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 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 produced immediate and pronounced beneficial effects. Mullein, 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 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 Mullein Tea or mixed in your favorite or drinking your favorite fruit juice mixed with Mullein Extract.
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.
Bill Bartmann says
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
Cody Wells says
@ Bill
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
SHIERMSMINY says
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 https://www.azmacare.com would be able to assist me to choose the right place to buy mullein.
Cody Wells says
@ 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! :)
Rancher/Arizona says
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.
Cody Wells says
@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. :)
harleyguy says
Never underestimate your power to change yourself and help yourself heal!
Cody Wells says
@ harleyguy: Agreed!!! Thanks for dropping by.
~Cody
Rancher/Arizona says
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…
Cody Wells says
@ 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.
Mary Hughey says
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.
Cody Wells says
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 and Lingzhi Mushrooms. They may be of some help to you.
Good luck and say hello every once in a while!
~Cody
Gena says
Hi Cody,
I live in Chesapeake, VA and have just recently noticed a plant in my yard that is everywhere and that a couple people have told me resembles young mullein. As I say, it is all over both front & back yards, and while the leaves are definitely fuzzy, they are not large, as some sources seem to indicate mullein is. In fact, some of them have a more tapered appearance. Is there some way I could send you photos of the plant in question so you could perhaps help me identify it as mullein (or something else)? Thanks so much for your help!
Gena
Cody Wells says
Hi Gena,
I received your PM. I hope you received mine.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be any more helpful!!
Good luck.
Mike says
I just started getting Laser acupuncture and taking mullein capsules for my asthma because I am also tired of using Symbicort. I am hoping it can do for me like I have seen it has done for a lot of people and help. I am 38 and was just diagnosed with asthma at 36 and it came on about a month after recovering from a major surgeery. Are the capsusels as effective as the oil or leaves?
Cody Wells says
Hi Mike,
Thanks for dropping by! I’m not a doctor or medical professional, so I’m not the one to ask medical questions to, nor can I answer any medical questions. I can say that it is always best to be cautious and to please keep taking your medication unless you absolutely know and have verified that you don’t need it any longer! Please be careful.
To try to answer your question about the mullein, from my own personal experience and everything I have read or heard, alot of folks are finding the mullein oil to be their personal preference. Can’t discuss your results as everyone is different and there’s no way to predict. I’d try every option and see which seems to work the best for you. Hope that helps.
I hope that the acupuncture and mullein combo helps you and provides some relief. Please let us know how things are going after a few months. :-)
Sharon says
Cordyceps mushrooms cured my asthma. ( I use New Chapter brand ) I had been on Symbicort daily for years, to control my asthma, and wanted off it soooo badly. Found out about those mushrooms, started taking only two capsules daily…once in the morn. and once in the later afternoon on an empty stomach, and within 2 days… no need for Symbicort or my rescue inhaler! Been breathing free since! ( Feb. of 2013 is now 4 months! ) Still completely amazed and in shock!
Cody Wells says
That’s fantastic Sharon. We had very positive results with mushrooms also!! (See my article on Lingzhi Mushrooms)
Thanks for dropping by and continued good health.
~Cody
eugene edwards says
hi im interested in combing dried mullen leaf with dried dutchmans breeches leafs. sence mullen is good for dyerea and dutchmans couses it will the two conter act each outher?
Cody Wells says
Hi Eugene,
Thanks for dropping by!
I’m sorry but I don’t know the answer to your question. I wish I could help, but I wouldn’t have a clue. (I’m not a doctor or a medical practitioner of any kind, nor am I trained in herbal medications)
If you’ve got an apothecary nearby your home or workplace, you may be able to get an answer there.
Sorry I couldn’t be of any more help & good luck!
~Cody
Jill says
I gathered today & plan to use the mullein leaves for my son’s asthma. He suffers daily and I am not on board with all of these new medications that have bad side effects. I sure hope it helps !
Cody Wells says
Hi Jill,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope that your son finds some relief also. Good luck & please let us know how things turn out.
Also, please be very careful and be sure to consult with your son’s doctor or medical practitioner. Take your time and do as much research as you can. Different things work (or don’t work) for different people, so try not to get frustrated or desperate. As bad as the side effects are for your son, his medications are helping to keep him alive and breathing.
~Cody
Barbara says
hi Cody,
How much Mullein Oil do you add to juice?
Thanks!
Cody Wells says
Hi Barbara,
I am so sorry for not getting back to you sooner! I am absolutely swamped at the moment. Still, I’m very sorry for the delay!!
Below are some versions of Mullein which are available on amazon & which have directions printed right on the packaging:
Hope this helps & sorry again for the delay!! :-)
~Cody
Mike Wood says
Mullein grows wild throughout the US as well. I have found it very prolific in Utah and the west both in the mountains and desert. It is not a hard plant to identify and find in the wild.
Cody Wells says
Hi Mike,
Thanks for dropping by & you’re exactly right. Very common throughout the US. I’ve had a bunch of pm’s from folks picking leaves from mullein plants they discovered on the roadside &/or near hiking trails.
Thanks again.
~Cody
tom nelson says
*I have sever COPD I have been told smoking mullein leaf can help in the healing of my lungs, i’m not sure about putting smoke in my lungs at this point I’m 68 years young, but my doctor told me to go home and relax because i had burned up my lungs and there is nothing i can do and to get my business in order because i didn’t have much time left. Well guess what i went right out and started rehab and just finished twenty session this Thursday and did really good at rehab.I take spiriva and dulera. I’m trying to get away from the drugs, they had me on simacore and it damaged my eye sight and i’m having surgery for that real soon.Please share anything you have with me, as i need some help, thanks tom
Cody Wells says
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for dropping by & I am very sorry to hear of your troubles. I personally have no experience with dealing with COPD, or with smoking mullein to help with breathing issues.
Below are links to three recommended resources that may be of some help to you:
1. http://copdforum.portalone.us/
2. http://www.patient.co.uk/forums/discuss/browse/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-446
3. http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/best-copd-blogs#1
Again, I’m very sorry I couldn’t be of much help to you, but I hope the links above will lead you to someone who can.
Good luck in your treatment & I hope that you are able to find some relief.
~Cody
Robert says
I’m drinking Mullein tea every day and it helps me with my anxiety problems!!
Cody Wells says
Hi Robert,
Thanks for dropping by. Sounds like a winner – better breathing & less anxiety!
~Cody
CPC says
I think with this post is very nice and very helpful and continuous with the article.
Cody Wells says
Thanks CPC. Please drop by any time.
~Cody
Cody Wells says
Thanks Randy! Honestly, I’ve never even given that a thought. I suppose I should have!!
I’m really glad you have found some value here. Your comments and goodwill help a great deal. Thanks for dropping by.
~Cody :-)