How to Harvest and Dry Mullein for Medicinal Uses

An Introduction to Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. Also known as common mullein or woolly mullein, it is native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia. This tall plant has large fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. Mullein grows commonly in the wild and has naturalized throughout much of the world.

Mullein leaves and flowers have a long history of medicinal use, particularly for respiratory ailments. Traditional uses of mullein include treating coughs, bronchitis, asthma, sore throats and hoarseness. The leaves contain mucilage, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and other beneficial compounds. Mullein also has mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and sedating properties.

Today mullein leaf is available as a bulk herb, tea, tincture, extract, capsules and lozenges. Both the leaves and flowers can be utilized. Mullein continues to be a popular herbal remedy for supporting lung health and soothing throat irritation.

How to Harvest Mullein

If you have access to mullein growing in the wild, you can easily harvest the leaves and/or flowers for drying yourself. Look for healthy mullein plants with vibrant leaves. Ideally the leaves should be gathered before the plant flowers in summer.

Use gardening shears or scissors to carefully cut the leaves near the base of the plant. Choose leaves that are vibrant green in color, not yellowing or distressed. Harvest the leaves in the morning after any dew has evaporated but before the day warms up. This helps preserve the vital constituents in the leaves.

The mullein flowers can also be harvested once they bloom. Pick the flowers individually or snip off entire flower spikes. Choose flowers that are fully open and vibrant yellow in color. Pick the flowers in early to mid-morning after dew has dried.

Avoid harvesting mullein after significant rain or if water is still present on the leaves and flowers. Wet harvesting can cause the leaves to turn black during drying. Also avoid picking mullein that is located near high-traffic areas or other potential contaminants.

Cleaning and Rinsing

Once harvested, the mullein leaves and flowers should be rinsed gently but thoroughly. Place the plant material in a colander and spray with cool water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also submerge the leaves/flowers in cool water and swish them around gently to rinse.

Be sure to discard any plant matter that is discolored or damaged. Healthy leaves will be vibrant green and flowers bright yellow after rinsing.

How to Dry Mullein

Mullein leaves and flowers can be dried using several methods. Air drying works well and requires minimal equipment. Dehydrators or ovens can also be used to speed the drying process. Proper drying is essential for preserving mullein’s medicinal potency.

Air Drying

Air drying is the traditional method for drying mullein. Simply spread out the fresh leaves or flowers on screens, trays or baskets in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Make sure there is adequate airflow around the plant matter. Turn the leaves/flowers periodically.

Leaves will be fully dried in around 4 days. Flowers may take 1-2 weeks to thoroughly dry. The plant matter is ready when all moisture has evaporated and the leaves/flowers are brittle.

You can also hang small bundles of mullein to air dry. Use cheesecloth or muslin bags to contain the leaves or flowers. Hang in a warm place with good airflow. Keep the plant matter loosely packed for optimal drying.

Dehydrator

Using a food dehydrator is an ideal way to quickly and thoroughly dry mullein leaves. Arrange the rinsed leaves in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry at 95 to 115°F until the leaves are crispy, about 1 to 4 hours.

Flowers can also be dried in a dehydrator but will take longer, around 4 to 8 hours. Rotate the trays and check frequently to ensure even drying. Lower temperatures (90 to 100°F) are better for preserving volatile oils in the flowers.

Oven

The oven can also be used to dry mullein. Spread leaves or flowers in a single layer on trays or baking sheets. Dry at the lowest possible oven temperature, ideally between 95 and 115°F. Prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.

Leaves typically take 1 to 3 hours to fully dry in the oven. Flowers may need up to 6 hours at low temperatures. To prevent scorching, check frequently and remove immediately once dried.

Tips for Drying Mullein

• Dry the leaves and flowers quickly after harvest to preserve potency.
• Use screens or mesh racks to allow airflow around and under plant matter.
• Keep plant matter in a single thin layer for optimal drying.
• Drying temperature should not exceed 115°F.
• Dry away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of volatile oils.
• Leaves and flowers are fully dry when brittle and crumbly.
• Store in sealed, airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Using Your Dried Mullein

Once thoroughly dried, mullein leaves and flowers can be used to make herbal preparations at home. The dried herb retains its beneficial properties and can be stored for future use. Some ways to use dried mullein include:

Tea

Add dried mullein leaves or flowers to hot water to make a light, aromatic tea. Drink mullein tea to soothe coughs, sore throats, congestion and lung irritation. It has a pleasant, slightly woody taste.

Tincture

A concentrated liquid extract can be made by soaking dried mullein leaves or flowers in alcohol for several weeks. Strain out the herb and the remaining liquid is a potent medicinal tincture.

Syrup

Simmer dried mullein leaves in honey or syrup to create a medicinal cough syrup or extract that can be mixed with tea. The honey soothes irritation while carrying the herbal compounds.

Smoke

Dried mullein leaves can be smoked to provide immediate relief for lung congestion. The herb contains mucilage that coats and soothes the membranes.

Dried mullein can also be added to herbal smoking blends in place of tobacco.

Capsules

Fill gelatin capsules with dried, powdered mullein leaves or flowers for a convenient lung support supplement. Take mullein capsules with water for coughs, asthma or bronchitis.

Safety Precautions

Mullein leaf is generally considered safe when used appropriately as an herbal remedy, but some precautions should be observed:

• Avoid excessive use. Stick to recommended doses.
• May cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Discontinue use if rash occurs.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of safety research.
• Avoid if you have an allergy or sensitivity to mullein or related plants in the Scrophulariaceae family.
• May interact with certain medications, including lithium. Consult your physician before use.

Conclusion

With its long history of traditional use, mullein leaf has proven to be an effective and safe herbal remedy. Learning how to properly dry mullein at home can provide you with a supply of this useful herb year-round. Air drying is an easy method that retains the plant's medicinal compounds. Dehydrators and ovens allow for quicker drying times. Use your dried mullein to make tea, tinctures, syrups, smoking blends and other herbal preparations.

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.