Mullein is a plant used in herbal medicine for coughs and sore throats. It has mild antibiotic properties and reduces swelling in the throat. Mullein has a long history of use, but should be discussed with a physician before use as it may interact with some medications.
Mullein can actually refer to various plants in the genus Verbascum. In herbal medicine, the most widely used species is Verbascum thapsus, which is native to Europe but has spread throughout most of the world. This particular herb was once used specifically in the treatment of scrofula or tuberculosis, as well as a daily remedy for coughs, sore throats, and colds.
Today, you can still find this nutritional supplement in many herbal cough and sore throat medicines. Although the herb is believed to be safe for most people, and certainly has a long history of use by a variety of cultures, it is often mixed with other herbs, which may not have a proven record of safety. Most doctors who recommend herbal treatments suggest trying the herb only if you are trying to treat a sore throat or cough, rather than using it in a preparation that contains other herbs.
There is scientific evidence, as well as several millennia of anecdotal evidence, that mullein works well for coughs and sore throats. It may have mild antibiotic properties that can prevent infection, and it tends to reduce swelling in the throat and mucus buildup. When used in this way, people may opt for an elixir form of the herb or a mullein tea. Of course, hot tea is traditionally soothing for coughs and sore throats, no matter what’s in it. The herb can taste bitter if you are using it as a tea, so you may want to add some lemon or mint to reduce the taste.
Mullein is known by a large number of synonyms, including:
Tinder plant, Quaker rouge, Mullein, donkey ears, candlestick, witch’s cone, Aaron’s rod, velvet plant, and flannel sheet.
The large number of synonyms can be explained by their widespread use. The use of plants dates back at least to the ancient Greeks, and was brought to the New World with the first settlers. It has been associated not only with healing, but with a number of other practices. In the Middle Ages, until the mid-18th century, mullein was thought to repel evil spirits. Mullein torches were used by miners during the California Gold Rush and called the plant miner’s torch. It has sometimes been used as a cosmetic source. Quaker’s name Rouge derives from the practice of rubbing mullein across the cheeks to bring on a blush. The herb has also been used to lighten hair.
There are some people who should avoid mullein. Diabetics should not use it as it can make their medications less effective. People taking lithium or tranquilizers may become much more drowsy, as the herb tends to make these medications more effective. As with any herb, the use of this medication in any form should be discussed with a licensed physician. It is classified as a nutritional supplement and therefore is not evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration for safety, purity, or effectiveness.
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