What is Mullein Leaf Tea? Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits & More

Mullein leaf tea is a healthy beverage with a unique flavor. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments such as colds, asthma, and chronic cough (1, 2, 3).

It has a great taste and is produced from mullein leaves. Mullein leaves belong to the well-known Verbascum thaspus plant. Verbascum thaspus is native to Africa, Europe, and Asia.

This article reviews the health benefits of mullein leaf tea, as well as its side effects. You’ll also learn the best way to prepare mullein leaf tea.

Probable health benefits of mullein leaf tea

Studies have shown that mullein tea may have some health benefits.

They treat some respiratory disorders

Humans have used mullein leaf to treat respiratory ailments for thousands of years.

Studies show that it helps in relieving asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes swelling of your airways followed by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea (shortness of breath) (4).

Results from research suggest that mullein leaf tea may have anti-inflammatory effects. This anti-inflammatory effect relaxes your respiratory muscles (5, 6).

The leaves and flowers of Verbascum thaspus are also used to treat bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and tonsilitis. However, these are all based on animal studies. No human research has been conducted to study the effects of mullein tea on these conditions (3).

It helps with the treatment of viral infections

A few test-tube-based pieces of research have shown that mullein does have very potent antiviral effects.

For example, a 2009 study by Rajbhandari et al. analyzed the antiviral activities of certain herbs used in Nepalese traditional medicine. Results from the study found that extract from mullein was very potent against the influenza virus (7).

Studies have also shown that the extract from mullein may be effective against pseudorabies, a herpes virus (8, 9).

However, more human research needs to be done to verify these claims.

It has antibacterial properties

Mullein tea also has antibacterial effects.

Results from two studies found that mullein leaf extract inhibited some strains of bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus. This bacterium occurs in food and also in the soil (10, 11).

Another study found that mullein extract inhibited the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes and E. coli. Both are highly infectious bacteria (12).

There is limited human research on the antibacterial effects of mullein leaf tea, but a study involving 180 children found that mullein may be effective in the treatment of bacterial-based ear infections (13).

The study which lasted three days involved the use of mullein-based ear drops. The ear drop was used three times daily. Results from the study showed that it reduced earache by 93%. Whether this effect was caused only by mullein or alongside other herbs present in the ear drop is not known (14).

More human research is needed to verify this claim.

Does mullein leaf tea have any side effects?

Mullein leaf tea has very minimal side effects (if any).

It may cause skin irritation, so you must exercise caution if you are using it directly on your skin (15).

The Mullein plant has tiny hairs that can irritate your throat. To avoid this, ensure that you strain the tea very well before drinking it.

Also, note that no research has been done on the effects of mullein tea on pregnant women or breastfeeding mums. And so, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ensure that you consult a doctor before taking it.

If you experience any side effects after taking it, consider avoiding it.

Best way to prepare mullein tea

Mullein tea is available at many health stores in teabag form, or as extracts, dried leaves, tinctures, and capsules. Mullein tea is also sold online.

You can also grow mullein in your garden and dry the leaves on your own.

To prepare mullein tea with dried leaves, just add a handful of the leaves to 240ml (one 8-ounce cup) of boiling water. Steep the leaves in the water for 15 – 30 minutes. Strain the leaves with a cheesecloth or a strainer to prevent throat irritation.

You can sweeten with raw honey, or use cinnamon or lemon wedge.

Summary

Mullein leaf tea is made from the leaves of Verbascum thaspus.

Animal studies suggest that this tea may have healing effects on some respiratory conditions. It also has antiviral and antibacterial effects. It is easy to prepare and has very few side effects.

Tonika Bruce

Tonika Bruce, also known as The Network Nurse, is a multi-talented individual with a career spanning over 20 years. She’s a Registered Nurse, speaker, author, and advocate for change, excelling in business building and team development. Tonika holds two Master’s degrees in Nursing and Business Administration, (MSN & MBA) and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership.

Her expertise extends to various fields such as nursing, entrepreneurship, business, basketball coaching, and executive leadership. She is a published author of “Relentless Pursuit: Proven Tips for Unlocking Your Potentials, Limitless Success and Post COVID Syndrome: A Guide to Repositioning the Nursing Profession for A Post COVID Era”. Currently, Tonika is working on Thrudemic, an anthology examining the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on medical professionals and patients.

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