Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a common herbaceous plant with a long history of use in traditional wellness practices. This biennial species, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, is now widely naturalized across North America, often appearing in disturbed soils and along roadsides. It was brought to the Americas by early settlers who recognized its value as a medicinal herb.
Identifying Mullein and Safe Harvesting Locations
Positive identification of Verbascum thapsus is the most important step for safe harvesting. The plant is a biennial, meaning its life cycle spans two years. During its first year, it presents as a basal rosette of large, pale gray-green leaves that lie close to the ground. These leaves are covered in dense, soft, woolly hairs, giving them a felt-like texture.
In the second year, the plant sends up a tall, solitary flower stalk that can reach up to seven feet high. This stalk is covered in small, five-petaled yellow flowers that bloom a few at a time throughout the summer. To ensure the harvested material is clean, avoid collecting plants situated near high-traffic roads, industrial zones, or fields treated with pesticides. Selecting a location away from potential contaminants prevents the accumulation of harmful residues.
Specific Harvesting Techniques
The two primary components of mullein used for herbal purposes are the leaves and the flowers. Leaves are best harvested during the plant’s first year when they form the basal rosette, or from younger plants before the flower stalk fully develops in the second year. When collecting leaves, use clean scissors or shears to snip only a few of the larger, healthy outer leaves from each plant. This sustainable practice ensures enough foliage remains for the plant to continue photosynthesis and complete its growth cycle.
Mullein flowers are harvested from the second-year stalk, typically during the summer months when they are freshly opened. Since only a few flowers open each day, it is often necessary to visit the plant daily to collect them. The tiny yellow flowers are delicate and should be gently plucked by hand or with tweezers.
Immediately after harvesting, all plant material must be spread thinly on a clean surface, like a screen or paper towel, and placed in a warm, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight. Thorough drying is necessary to prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which can easily occur due to the leaves’ thick, moisture-retaining nature.
Preparation Methods for Consumption and Application
General Preparation
Once the mullein leaves and flowers are completely dry, they can be prepared into several forms. Proper drying involves ensuring the material is brittle and crumbly, which can take several days to a week depending on the humidity. The dried material should then be stored in an airtight container away from light to maintain potency.
Infusion (Tea)
The most common preparation is an infusion, or tea, made from the dried leaves. To make mullein tea, pour eight ounces of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of dried mullein leaf. The mixture should steep for 10 to 15 minutes before consumption. A critical step involves straining the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter. This step removes the fine, irritating trichomes, or hairs, covering the leaves that can cause throat irritation.
Infused Oil
Mullein flowers are often used to create an infused oil for topical application. To prepare this, fill a small, clean jar with dried mullein flowers and cover them completely with a carrier oil, such as olive oil. The jar should be sealed and allowed to infuse in a sunny or warm location for two to three weeks, or up to a month, with occasional shaking. After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove all plant matter and store the final product in a dark bottle.
Tincture
A longer-lasting method of preparation is a tincture, which uses alcohol to extract the plant’s compounds. This process involves filling a jar about three-quarters full with dried mullein leaves and covering them with a high-proof alcohol, such as vodka. The sealed jar is stored in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks, shaken occasionally, and then strained before the concentrated liquid is transferred to a dropper bottle for use.
Traditional Applications of Mullein
Mullein has historically been prized for its use in supporting respiratory function. Traditional herbalism often utilizes mullein leaf tea as a demulcent and expectorant. The compounds in the leaves, including saponins and mucilage, are thought to help soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat and lungs. This preparation is frequently employed to address symptoms associated with coughs, bronchitis, and general hoarseness.
The infused oil prepared from mullein flowers has a primary traditional use as a topical application for ear discomfort. The oil is gently warmed and applied in drops to the outer ear canal to help ease pain and irritation. Any herbal preparation should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, and caution must be taken to ensure the eardrum is intact before applying any oil into the ear canal.