Where to Buy Mullein Leaf: Benefits, Uses & Recipes

What is Mullein?

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a common weed that has been used medicinally since ancient times. Mullein leaves and flowers have traditionally been steeped in hot water to make herbal teas and tinctures used for treating respiratory problems like coughs, bronchitis, congestion and throat irritation.

Recently, modern research has shown mullein contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some key medicinal uses for mullein tea and extracts include:

Traditional Uses for Mullein

• Treating coughs and lung congestion
• Soothing sore throats
• Clearing mucus and respiratory secretions
• Anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs and throat

Mullein leaf has also exhibited antibacterial activity against certain strains of disease-causing bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. It also contains a variety of beneficial plant compounds like saponins, glycosides and anti-inflammatory flavonoids.

Where to Buy Mullein Leaf

Due to its resurgence in popularity, mullein leaf can be purchased from multiple sources both online and in-store. The most common preparations include:

Mullein Leaf Tea

Mullein tea bags can be found at many major grocery chains and health food stores like Whole Foods. Mullein is also a common ingredient blended into lung, throat and bronchial herbal tea formulations alongside other herbs like licorice root and thyme.

To make your own mullein tea at home, purchase dried mullein leaves in bulk loose leaf form or pre-packaged tea bags from online herbal retailers. Steep 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

Mullein Leaf Extracts & Tinctures

Alcohol and glycerine-based mullein extracts containing concentrated doses of mulleins beneficial compounds are widely available at health stores or online shops like Amazon and Vitacost.

These provide more potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in just small doses (usually 0.5 to 1 mL taken 1-3 times daily). Check product instructions for exact dosage recommendations.

Mullein Leaf Capsules

Mullein leaf powder is also encapsulated and sold in supplement form online and at pharmacies, health food stores and vitamin shops.

Capsules provide consistent concentrations of mullein without the hassle of brewing tea. Popular formulas combine mullein leaf powder with other lung-soothing herbs like thyme or elecampane for added therapeutic effects.

Dosage Guidelines

When taking mullein supplements, always follow manufacturers dosage recommendations. Some general dosage guidelines for mullein leaf include:

• Tea: 1-2g dried herb steeped per cup of water, up to 3 times daily
• Tincture: 1-4mL (1:5 w/v), 3 times per day
• Capsules: 400500 mg powdered extracts, 2 to 3 times daily with food

Is Mullein Leaf Safe?

According to clinical data, mullein leaf is generally considered safe with very minimal reports of toxicity or side effects at typical dosing ranges.

However, some people may experience skin irritation when applying it topically. Discontinue use if rashes develop.

Due to its gentle expectorant effects, mullein could potentially cause stomach upset or diarrhea in some cases. Reduce your dosage or discontinue use if these occur.

And as with any supplement, check with your doctor before taking mullein leaf extracts or capsules if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications that could interact.

How to Use Mullein Leaf

Mullein has a long history of medicinal uses for respiratory complaints thanks to its ability to soothe inflammation while stimulating coughs to expel congestion. Some ways you can use mullein leaf preparations include:

Mullein Leaf Tea

The most traditional method! Steeping mullein leaves for 10 minutes releases the herbs expectorant and soothing compounds into a simple mullein leaf tea.

Drink up to 3 cups of mullein tea per day to help clear chest and nasal congestion, suppress coughs, ease sore throat pain and reduce inflammation.

Throat Gargle/Rinse

Mix mullein tea or tinctures into warm salt water to create an antibacterial gargle that can help reduce throat swelling and flush out mucus, phlegm and bacteria from your throat and tonsils.

Gargle this mullein mixture 2 to 3 times per day when experiencing acute throat inflammation, pain or coughing fits.

Medicinal Steam Inhalation

Add a handful of dried mullein leaves or a few drops of mullein extract into a bowl of freshly boiled water. Drape a towel overhead and carefully breathe in the vapors to allow mulleins lung-soothing compounds directly into your airways.

Use medicinal steam inhalation once daily to relieve stuffy nose, chest congestion, bronchial irritation, coughs and other respiratory symptoms.

Herbal Smoking Blends

Mullein leaves are also commonly added into therapeutic smoking blends combined with other lung-cleansing herbs like coltsfoot, sage and lavender flowers. However, mullein should not be smoked by anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The Bottom Line

With uses dating back thousands of years for sore throat, cough and congestion relief, mullein leaf tea, extracts and tinctures can be easily purchased online or at health shops for those seeking natural respiratory remedies.

Thanks to its wealth of research backing its traditional applications alongside modern clinical data supporting potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity - this versatile herb offers a lot of potential benefits!

Just be sure to consult your doctor before using mullein supplements if you have any medical conditions or take other medications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.