Everything You Need To Know About Mullein Extract
You may have heard of mullein, but what can mullein extract do for you? Mullein is a common plant that is traditionally used for treating respiratory ailments, however it can also be used to treat earaches and other physical symptoms. The mullein flower is native to Europe and Asia and it has over 200 different species, it was naturalized to North America and it was then used medicinally. The most common medicinal forms of mullein extract are mullein tea, mullein root tincture and mullein drops.
Nutrition For Lung Health
We cant forget that food is medicine, and how we eat can affect how our bodies adapt and heal to environmental stresses. First, eat a variety of plant-based foods to load up on powerful phytonutrients, which help cleanse the body and keep it running optimally. Certain foods can be extra helpful after all the smoke exposure and those include:
- Garlic has;various anti-inflammatory properties along with a high level of allicin. This helps to fight infections and reduces inflammation.
- Ginger will help to clear your lungs thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can add ginger to various dishes, as it is a widely used herb. You can also use it to prepare ginger root tea blended with some lemon. This helps a great deal to remove toxins from the respiratory tract.
- Turmeric just like ginger and garlic, this spice is great for your lungs due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Apples are packed with flavonoids, vitamin E and vitamin C, apples have been studied for their beneficial effects on the lungs. Eating 3 or more a week have been shown to help decrease asthmatic attacks
- Water plays a huge role in health and is the base of any cleansing action. Pure, clean water is essential to keeping blood flowing to and from the lungs. It also keeps our lungs hydrated and increases healthy mucus production.
Heres to blue skies and fresh air ahead!
Other Medicinal Uses For Mullein
Mullein is also helpful as a topical wash or poultice. Eczema sufferers can drink mullein tea regularly for some longer-term relief, or mullein tea can be used as a wash for eczema flare-ups. A mullein poultice can be put on wounds, burns, bruises, frostbite, cellulitis, skin infections, hemorrhoids, and even staph infections.
Mullein root tincture is said to help with urinary issues. It is a mild astringent that aids in reducing inflammation of the bladder, without stimulating bladder or kidney function. It even helps to tone the muscles of the bladder, and helps relieve incontinence.
A mullein flower tincture is helpful in reducing swelling and pain associated with abscesses. The flowers are said to have more medicinal power. Mullein flower tincture tends to be quite sedative, so use caution when driving or operating machinery.
The bright, cheery mullein flowers can be infused in olive oil for a great remedy for earaches and ear infections. Garlic can also be added to this oil to increase its potency. This remedy, however, should only be used for a maximum of 3 days. If symptoms arent gone by then, you should seek medical assistance. This infused oil also helps to clear wax buildup in the ears. Here is a great source for mullein garlic ear oil.
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Mullein Tea Nutrition Facts
This tea has good concentrations of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins, all of which can have notable antioxidant effects on the;body. There is also a good amount of mucilage a specialized polysaccharide substance in this tea, which provides the anti-inflammatory coating on the throat.
Mullein tea is a flavorful beverage that is used to treat a number of ailments. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Mullein Tea Side Effects
There are some unwanted side effects of this plant, however, particularly if you consume this tea in excess. These side effects include bleeding problems, as well as skin irritation and respiratory distress if you happen to have an allergic sensitivity to this plant. Topical;dermatitis can also occur in some people. Generally, this tea is not recommended for pregnant women, or for those who are breastfeeding. As with many health remedies, be sure to speak with your doctor before adding mullein tea to your health routine.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Mullein Tea
Mullein plant tea does not have any documented potential risks on humans. The few reactions that may occur in some users are not fatal. Studies do not show any side effects on pregnant women as well. However, anecdotal evidence suggests expectant mothers avoid prolonged use of any compound that contains mullein. Other potential adverse effects mullein tea may cause include the following:
- Skin Irritation
Some individuals have reported skin irritation after using mullein extracts in tea and other forms. Avoiding the extract may cure the skin irritation in such people.
- Breathing Issues
Mullein leaves are fluffy and hairy. If they get stuck in the throat, they may cause breathing issues. This usually happens when you make the tea and do not strain the mixture well. In some isolated cases, people taking the tea have reported difficulty inhaling and inflammation of their chest walls. However, medical intervention is not required in most instances.
The side effects are not backed by research. Hence, if you experience any of them, visit your doctor right away.
Mullein tea is a flavored herbal drink with many medicinal properties. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this natural remedy may help in treating certain ailments, ranging from bacterial and viral infections to sleeping disorders.
