Mullein (which rhymes with sullen), with its striking yellow leaves, has a long history as a healing herb. It gained a reputation as a respiratory remedy very early and which endures to this day.
Mullein Has Been Used in the Treatment of Asthma for Centuries
Mullein was introduced to the North American continent by English colonists. It was quickly adopted by Native American tribes for treating coughs, bronchitis and asthma. In addition to treating asthma, coughs and bronchitis with Mullein, the English Eclectics prescribed it for treating tonsillitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and urinary tract infections.
Contemporary herbalists recommend Mullein internally for treating coughs, colds, sore throat and a myriad of other respiratory complaints.
Mullein grows everywhere and is particularly hard to miss. It is a weed with a rod like stem, velvety leaves, and striking yellow flowers. Before the discovery and use of cotton, Mullein leaves and stems were used by the ancients as candle wicks — hence the adoption of the name ‘Candlewick Plant.’
Mullein’s proponents consider it a powerful bronchial congestion remedy and, at least for some asthma sufferers, has producedimmediate and pronounced beneficial effects. Mullen Oil, taken in teas and fruit juices, has been effective in immediately relieving asthma attacks in some asthma sufferers. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in absolutely no benefit or relief for other asthma sufferers.
Scientists have been unable to isolate why Mullein Oil is so selectively effective for treating asthma in some people, while having absolutely no effect with others.
If you’re an asthma sufferer that hasn’t tried Mullein, you may want to. If you’re a part of the selective group that benefits from its properties, you can enjoy immediate relief from asthma attacks by drinking your favorite tea or fruit juice mixed with Mullein Oil.
Mullein is available for sale all over the world. It is available as an oil, dried leaves (for making Mullein tea), and as a tincture. Mullein is also known as: Candlewick Plant, Torches, Velvet Dock, Flannel Plant, Feltwort, Aaron’s Rod, Shepherd’s Staff, Lungwort.
This blog rocks! I gotta say, that I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,
A definite great read..
-Bill-Bartmann
@ Bill
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi I am new here. I am sorry if this is the wrong place for this post but I was hoping some one here on http://www.azmacare.com would be able to assist me to choose the right place to buy mullein.
@ SHIERMSMINY >>> If you take a look below the main text on the article above, you will find some links to sites which I recommend for buying mullein (and which I have had pleasant shopping experiences with). Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by.
@CinaPat thanks for the compliment >>> yes, feel free to link to this article from your blog. I appreciate the link love!
Hi, I am also an asthma victim with recent onset. I am a professional who works everyday and lives with symptoms that never seem to subside. I too read everything that is available on “how to” live with asthma without taking medications.
In Arizona, mullein is harvested from off-road sites that are considered clean (avoid heavy traffic areas). The younger plants are best for harvesting and one should avoid pulling plants from the ground as the young leaves are the best source for drying and making tinctures. The roots will also produce a new plant in the spring. As mullein does not transplant, the seeds are harvested in the fall and sown in garden areas.
Growing up in the applachian mountain region, mullein was a household herb used for respiratory problems with both young children and older adults. Typically mullein was taken daily as a tea. Web sites are now available with instructions on making tinctures. Mullein can be burned in a small container and the smoke inhaled for immediate relief during an asthma attack (if mullein works for you). Cody, thanks for the opportunity to let others know that mullein can be safely harvested and used to prevent or lessen the severity of asthma.
@Rancher >>>> Thanks for dropping by and contributing the great tips on mullein harvesting as well as correct mullein usage. I get a ton of traffic and emails from people looking for exactly what you’ve just provided!
You’re more than welcome to come back anytime and share some more of your knowledge with us.
Also, although I feel as though you don’t need to thank me for anything, I’m very happy that you’ve found something I’ve written of some use.
Never underestimate your power to change yourself and help yourself heal!
Cody, The new research on tylenol type medications is beginning to take the front stage in asthma research. Go to “science daily” and look at the body of research.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of 19 clinical studies (total subjects=425,140) that compared the risk of asthma or wheezing with acetaminophen exposure.
The analysis showed that the pooled odds ratio (odds ratio for all studies combined) for asthma among users of acetaminophen was 1.63. The risk of asthma in children who used acetaminophen in the year prior to asthma diagnosis or in the first year of life was elevated to 1.60 and 1.47, respectively.
Furthermore, results showed a slight increase in the risk of asthma and wheezing with prenatal use of acetaminophen by mothers. Researchers speculate that acetaminophen’s lack of inhibition of cyclooxygenase, the key enzyme involved in the inflammatory response of asthma, may be one explanation for the potential link between acetaminophen use and asthma.
What do you think? I have been taking antihistamines (chlortrimeton) for 5 days and have reduced my asthma attachks from 3-4 each day to 1 in the 5 day period. This involved one tablet in the morning and one before bed. Would others like to consider a simple solution and let me know the results? Thanks for the opportunity…
@ Rancher >>>> Thanks for your informative post!
I will be looking into this >>> have not done much research lately in causes. I have been spending most of my time looking into herbal solutions. After reading your post, though, I will most certainly take a look at the “Science Daily” site and read through the research. Thanks for the heads up >>>> good info always helps!
Nice results from the chlortrimeton.
Please keep us posted, as this would indeed be a simple solution for many folks. I will also be doing some research into it myself.
I’ve been using the generic brand for Mucinex with the decongestant and it seems to really help the ball of flem in the middle of the throat from the Asthma. I’ve also been using Breathe Right tea which has Mullein in it. It helps alot. I’m trying to stop using the inhalers.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for stopping by and also thank you for your input.
My wife and I have found considerable relief using several herbal combinations. If you have some time, take a look at my articles on ASHMI, Phytocort and Lingzhi Mushrooms. They may be of some help to you.
Good luck and say hello every once in a while!
~Cody