| The mullein is a genus of about 250 species of | | | | components. |
| flowering plants. They are all part of the figwort | | | | Recent research has determined that the saponins, |
| family. Mullein plants can be found growing natively in | | | | mucilage, and tannins in this herb contribute to the |
| Europe and Asia. The highest species diversity can be | | | | soothing topical effect that it possesses. These |
| found in the Mediterranean region. The mullein plant is | | | | properties are ideal for treating lung ailments, coughs, |
| a biennial or perennial plant that grows from 0.5 to | | | | colds, asthma, whooping cough, and emphysema. |
| three meters tall. They have leaves that are spirally | | | | Also, this herb is suggested for pain, as a sleep aid, a |
| arranged and often densely hairy. The flowers have | | | | laxative, and to get rid of warts. One study |
| five symmetrical petals and can be yellow, orange, | | | | concluded that mullein inhibits the growth of bacteria, |
| red-brown, purple, blue, or white depending upon the | | | | which is a known cause of tuberculosis in vitro. |
| species. | | | | The leaves of the mullein plant are used to provide |
| Mullein was suggested to be used in treating eye | | | | analgesic, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, antitussive, |
| problems, tonsillitis, coughs, stings, and toothaches by | | | | astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, mucilant, |
| Dioscorides. This herb was first introduced to | | | | and vulnerary properties. The primary nutrients found |
| America by the early European settlers. Native | | | | in this herb are calcium, iron, potassium, sulfur, and |
| Americans used mullein to treat lung problems, with | | | | vitamins A, B-complex, and D. Primarily, this herb is |
| some tribes even smoking the leaves to treat | | | | extremely beneficial in treating allergies, hay fever, |
| asthma. Mullein was used during the Civil War for | | | | asthma, bleeding of the bowels, bleeding of the lungs, |
| respiratory problems. It was made into syrup for | | | | bronchitis, colds, sinus congestion, coughs, croup, |
| coughs. Dr. Edward Shook referred to mullein as a | | | | diarrhea, dysentery, earaches, emphysema, glandular |
| great herb for treating tuberculosis and other lung | | | | problems, hemorrhages, insomnia, swollen joints, lung |
| problems. | | | | disorders, lymphatic congestion, irritated membranes, |
| Mullein is traditionally well known for its use in treating | | | | nervousness, pain, pleurisy, pulmonary disease, and |
| respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, | | | | tuberculosis. Additionally, mullein is very helpful in |
| coughs, tuberculosis, and congestion. The herb can | | | | dealing with bruises, constipation, diaper rash, edema, |
| help to loosen mucus from the respiratory and | | | | eye problems, intestinal problems, menstrual |
| lymphatic systems. Mullein both nourishes and | | | | symptoms, mumps, skin disorders, sore throat, |
| strengthens the lungs. This herb is also used to | | | | toothaches, tumors, venereal diseases, ulcers, warts, |
| relieve pain, soothe hemorrhoids, treat burns and | | | | and wounds. |
| bruises, and to induce sleep. Mullein has a calming | | | | In order to obtain the best results when |
| effect on tissues that are inflamed and irritated | | | | supplementing with this, or any herb, it is important |
| nerves. Mullein helps to control coughs, cramps, and | | | | to consult your health care provider before beginning |
| spasms. In tea form, this herb is good for dropsy, | | | | any regimen while on medications. For more |
| sinusitis, swollen joints, and can be applied to mumps, | | | | information on the many beneficial effects provided |
| tumors, a sore throat, and tonsillitis. Though this herb | | | | by mullein, please feel free to consult a |
| has been used traditionally for centuries, there is still | | | | representative from your local health food store with |
| very little information known of its healing | | | | questions. |