Benefits Of Mullein Root For The Bladder
In addition to back pain, mullein root is also used to address a variety of urinary incontinence issues, including stress incontinence, pregnancy incontinence, menopausal incontinence, and childhood incontinence. It can also be used to assist those with interstitial cystitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia .11 For more information about mullein root uses for incontinence see Christa Sinadinos article in the references.;
Mullein root strengthens the bladder muscles. I am no longer a moon woman, having passed over the moon a few years back. Other than an occasional hot flash, I experienced no other discomforts associated with my new state of being ~ except, when I laughed too hard, tears rolled down my legs. Mullein root took care of that problem! Harvest the first year root, preferably in autumn, clean it well and dry it. Then grind it to a fine powder in a coffee grinder or blender and fill #00 capsules with the powder. Take two with each meal for six weeks. This is also excellent for children with weak bladders and the embarrassing side-effect of wet beds.;– Darcey Williamson12
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Natures Answer Mullein Leaf Extract
Natures Answer Mullein Leaf Extract uses 2000mg mullein leaves per serving to ensure there is pure extract within the bottle. The mullein extract comes in a 30ml bottle and the serving size is 2ml. The suggested usage for the Natures Answer brand is 1-2ml three times a day in a small amount of water as a dietary supplement. Always remember to shake the bottle well before using. As an alternative to Natures Answer Mullein Leaf Extract consider the range of high-quality mullein leaf products available from us at mulleinleaf.com.
Benefits Of Mullein Leaf For The Lungs
This past summer much of the western United States was choking on a constant cloud of thick smoke. Looking at a map of current wildfires made it seem that everything from Montana to California was on fire.;
In my own valley, the air quality was often listed as hazardous, with the recommendation to avoid going outside. Local emergency services handed out masks. A friend of mine with a newborn baby rarely left the confines of her house for months.;
Not everyone can stay inside, however, and it wasnt long before I started getting calls from folks wondering what they could do to protect their lungs.;
Enter mullein.;
Mullein leaf has long been loved for soothing the lungs and quelling coughs. It is a mild relaxant to the lungs and also a mild demulcent. It soothes inflammation and dryness often the causes of irritation for people with smoke exposure. In addition to the leaf, mullein flowers can have an added benefit to these dry irritated conditions. I often combine it with another demulcent such as mallow or . .
Mullein is wonderful for coughs and lung inflammation from all kinds of irritants and pathologies, whether it is particulate matter in the air or symptoms from asthma or an upper respiratory infection. Once you experience mulleins ability to soothe the respiratory system, youll be amazed at the power of this ubiquitous plant. Yet it is a gentle herb that is safe for children and the elderly.;
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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 .
Other test-tube studies show that mullein extract may also fight pseudorabies, a virus in the herpes family (
Nonetheless, human research is needed.
Medicinal Uses Of Mullein Grow Harvest And Use
July 6, 2020·In: herbs, natural living
Mullein is one of the most commonly noticeable wild foraged herbs. The medicinal uses of mullein are vast when it comes to respiratory and lung health. It even has antiviral and antibacterial properties. There are over 200 species of mullein, but common mullein is most often used for smoking mullein, mullein tea, and mullein tinctures.
Common Names: common mullein, Candlewick Plant, Torches, Our Ladys Flannel, Shepherds Staff, lady foxglove, Beggars Stalk .
Parts Used: leaf, flower, root
In this article, well go over the medicinal uses of mullein, how to smoke mullein , how to use mullein for ear aches, and more. We will also talk about the history of the plant and how its proving great promise through research in the fight against Tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections.
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Mullein Tea Is The Best Natural Lung Medicine
Mullein is a wonderful, healing medicine that nearly everyone in North America or Europe can find growing wild. You might not know its name, but you would probably recognize its silhouette and its fuzzy leaves. Mullein has so many medicinal qualities and uses, its a must-know herb for anyone interested in self reliance. Today were going to talk about mullein tea.
Mullein tea is a healing, nourishing drink that is the best natural lung medicine. It also has lots of other benefits, which we will discover here.
Mullein Has 7 Tremendous Medicinal Benefits
So many healing remedies abound in nature, and you can take advantage of them easily because mullein comes as a tea, herbal supplement, ear drop and more.
Today I want to teach you about mullein, a common plant that grows pretty tall, about 6 or 7 feet. Mullein is known botanically as Verbascum thapus. It has soft fuzzy leaves as well as gorgeous yellow flowers towering at the top. For a weed it has amazing medicinal benefits and practical uses that have been utilized for centuries. Common mullein blooms from June through September so its a good time for me to write about it.
Its also misunderstood and assumed to be an unwelcome weed but that perspective couldnt be further from the truth. Mullein has many generous offerings for us, and the medicinal properties rival that of many other so-called weeds like stinging nettle, plantain, Japanese Knotweed and yarrow.
Mullein is a bountiful plant, it grows in soils that are not very welcoming and it still blossoms beautifully giving us a sight to behold and many incredible benefits. For one thing, its incredibly relaxing, and it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, so much so, it has been used on painful joints, inflamed goiters and skin wounds.
May Reduce Goiter. Mullein is a strong anti-inflammatory and has been studied for its effect in reducing glandular inflammation of the thyroid. This condition is sometimes termed a goiter, and could be related to iodine insufficiency.
Mullein Hemorrhoidal Cream
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The 7 Best Teas For Asthma Relief
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Asthma is a chronic disorder that affects the lining of your airways, which become inflamed and narrow, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness (
Although there are many conventional treatments for asthma, some herbal teas may relieve symptoms.
Here are 7 teas that may provide asthma relief.
