Herbal Spotlight - Mullein

Breathe easy with Mullein, Nature’s respiratory herb   

Mullein has been used since ancient times in Western herbal medicine as a remedy for skin, throat and breathing problems. The ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist, Dioscorides recommended the herb for diseases of the lung. 

Actions of the herb Mullein 

Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. Demulcents are substances that calm irritation or inflammation in the skin or internal parts of the nose, mouth, or throat. Mullein has anti-catarrhal actions which helps the body remove excess mucous from the body. These specific actions of mullein are why it is a suitable herbal ingredient for respiratory conditions such as the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Mullein is also a vulnerary, which assists in the healing of wounds. 

Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)

Interestingly, Mullein is the common name for over two hundred species of the genus Verbascum, which have been around for thousands of years. Verbascum thapsus is the most common type of mullein you will find in complementary medicine products. Verbascum thapsus has a long history of use in herbal medicine, specifically to soothe the respiratory tract. 

Verbascum thapsus is a biennial plant, meaning it lives for two growing seasons. During its first season, it produces a gathering of fuzzy leaves. The second year, the plant produces a tall stalk from the top that grows small yellow flowers. The leaves are harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either fresh or dried in herbal medicine. 

How we use Mullein   

Like many Western Herbs, there is ongoing research into the benefits of Mullein. At Nature’s Sunshine we are passionate about using the traditional evidence used for centuries.  Traditionally, in Western herbal medicine practice, Mullein is recommended at a minimum dose of 2g of dry root leaves a day. Each capsule of Nature’s Sunshine Mullein contains 340mg mg of Verbascum thapsus leaf powder. Therefore, we recommend a total of 4 capsules, three times a day a day.  

 Always read the label. Follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. For adults use only