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Home » Plant Profiles

Published: Jun 21, 2021 · Modified: Dec 7, 2021 by Kristen · Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Wonderful World of Mullein

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Let's learn about the wonderful plant Mullein (Verbascum) and its leaves, flowers & roots! What it is, where it grows, how to identify, foraging, uses, medicinal benefits and more.

fuzzy green broad leaves of the mullein plant lit by the sun

Here in Northern Arizona, mullein is one of the more plentiful plants you will find. Its broad fuzzy leaves and geometric design are an absolute delight to the senses. You'll likely find mullein stands apart when surveying a landscape, and rightly so. It is a wholly unique and beneficial plant. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of mullein!

Jump to:
  • What is Mullein?
  • Where Does Mullein Grow?
  • Identifying Mullein
  • Foraging Mullein
  • Mullein Benefits
  • Mullein Uses
  • Mullein DIY and Recipes
  • Fun Fact
  • Takeaways
  • 💬 Comments

What is Mullein?

Mullein is a biennial flowering plant of the genus Verbascum. This genus contains over 300 species of mullein. Verbascum thapsus is known as 'common mullein' or 'great mullein' and is the species most commonly used in herbal medicine making. Native to Asia, Mullein can now be found in most parts of the world and is considered invasive in some regions.

mullein growing in dry rocky terrain

Where Does Mullein Grow?

Mullein favors open landscapes with plenty of sun. It grows best in soil on the drier, sandier, rockier side. You will often find mullein growing in open meadows, the edges of forests and roadsides.

lush green mullein leaves growing in rocky soil

Identifying Mullein

The first tell-tale sign of mullein is stumbling upon a rosette of broad, fuzzy, velvet-like leaves. In its second year of growth, it will develop a tall, sturdy, upright stalk that eventually forms a cluster of densely packed yellow flowers at the top of the stalk.

a green mullein stalk in late summer just beginning to bloom small yellow flowers
Mullein flowers just beginning to bloom
a dried dead mullein flower stalk
mullein leaves blowing in the wind

Foraging Mullein

All parts of the plant, except the seeds, are safely edible and have medicinal benefits and uses. The seeds contain a poisonous substance called 'rotenone'.

Foraging Mullein Leaves

For best results, harvest leaves during the first year of growth before the plant develops a flower stalk, most likely during late spring and early summer. Take care with your hands, as the tiny hairs on the leaves can be slightly irritating for some.

Foraging Mullein Flowers

During the second year of growth, small yellow flowers will likely develop come late summer and early fall. Some plants develop a lot of flowers, and others are sparse. Pick the small yellow blossoms when they are open, being certain to leave some behind for pollinators.

Foraging Mullein Roots

Mullein has a long taproot and can be fairly challenging to harvest. Be patient and gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant until you reach the roots. The best time to harvest mullein roots is during the fall of the first year or spring of its second, before it flowers.

a tall mullein plant with mullein flower stalk in bloom with yellow flowers lit by sunset
I took this photo nearly 15 years ago. It was one of my first encounters with mullein (at sunset no less!).

Mullein Benefits

Mullein is an excellent ally for the respiratory system with its expectorant and soothing demulcent properties. It is also an analgesic with natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Mullein has rather potent anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, too.

a baby mullein plant growing in a rock

Mullein Uses

  • The leaves of the mullein plant are known as "nature's toilet paper" (with good reason!).
  • The leaves, fresh or dried, can be steeped to make a tea perfect for respiratory health. It is beneficial for those with asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia or anyone with a chronic cough. It is also an effective pain reliever.
  • The dried leaves can also be smoked or used in a steam bath for respiratory health.
  • The fresh or dried flowers can be used to make a wonderful infused oil beneficial for earaches.
  • The fresh or dried flowers can be steeped to make a tea beneficial for respiratory health and digestive health. Mullein helps remove excess of mucus in the intestines and also produces a healthy layer of mucus in the digestive tract to take its place.
  • The fresh or dried flowers can be used to make a tincture that makes a great pain reliever, respiratory tract ally and overall tonic with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
  • The fresh or dried flowers infused into oils and incorporated into skincare products can be immensely soothing and calming for skin irritations and conditions.
  • The dried or dead flower stalks make excellent torches! Once lit, they burn easily and evenly with a beautiful golden flame for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Mullein roots are beneficial to the urinary tract system.
  • Mullein roots are good for lower back pain.
mullein flower stalks torches growing in a green forest meadow

Mullein DIY and Recipes

*coming soon* In time, I will be sharing my favorite things to make with mullein on the blog. I will update this post as I do!

medicinal mullein leaves strong and growing

Fun Fact

Mullein can be a great indicator of soil health. If mullein has a strong straight stalk, the soil is healthy. If the stalk is growing crooked, this indicates that the soil is likely contaminated by chemicals.

young fuzzy mullein leaves perfect for foraging

Takeaways

As you can see, mullein is easy to identify, a great first foraging project, a wonderful health ally and can be used a multitude of ways. Keep your eyes open the next time you step out of your house and you may just make yourself a fuzzy friend!

Medical Disclaimer: All that I share here is based upon my lifelong relationship with plants. Please always do your own research and consult with medical professionals when needed.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Abby says

    January 10, 2022 at 3:13 pm

    This came up on my Google feed today because I've been researching Mullein lately. I have allergies and it's been helping with my sinus headaches but I didn't realize it was a pain killer. How do you prepare and use it for lower back pain?

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      January 14, 2022 at 5:15 pm

      Hi! Thank you for visiting. 🙂 As a pain killer, specifically for joints, muscles and the spine, you will want to take mullein internally either as a tincture or tea/infusion. You can purchase either of these or prepare your own. My favorite mullein tincture is to pack a jar about halfway with dried mullein leaves, then mix 3 parts vegetable glycerin to 1 part water and pour in the jar to cover. I then let it sit in a dark place for about a month before straining and using. I then use about 2mL, three times daily. As for tea, I simply stuff a loose leaf tea ball with dried mullein leaves and steep in a mug for at least 10 minutes (and sometimes a several hours) before drinking. I hope this helps!

      Reply

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Welcome! As a lifetime nature lover and pursuer of herbal wisdom, I wanted to create a place to share plant-powered DIY, guides, recipes, tutorials, plant profiles and more to inspire others to take creative charge of their lives and feel more confident in growing more self-sufficient and creating all that they need to take care of their own health, and that of their family's. Make a cup of tea, pull up a seat and enjoy!

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