Benefits Of Mullein: Plant Preparations
Mullein Leaves
Dry the leaves for use in teas, nourishing infusions, or as a smoking or vaporizing herb. Strain teas through a coffee filter to avoid ingesting irritating hairs.
Leaves can be applied topically as a poultice. Whole/flat leaves can be frozen to preserve them as future poultice material.
Fresh or dried leaves can be used in an alcohol extract.;
- Fresh Leaf Tincture: 1:2, 50-60% alcohol.;
- Dry Leaf Tincture: 1:5, 50-60% alcohol
Suggested dosage for leaves:
- Tea: 10-30 grams per day
- Tincture: 90-120 drops, 3 times a day
Mullein Roots
Chop and dry for use in decoctions.
Chop, dry, and powder for use in capsules.;
Fresh or dried root can be used in an alcohol extract.;
- Fresh Root Tincture: 1:2, 90% alcohol
- Dried Root Tincture: 1:5, 50-60% alcohol
Suggested dosage for roots:
- Tincture: 30-60 drops, 1-3 times a day
Mullein Flowers
Dry the flowers for use in teas.;
Infuse fresh or freshly dried flowers in a carrier oil for earache remedies .;
Fresh or dried flowers can be used in an alcohol extract.;
- Fresh tincture: 1:2, 90% alcohol
- Dried tincture: 1:5, 60% alcohol
Suggested dosage for flowers:
- Tea: 5-10 flowers per cup, 3 cups daily
- Tincture: 30-90 drops, 3 times a day
The above dosage suggestions and tincture ratios were compiled from Michael Moore and Christa Sinadinos.;
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Wild Black Cherry And Chokecherry Bark
Photo © Stacey Cramp, excerpted from Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies
These common trees pop up after logging, wildfires, and in other disturbed soils such as yard and forest edges. They grow quickly and are prone to disease, so youre better off learning how to identify and wildcraft them than cultivating them. Prune branches up to one inch in diameter or cut down a whole young tree for medicine, shaving off the bark and chopping up small twigs. Wait until after flowering and dry thoroughly before using in remedies. Cherry bark is excellent for dry, irritated, spastic coughs and chest complaints including irritation from wood smoke and wildfires. It calms the spasms and helps open the lungs. It works nicely as a dry plant tincture , tea , or cold-processed honey or syrup. Learn more about wild cherry here.
The Science Of Mullein
There are many different mullein species, and studies show many have polyphenols, compounds which can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antiviral properties Some lab studies have shown Verbascum species to have antiviral activity against influenza A and herpes. One laboratory study found combining the medication amantadine with mullein increased antiviral activity against influenza.
Antibacterial properties Lab studies have shown mullein leaf has antibacterial properties in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including: Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus.
A CAUTIONARY NOTE: Mullein seeds are not to be ingested as they are mildly toxic! Although mullein leaves are soft to the touch, the fine hairs can cause skin irritation rashes in some people. Always consult with your primary care physician before adding herbs to your diet, particularly if you are taking prescription medications.
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Common Uses Of Mullein
Asthma: Mullein is well known for its positive effect on the respiratory system and is often used as a remedy for asthma. When taken as a tincture or tea on a regular basis, it is believed to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma related problems.
Cough: Mulleins benefits to the respiratory system make it a great choice for use as a cough remedy. Many herbal cough syrups contain Mullein.
Sore Throat: One of the reasons Mullein is so popular is that it soothes the pain associated with irritation from coughs and infections.;It does double duty when added to cough syrups or drank as a tea for respiratory ailments.
Ear Infections: Mullein is a common herbal remedy for ear infections. Known for its astringent properties and soothing effect, Mullein is very popular for use as ear drops.
As a Sedative or Legal High:;Mullein leaves have a mild sedative and narcotic properties. When smoked or added to teas, they can produce a mild, legal high.
The History Of Mullein
Mullein has been cultivated in large scales for centuries. It is one of the easiest wild herbs to grow, as it grows in soil that isnt well fertilized. In Ireland, mullein was cultivated extensively, and it was even sold in the capitals best chemist shops . Its still largely used today, especially with growing concerns of antibiotic resistant bacterias.
In the late 19th-century, a pharmaceutical trial showed that the herb was beneficial in cases of tuberculosis. Dr. Quinlan of St. Vincents hospital in Dublin, Ireland noted that it was a trusted popular remedy in Ireland for tuberculosis. The study stated that 6 out of 7 cases were successful in the treatment of tuberculosis by smoking mullein or drinking mullein tea.
Mullein has been used by cultures across the world for centuries, including native Americans, Europeans, Israelis, and Asians. It can be found even throughout desert regions like Northern Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, and India.
In the Middle Ages, mullein was used for skin and lung health in both cattle and humans. It is an herb that truly stretches across all generations and cultures.
The medicinal uses of mullein are far and wide, with extensive uses for tuberculosis and respiratory ailments affecting the lungs. Cultures have also turned to smoking mullein for cough and asthma. Using the flower stalks as torches, and as a medicinal ear ache cure when made into an infused oil, were also not uncommon.
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