What Is Mullein Tea? Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Healthline’s Process

At Healthline, we believe in transparency and accountability. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

- Advertisement -

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

What Is Mullein Tea?

Mullein tea is a flavorful beverage that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including chronic coughs, colds, and asthma. It is made from the leaves of the common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), a flowering plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Potential Health Benefits

Mullein tea has been linked to several potential health benefits, including:

May Treat Respiratory Conditions

Mullein has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory conditions. It may be especially effective at relieving asthma, which causes your airway to swell and results in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Animal and human research suggest that mullein tea works by reducing inflammation, thereby helping relax the muscles in your respiratory tract.

May Help Fight Viral Infections

Some test-tube studies suggest that mullein may possess powerful antiviral properties. For instance, one test-tube study analyzed several medicinal herbs and found that mullein extract was particularly effective against the influenza virus.

Possesses Antibacterial Properties

Mullein tea may also offer antibacterial effects. One test-tube study found that mullein extract inhibited several strains of bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, which commonly occurs in soil and food.

Safety and Side Effects

Most people can enjoy mullein tea safely with minimal risk of adverse effects. However, the mullein plant may cause skin irritation for some people, so be sure to exercise caution if you’re handling the herb directly. Additionally, no research is available on mullein tea’s safety for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so these populations should consult a healthcare professional before using it.

How to Make Mullein Tea

You can find prepackaged mullein tea bags, extracts, capsules, tinctures, and dried leaves at many health stores, as well as online. What’s more, many people grow mullein in their garden and dry the leaves on their own. To make the tea with dried leaves, simply add a small handful of them to an 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of boiling water, then steep them for 15–30 minutes. To prevent throat irritation, use a strainer or cheesecloth to remove as many of the leaves as possible. If you desire, you can add raw honey, cinnamon, or a lemon wedge.

Conclusion

Mullein tea is a flavorful and potentially beneficial beverage that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. While research in humans is limited, test-tube studies suggest that it may relieve certain respiratory conditions, fight viruses and bacteria, and offer antibacterial effects. This tea is easy to make at home and associated with very few side effects.

FAQs

Q: What is mullein tea?
A: Mullein tea is a flavorful beverage made from the leaves of the common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) plant.

Q: What are the potential health benefits of mullein tea?
A: Mullein tea may help treat respiratory conditions, fight viral infections, and possess antibacterial properties.

Q: Is mullein tea safe?
A: Most people can enjoy mullein tea safely with minimal risk of adverse effects. However, the mullein plant may cause skin irritation for some people, and there is no research available on its safety for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q: How do I make mullein tea?
A: You can find prepackaged mullein tea bags, extracts, capsules, tinctures, and dried leaves at many health stores, as well as online. You can also grow mullein in your garden and dry the leaves on your own. To make the tea with dried leaves, simply add a small handful of them to an 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of boiling water, then steep them for 15–30 minutes.