The soft fuzzy lung herb for dry cough and respiratory ease.
These are the everyday prep instructions for Mullein — covered once here so each use case below can focus on what's specific to that purpose.
Mullein offers soft, soothing leaves that calm dry coughs and clear stuck mucus. It's been the classic lung herb of Appalachian and European folk medicine.
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaf in 8oz hot, steep 10-15 min, STRAIN through fine cloth (hairs irritate), 2-3x daily
What to look for when buying: Dried leaf and flower, tincture, infused oil (ear), and tea.
The general prep above applies to every use below. These cards explain what Mullein supports, why it works for each purpose, and what to notice.
Brew a steamy tea and sip slowly while breathing in the steam.
Lung-supporting herbs both soothe irritated airways and help clear stuck mucus. The steam adds warmth and moisture that loosens congestion within minutes.
Mullein is best known for lungs and breathing. Brew a steamy tea and sip slowly while breathing in the steam.
Mullein can be prepared as infusion (well-strained!), tincture, smoke, and infused oil. For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaf in 8oz hot, steep 10-15 min, STRAIN through fine cloth (hairs irritate), 2-3x daily
Mullein is sold as dried leaf and flower, tincture, infused oil (ear), and tea. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.
Airtight glass, cool dark; dried 1 yr
Mullein is generally safe around pets. Safe in small amounts; useful for respiratory issues in dogs As always, larger medicinal doses should be cleared with your vet.
Leaves and flowers; Europe, USA
In traditional herbal systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Mullein is considered cool, moist, and slightly bitter. Energetics describe how an herb feels in the body — cooling or warming, drying or moistening. They help match the herb to the person and the season.
Leaves and flowers; Europe, USA
Tradition: the classic lung herb of Appalachian and European folk medicine.
Energetics: Cool, moist, slightly bitter.
Common forms: Dried leaf and flower, tincture, infused oil (ear), tea.
Preparation methods: Infusion (well-strained!), Tincture, Smoke, Infused oil.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaf in 8oz hot, steep 10-15 min, STRAIN through fine cloth (hairs irritate), 2-3x daily
Airtight glass, cool dark; dried 1 yr
Generally safe; fine leaf hairs must be strained out of teas
Safe in small amounts; useful for respiratory issues in dogs
