Leaf Benefits for Natural Lung & Respiratory Support

Mullein is most well-known for its ability to soothe the lungs and help the body deal with coughs and congestion. If you’ve got a dry, wheezy cough or your chest feels tight and irritated, mullein leaf tea can be a real comfort. It helps relax the lungs, break up stuck mucus, and reduce that scratchy feeling in the throat.

But that’s not all mullein is good for.

Key mullein benefits:

• Natural expectorant – loosens mucus and supports productive coughs

• Demulcent – soothes irritated tissues in the lungs, throat, and sinuses

• Mild sedative – eases tension and supports rest, especially when you're sick

• Anti-inflammatory – helps with pain, swelling, and soreness

• Supports the immune system – especially during cold and allergy seasons

You’ll find mullein leaf in many traditional herbal remedies for lung health, and it's still one of the first herbs I reach for when illness starts to hit the chest.

🌼 Mullein Plant: Rare & Lesser-Known Medicinal Uses

You may already know about mullein leaf, but did you know other parts of the plant have unique uses too?

• Mullein Root for Bladder and Pelvic Floor Support
  The root is traditionally used to help with urinary incontinence and mild prolapse. It tones and supports the lower body—especially helpful postpartum or with aging tissues.

• Mullein Flower Oil for Earaches
  The bright yellow flowers can be infused into oil to make a gentle ear remedy. Combined with garlic, it’s an old-time favorite for soothing earaches and infections.

• Spine and Nerve Care
  Some folk herbalists apply mullein root externally along the spine for alignment and nerve-related discomfort. This use comes from Appalachian traditions and is still practiced today.

• Mullein as a Smokable Herb
  While it may sound strange, smoking dried mullein leaf (or using it in a blend) can actually support lung health by helping to open the airways and release emotional tension—especially grief. Of course, this should be done mindfully and minimally.

• Mullein For Pain Relief

  You can use an extract of mullein to help relieve mild and moderate aches and pains.

• Mullein for sleep

  Mullein is a mild sedative and can help you drift off to sleep. you can use a tea or a tincture for this pi

🍵 How to Use Mullein Medicinally at Home

There are so many easy ways to incorporate this plant into your herbal routine:

1. Mullein Tea for Cough & Congestion

Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaf in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Be sure to strain it through a fine cloth or tea sock, as the fuzzy hairs can irritate the throat. Drink 1–3 cups daily as needed.

2. Infused Mullein Flower Oil for Ears or Skin

Cover dried mullein flowers in olive oil and let sit for 3–4 weeks, then strain. This is a staple in my apothecary for calming irritated ears and soothing the skin.

3. Mullein Tincture

Use a tincture of the leaf or root (start with 5–30 drops, up to 3x daily) depending on your needs. I often suggest this for deeper support when tea isn’t practical.

4. Steam Inhalation

Add mullein to a bowl of hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. This method is especially helpful during sinus infections or chest colds.

5. Poultice or Compress

Apply fresh mashed leaves (or steeped dried ones) to sore joints, swollen lymph nodes, or sprains to reduce inflammation.

💛 Sip the Support: Try My Immune Support Tea (with Mullein!)

If you’re looking for an easy, delicious way to add mullein leaf to your wellness routine, I’ve created a hand-blended Immune Support Tea right here at Wood Hollow Homestead.

This tea combines mullein with other respiratory and immune-supportive herbs that work together beautifully to:

• Support your lungs

• Calm inflammation

• Boost resilience during cold, flu, and allergy seasons

You can grab it directly from my website:
Right Here!

⚠️ Herbal Disclaimer

This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. I’m not a licensed medical professional—just an herbalist sharing what I’ve learned through study, tradition, and personal experience. Always check with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, on medications, or managing chronic health issues.