Found growing wild along rocky embankments and gravel roadsides, mullein is a striking plant that has a long history of medicinal use. Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus, is a biennial, developing a leafy base its first year and then sending up a tall, flowered stalk the next year. Both the flowers and leaves of the mullein plant are valuable in the herbal treatment of respiratory disorders, including asthma. The FDA does not regulate the cultivation and production of herbal remedies, so there is no guarantee of their effectiveness, safety or quality. See your doctor before using herbs to treat medical conditions.
Asthma
When asthma strikes, bronchial airways narrow, making it difficult to draw a breath. Patients with asthma may experience wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mullein has a soothing effect on bronchial passages. Because asthma is a serious, and sometimes deadly, disorder, use this herb only under the supervision of a medical doctor, and only as part of your doctor's recommended treatment program.
Potential Benefits of Mullein
The mullein herb contains mucilage, which may be beneficial in soothing irritated bronchial tubes, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Other components that are potentially beneficial in reducing the swelling of bronchial passages include triterpene saponins and caffeic acid. Mullein may act as an expectorant for clearing mucus from bronchial airways. Clinical studies confirming these benefits, however, are nonexistent.
Methods and Dosing
Herbal tea is one method of using mullein leaves and flowers to treat asthma. The dried cut herb is available in health food stores. If you're using your own fresh mullein, harvest the leaves before the plant flowers and harvest the flowers just as they open.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water either over 2 tsp. of the fresh herb or 1 tsp. of the dried herb, and steep for 10 minutes before straining and sipping. Drink up to 3 cups per day. Sweeten with honey, if desired.
A Native American treatment for asthma involves drying and smoking the mullein leaves or burning the leaves in a fire and inhaling the rising smoke to open airways. Use mullein treatments only under a doctor's supervision.
Considerations
Do not use mullein seeds, which are toxic in some species of mullein. Harvesting fresh mullein may produce a skin rash in some people. Although mullein is generally safe for most people, smoking the herb is not advisable. General safety precautions include not giving this herb to children, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, unless directed to do so by a doctor.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 3"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Asthma; Definition
- Cox College: Drug Guide; CAM; Mullein; December 23, 2009
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.; 2000
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