Mullein Leaf Uses for the Lungs, Joints, Skin and Earaches

Mullein leaf is a common weed that’s been featured in herbal medicine for centuries. The leaves, flowers and roots of the plant are often used by herbalists for the treatment of various inflammatory problems, diarrhea, asthma, coughs and other lung-related ailments as well as skin conditions.

With multiple active ingredients that feature antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive properties, the healing potential of mullein leaf is genuine but thus far, scant research supports its use for any medical condition.

Learn what mullein leaf is, its various uses and how it can be taken (such as mullein tea), plus what side effects to look out for.

What is mullein?

Mullein is the name for any of the over three hundred species of the genus Verbascum, which are large biennial or perennial herbs native to northern temperate regions, especially eastern Eurasia.

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows up to seven feet tall and features a single stem with large, thick, velvety leaves and pale-yellow, slightly irregular flowers. This is the type that you will most commonly find in stores.

Other names for mullein include Aaron’s Rod, Adam’s Flannel, American mullein, orange mullein and rag paper.

Mullein leaf can be used to make a nourishing tea that’s been used in folk medicine. You can buy mullein leaf tea at your local grocery or health store, or you can make your own at home.

Drinking tea from this yellow flowered plant may help to relieve issues like sore throat, cough, colds, hoarseness and bronchitis. Some even use it to ease digestive complains like diarrhea. To make the tea, the leaves are simply simmered in boiling water and then strained.

Research on the plant shows that it contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils.

It also contains approximately 3 percent mucilage, which is thought to be responsible for the soothing actions that the herb has on the body’s mucous membranes. Mullein’s saponins are believed to be the explanation for the herb’s expectorant actions.

Uses

There are many uses of mullein leaf, but most of the evidence for each of these uses is lacking. Many studies examining mullein for potential health benefits are in vitro (test tube) rather than human-based. Overall, more human trials are needed to know more.

1. Lung and respiratory support

The traditional use of mullein leaf has been treatment of lung and respiratory conditions like bronchitis, colds, dry coughs, sore throats, general hoarseness and tonsillitis.

The leaves contain plant compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps to rid the body of mucus and soothes the raw, inflamed tracts of your system, like your throat. Mullein has also been used as an asthma remedy because of its soothing impact on the bronchioles.

For remedying these lung-related conditions, mullein leaf is traditionally consumed in liquid form as a syrup or infusion. Often taken by itself, it can also be combined with other herbs like rosemary, hawthorn flower and mint.

2. Ear infections

Mullein has well-established analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral and astringent properties, making it a popular herbal remedy for ear ailments. Mullein extracts may be included in herbal ear drop formulations for ear infections, for example.

A tincture containing the plant alone or a combination of mullein and other herbs is commonly found in health stores (and online) as a natural remedy for ear infections and aches.

A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine examined children between the ages of 6 and 18 years who experienced ear pain (otalgia) and who were diagnosed with eardrum problems. It found that an herbal ear drop with mullein and other herbs was just as effective as an anesthetic one.

Traditionally, an ointment is made with mullein leaves, often infused with an oil like olive oil, and then used for ear pain relief. Consult your healthcare professional before attempting to use a mullein-based home remedy.

3. Joint pain support

Another traditional use of mullein leaf addresses joint pain, in particular bursitis and osteoarthritis.

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed.

Osteoarthritis is also characterized by inflammation, and the cartilage will break down over time. The most common locations for bursitis and osteoarthritis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip.

To help both conditions, a common remedy is preparing mullein tea, soaking a clean cloth in the warm tea, and then regularly applying the cloth over the affected region.

Research indicates that mullein has anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, in a 2024 rat-based study, a mullein chemical called kaempferol was found to help stop cartilage damage and reduce joint pain.

4. Skin burn and wound remedy

A common use of mullein leaf in herbal preparations is for skin burns or even wounds. Again, an ointment is created from the mullein leaves. Sometimes a poultice may be assembled with mullein and other ingredients to draw out a splinter or soothe a bruise.

A small human trial investigated how mullein may aid episiotomy wounds in new mothers. A mullein-based cream was used twice per day for 10 days, and it apparently helped heal the wounds.

5. Diarrhea

Mullein leaves and flowers may be infused in water and then consumed as part of a diarrhea remedy. Because diarrhea often results from an infection and cause inflammation, both issues may be addressed with mullein.

However, mullein helping to alleviate diarrhea has yet to be proven in human studies.

