Summary

Mullein has been used in western herbalism for over 2000 years. Both the leaves and flowers were used both orally and even smoked for ailments of the respiratory tract.

Mullein is a cross between a mucilage containing demulcent (like marshmallow) and a saponin-bearing expectorant (like licorice). In addition it possess some antiinflammatory and antispadmodic properties. It is used more for chronic than acute respiratory conditions and is primarily indicated for dry spasmodic coughs.

Research shows that it possess antimicrobial actions including antiviral, antiparasitic and antibacterial. Historically it was used for a variety of infections including worms, colds, pneumonia, tuberculosis but its efficacy has never been researched in human trials.

Indications

Respiratory
• bronchial irritation accompanied by dry cough
• chronic or sub-acute respiratory conditions
- bronchitis
- asthma
- hoarseness
• tuberculosis
• emphysema

Ear
• infections (adjunct in 'ear oils')
- otitis media
- otitis externa

Urinary
• chronic inflamed mucous membrane
- urinary tract infection (UTI )

Actions

Demulcent
• Expectorant
• Antitussive
• Vulnerary
• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Anodyne

Constituents

• Mucilage
• Saponins
• Flavonoids
• Essential Oils

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 2.5-5 ml tid
• Infusion (dried herb): 2 tsp tid

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002