Mullein :
Overview
Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) is a flowering plant found in mountain areas. It's been used in traditional medicines in Pakistan and Turkey.
Mullein contains chemicals that might help fight certain infections.
People use mullein for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, cough, and many other conditions.
Mullein is sometimes called Aaron's rod. Don't confuse this with Goldenrod, which is also sometimes called Aaron's rod. These are not the same.
What are health benefits of Mullein ?
1.) Lung and Respiratory Health
Traditionally, mullein has been used to treat a handful of lung and respiratory conditions, particularly:1
2.) Hoarseness
Tonsillitis
Cough and cold
Asthma
Bronchitis
For the purpose of relieving these conditions, mullein is typically consumed in liquid form as an infusion or syrup. It is used alone or in combination with other herbs, like mint, rosemary, hawthorn flower, or pine leaves.
Plant compounds in mullein are known to have antitussive (cough-reducing) and expectorant (mucus-thinning) properties. Mullein also contains ursolic acid, a substance that some researchers believe could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection.
With that being said, most beneficial flavonoids in mullein have poor bioavailability, meaning that the human body cannot absorb them easily. More research is needed to determine what use, if any, mullein has in treating respiratory illness.1
3.) Ear Disorders
Mullein is used as a traditional treatment for earache due to its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.2 Sometimes, mullein extracts are included in ear drop formulations to treat ear infection.3 Indeed, mullein is known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
In traditional practice, there are a few ways mullein is prepared for ear issues. An ointment may be made from the leaves then applied to the ear canal for pain relief. Or, mullein flowers may be infused in olive oil then used as ear drops to treat infection.
4.) Burn and Wound Healing
Sometimes, mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or wounds.4 This is traditionally done by making an ointment from the leaves. A poultice made from mullein leaves and seeds may also be used to draw out splinters.2
One of the only human trials for mullein available investigated the herb's use for episiotomy wounds. In the study, new mothers applied a mullein cream preparation on their episiotomy wounds twice a day for 10 days. The mullein cream enhanced the healing of episiotomy wounds.5
5.) Pain and Inflammation
One of the most common conditions that mullein is traditionally used to treat is osteoarthritis. The condition is characterized by destruction of cartilage and inflammation.
Mullein contains a variety of plant chemicals with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that one of these plant chemicals, an antioxidant called kaempferol, could help reverse cartilage destruction. It may also reduce the severity of pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to easing arthritis-related inflammation, mullein has been used to treat:
Gut inflammation
Liver inflammation
Swelling due to broken bones
Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Inflammation due to skin conditions or broken bones may be treated with a mullein leaf ointment, while gut, liver, or arthritic inflammation may be treated by consuming droplets of a mullein water or oil infusion.
6.) Diarrhea
For people with diarrhea, mullein leaves and flowers are typically infused in water then consumed. Diarrhea is usually related to some sort of infection. Diarrhea also causes inflammation in the body. Both concerns can supposedly be remedied with preparations of mullein, but like most other purported benefits, this has not been proven with human studies.
7.) Overall :
Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, and other actives that are individually proven to be:
-Anti-inflammatory
-Anti-cancer
-Anti-hypertensive (lowers blood pressure)
-Antiseptic and antimicrobial
-Astringent (constricts pores, limits sebum production)
-Diuretic (promotes urine production)
-Pain-relieving
-Emollient (moisturizing)
-Expectorant (clears mucus from airways)
-Spasmolytic (relieves muscle spasms)
-Wound-healing
What's in the box
1 x 15 Mullein Tea Bags
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: This product may be a complementary medicine and/or not have been evaluated and verified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for its quality, safety or intended use. Use of this product is therefore not intended to compensate for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or mitigation of medical conditions and must not substitute the obtaining of medical advice from a registered health professional for any health or health-related conditions.
