Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
A plant whose flowers are made into tea and recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for sore throat with a dry cough and cold.
Safety at a glance
- Pregnancy1 note →
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Mullein?
- Plant family
- Scrophulariaceae, the figwort family
- Parts used
- The flowers
- Genus
- Verbascum
- Species
- thapsus
Also called
Mullein Flower, Verbascum densiflorum
Traditionally used for
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Colds
- Tea
Traditionally described as
- Soothing (traditional)
Health topics
Where Mullein appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Cough
Recognized in Europe for the sore throat that comes with a dry cough; no clinical studies exist.
- Sore Throat
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for sore throat with a dry cough and cold.
Traditions that use it
- European Folk Medicine
Recognized in Europe as a traditional herbal medicine for sore throat with a dry cough and cold.
How it's prepared
Common ways Mullein is prepared or sold. This isn't advice on how to take it; see Safety below.
- Poultice
A warm leaf wrap is applied to the skin, wrapped in muslin or cheesecloth if the skin is sensitive.[1]General reference
- Tea / Infusion
The dried flowers are made into an herbal tea.[2]Health agency
Safety
Side effects
No side effects have been reported.[3]Health agency
Pregnancy
Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established, so it isn't recommended at these times.[2]Health agency
How much to use
Not recommended for children under 12. See a doctor if symptoms get worse or last more than 1 week, or if you get shortness of breath, fever or colored phlegm.[2]Health agency
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes mullein flower as a traditional herbal medicine to relieve a sore throat that comes with a dry cough and a cold. It is taken as a tea, by adults and teens over 12.[3]Health agency
Research in people
There are no clinical studies of mullein flower medicines.[3]Health agency
In short
Not recommended for children under 12 or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sources
- [1] Mullein — Herban Herbalist materia medica — Herban Herbalist (herb shop)General reference
- [2] European Union herbal monograph on Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol. and V. phlomoides L., flos — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [3] Mullein flower (Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol., V. phlomoides L., flos): summary of the HMPC conclusions (EMA/269687/2018) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.