Learn how you can use the common weed, mullein for a multitude of ailments. Using mullein, especially mullein leaves, can help boost your bodies health and resiliency. Mullein is excellent at fighting viral lung and respiratory illnesses.
![a tall mullein plant with flower stem](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicinal-Benefits-and-How-to-Use-Mullein-13-768x1024.jpg)
My first exposure to using mullein leaves was when I was a kid.
We would go over to our friends house about twice a year (they lived a whopping 1 hour away). We were all very much into doing things that might get us slightly hurt.
When we had a scrape or bruise someone would grab a mullein leaf and wrap it around the area.
Because of this, the plant was fondly referred to as the “band aid plant”.
Little did any of us know that these “band aids” that we were using, actually had some healing benefits!
We thought mullein leaves made excellent band aids because of how soft and fuzzy they were, but now I guess I will be teaching my kids to use mullein leaves as band aids as well!
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What is Mullein
Mullein is commonly known as a weed, but has many uses as a medicinal plant.
The scientific name of the mullein plant is, verbascum thapsus.
Mullein is in the Scrophulariaceae (or figworts) family.
Other common names include, flannel leaf, donkey’s ears, velvet plant, felt-wort, foxglove, Aaron’s rod, and tinder plant.
![close up of a mullein plant](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicinal-Benefits-and-How-to-Use-Mullein-15-1024x768.jpg)
Identification
Mullein is a biennial herbaceous plant. The leaves of mullein are green to grey in color and have dense, small hairs all over them.
The leaves grow in a small rosette the first year, and then branch out more in the second year of growth.
In the first year of growth, the mullein plant does not grow any flowers.
In its second year, mullein grows a tall stalk of yellow flowers from the middle of the rosette.
The leaves grow slightly up the flower stalk, and can reach up to 7 feet tall.
Where does Mullein grow
The mullein plant is a common weed native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, and has been introduced to North and South America, as well as, Australia.
Mullein, in general, grows well in poor soil. You can find it in neglected pastures and meadows, along roadsides, in the woods, on mountains, and in dry, sandy or rocky soils.
In other words, you can pretty much find mullein plants everywhere.
![two mullein plants](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicinal-Benefits-and-How-to-Use-Mullein-6-768x1024.jpg)
Benefits of Mullein
Mullein leaves contain antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, demulcent, and sedative properties.
These properties make mullein an excellent herb to help treat respiratory conditions, viral infections, sleeping problems, skin conditions, digestive upset, joint pain, muscle spasms, thyroid issues, headaches, and ear infections.
Mullein is easy and cheap to find, making it an easy, natural way to treat many common conditions.
Ailments Mullein may help
Some of the issues mullein leaves may help with include:
- asthma
- bronchitis
- cough
- congestion
- constipation
- ear infection
- insomnia
- gout
- inflammation
- migraine
- sore throat
![harvesting mullein leaves](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicinal-Benefits-and-How-to-Use-Mullein-4-1024x768.jpg)
Harvesting Mullein
Leaves: You should harvest mullein leaves in the spring of their first year through spring of their second year, before the flower stem emerges. The small, tender leaves are the best for harvesting.
Flowers: Harvest mullein flowers anytime after they are blooming.
Roots: To harvest the roots, dig them up anytime throughout the plant’s first year, up until the spring of its second year, before the flower stalk appears.
How to treat an ailment with Mullein
You can find and use mullein in many forms such as tincture, tea, or salve.
For lung issues or digestive upset, I recommend making and drinking mullein tea. You can also use mullein salve for your lungs by rubbing it on your chest.
For an ear ache or ear infection, make or buy mullein oil. Warm the oil slightly, and pour a small amount of the oil into the effected ear.
![a mullein flower stalk](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicinal-Benefits-and-How-to-Use-Mullein-12-768x1024.jpg)
How to Use fresh Mullein for wounds and bites
Method 1:
To use mullein to relieve pain and inflammation due to a wound or insect bite, you will only need some fresh mullein leaves.
Take the mullein leaves, and crush them, either using your fingers, a knife, or a mortar and pestle.
Apply the crushed leaves to the wound and let them sit there for 15-20 minutes.
Method 2:
Take the mullein leaves and steep them slightly, take them out of the hot water and let cool to the touch.
Apply to the wound or insect bite and let it sit on the effected area for 15-20 minutes.
Method 3:
Make mullein leaf tea, cool to the touch and apply as a compress to the effected area.
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Have you used mullein before?
If so, what did you use it for? Was it effective? Let us know in the comment section below!
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