6. Potential disinfectant

Mullein oil is also known as a disinfectant that can help treat both internal and external infections. Research published in Medicinal Chemistry shows that the plant has antimicrobial properties and can be used for the treatment of infectious conditions.

Internally, it has been known to treat infections in the ears, colon, urinary tract (including a vaginal yeast infection) and kidneys. When applied externally, it may help to fight infections on the skin.

How to use

Mullein can be found in dried, powdered, capsule, tea, tincture and oil formulations at your local health store or online. You can make your own mullein tea at home.

If you can find mullein in the wild, you can make your own ointment using a pestle and mortar with a carrier oil like olive oil. You can also infuse the weed in water or olive oil.

Mullein tea

You can buy mullein tea prepackaged, but it’s also easy to make at home if you have some fresh or dried mullein leaves and/or flowers.

For sore throat, coughs and other upper respiratory issues, brew a strong mullein tea using one cup of boiled water and 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers in a tea ball (or strain after steeping). Let the mixture steep for 10–15 minutes. Drink at least one cup per day until symptoms improve.

Mullein oil

You can mullein oil that made from infusing the mullein plant in certain carrier oils, often olive oil. Some mullein oils only contain mullein while others may also use other herbal extracts like garlic and St. John’s wort.

You can also make your own mullein oil:

• Hot oil extraction: Combine 1 cup mullein flowers with 1/2 cup olive oil in a glass double boiler over a low flame. Heat the mixture slowly for about three hours. Allow to cool and then strain using cheesecloth to remove all plant parts. Pour the strained oil into dark glass bottles and seal tightly.
• Cold oil extraction: A cold mullein weed extraction can also be made by covering the flowers with olive oil in a glass container with a lid, set the container on a sunny windowsill to steep for 7 to 10 days, strain and store in dark glass bottles.

Mullein oil uses are widespread, often as ear drops or topically on the skin. Sometimes it’s even added to drinks or cooked with. Check with your healthcare professional before using.

Mullein extract

Mullein extract are usually tincture and meant to be taken orally. Like mullein oil, product directions may differ. They may instruct you to use as drops in the mouth or added to a drink.

Mullein cream

Mullein creams and salves are usually geared towards skin support and sometimes joint pain relief. Made with a collection of herbal and other ingredients, they’re applied to the skin in order to sooth, soften and/or protect skin that may be irritated, bruised or irritated.

Check with your healthcare professional before using and always do a skin patch test before applying to a larger area.

Mullein supplements

Most mullein supplements are capsules and are marketed for lung and immune support.

History

Mullein has a lengthy medicinal history for being a therapeutic astringent and emollient. Since ancient times, great mullein has been utilized as a remedy for skin, throat and breathing problems.

The ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist, Dioscorides recommended the herb for lung diseases of the lung. 

The fresh leaves boiled in milk and consumed daily is a traditional Irish folk remedy for tuberculosis.

In the Appalachia region of the U.S., the plant has historically been used to treat colds and upper airway infections. Additionally, the leaves have been applied topically to soften and protect the skin.

Mullein has historically been used in non-medical ways, too. People have used it to make torches and as a dyeing agent. Yellow mullein flowers have been used as a source of yellow hair dye. It’s also used as a flavoring ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

Some species have seeds that are considered toxic. The seeds of the species N. phlomoides in particular contain a type of poisonous saponin and are slightly narcotic. These seeds have been used to intoxicate fish, making them easier to catch.

Side effects and drug interactions

When used properly and for a short term duration, mullein side effects are highly unlikely. In general, the plant has no serious recorded side effects. However, there have been isolated case reports of people developing side effects like contact dermatitis.

Never use the herbal ear oil if your eardrum is perforated and make sure to consult a healthcare professional before using as a natural remedy, particularly if symptoms are serious.

In terms of interactions, mullein has been reported to inhibit the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs, and it may intensify the effects of muscle relaxants and lithium. If you’re taking prescription diuretics, you should talk to your healthcare professional before using the herb since it can also have a diuretic effect.

Mullein products are not recommended for nursing or pregnant women.

Conclusions

• Mullein is probably best known these days for its use as a key ingredient in herbal ear drops. Whether its for a child, an adult or beloved pet, mullein ear drops are an effective and well-researched remedy for ear complaints.
• But mullein’s impressive medicinal use doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s a tea or a tincture, mullein can be used to treat everything from colds, coughs and sore throat, to bronchitis, tonsillitis and asthma.
• Having ear pain from an external infection that needs disinfecting? You can try applying a mullein compress or oil.  Suffering from painful bursitis somewhere on your body? Mullein can come to the rescue once again.