Herb of the Week: Mullein Scientific Name: Verbascum densiflorum; Verbascum phlomides; Verbascum thapsiforme; Verbascum thapsus. Family: Scrophulariaceae. Used For: Orally: mullein is used for respiratory tract mucous membrane inflammation, cough, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, and flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and tracheitis. Other uses include asthma, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding, migraines, and gout. It is also used as a sedative, narcotic, diuretic, and antirheumatic. The root is used for croup. Topically: mullein is used for wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, bruises, frostbite, erysipelas, and inflamed mucosa. The leaves are used topically to soften and protect the skin. Manufacturing: mullein is used as a flavoring component in alcoholic beverages. Safety: There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of mullein. [NMCD] Pregnancy and Lactation: Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using. [NMCD] Mullein flower has approval status by the German Commission E. [Applied Health] Effectiveness: There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of mullein. [NMCD] -More is mentioned later with Jim McDonald’s findings below. Mechanism of Action: The applicable parts of mullein are the flower, leaf, and root. Mullein contains harpagoside, harpagide, aucubin, hesperidin, verbascoside, saponins, and volatile oils. Preliminary research suggests that a flower extract may have activity against influenza and herpes simplex viruses. Other research suggests that a leaf extract might have activity against herpes simplex virus type 1, yet more data is needed. Leaf extracts might also have antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. It might also have antitumor effects. Preliminary research suggests it might be toxic in excessive doses. Further study is needed on the MOA of Mullein. Adverse Reactions: None reported. [NMCD] Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest, Chest pain, skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin. [AltCareDex- Micromedex] Interactions: No known interactions have been recorded with other herbs, drugs, lab tests, food, or medical conditions. [NMCD] -It is hypothesized that the following drugs may be imperfectly absorbed if mullein is used daily: tetracycline derivatives, oral anticholinergics, phenothiazines, digoxin, isoniazid, phenytoin, and warfarin. – The antituberculous activity of mullein may potentiate the adverse effects of other antituberculous drugs, especially ethionamide. -Mullein’s analgesic effects may be additive with other analgesics and anesthetics. They may, however, be inhibited by barbiturates, despite any CNS- depressant effects which may occur. -Analgesic property of mullein may be reversed or eliminated by P- chlorophenylalanine, cyproheptadine HCl, and ephenobarbital. The CNS- depressant tendency of this analgesic may be potentiated by chlorprothixene HCl, haloperidol, and tranquilizers. -The anti-inflammatory activity of this herb can be seriously inhibited by phenobarbital and certain other sedatives and hypnotics, such as chloral hydrate and meprobamate, as well as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, such as propranolol. [Applied Health] Dosage/Administration: No known recommended dosage. [NMCD] -To be taken three times per day [Applied Health]: Dried leaf and flower: 4-8 grams Tea: made from 1 tsp dried leaf or flower Fluid extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol, 4-8 ml Oil (from flowers): 1-5 drops in ears Mullein (Herbcraft.org)- Jim McDonald: This was an interesting read by a trusted herbalist. In his experience, he has seen many benefits of the various parts of the Mullein plant. An infused oil of its flowers is one of the first things he would suggest when treating an ear infection. It is also helpful with easing the pain and speeding the recovery time of the infection. He also uses a tincture made with Mullein topically to ease swelling and the pain that can come along with it. A strong tea, tincture, or smoking the herb can help with a dry cough. It can also do wonders for the lymphatic system. A compress of the herb can be applied to any glandular swelling to treat it. Jim even uses mullein to help align his back. Just 7 drops of the tincture and a good stretch allow him to move on with his day when he is in pain. The effectiveness of mullein appears to be extensive to me and should be researched further. My Experience: I purchased mullein from Cambridge Naturals; they sourced it from Frontier Herbs. It almost resembles wool with oats sprinkled into it. My nose did not pick up much other than a bit of an “earthy” scent. Tea: 5 minutes: Once I got the tea to cool down, I started sipping. It tasted fairly bland or similar to a normal tea, which is good for patient compliance. I did not notice much of an immediate effect but I did find the warmth soothing on my scratchy throat. 30 minutes: Tea appeared a bit darker in color but still tasted about the same. Was also soothing to my throat. Oil: This was much easier to prepare than I had initially expected. I wanted to try mullein topically and found the oil to be a nice way to do so. I added a fair amount of dried mullein to olive oil, shook every once in a while, and let sit for 2 nights. I understand that this is not much time at all, but given our purposes, I figure I would at least try. I placed over 2 lymph nodes that appeared to be somewhat enlarged 3 times a day for 2 days. Along with the other preparations of use I did see a reduction in these nodes. I also rubbed some onto my throat, which was sore from frequently coughing, and this seemed to help. Smoking: I was a bit skeptical that smoking an herb could help my cough subside, considering smoking other substances tends to make most people cough. In reality, I did cough after smoking this, possibly because I already had a cough, but after about 20 minutes I did feel better. I did not have another “cough attack” for about 5 hours, which I found to be a great relief. The week overall: My cough has subsided somewhat and 2 of 2 slightly swollen nodes have gone down. I believe mullein was helpful and would use it again for these purposes.