How To Make Medicinal Mullein Tea
- How to make medicinal mullein tea
A weed is a misplaced plant.
And some of those weeds have medicinal properties that can be very useful. Mullein is one of those useful weeds you should consider finding and using.
Disclaimer: Dont use any wild plants for anything unless you can positively identify it. If you have any food allergies or other health issues consult your doctor before trying mullein tea.
One of the most useful medicinal plants is mullein, and a supply may be as close as the nearest weedy, vacant lot.
I found this small mullein plant along side a weedy country road. Mullein grows in open areas, in disturbed, poor soil that doesnt get a lot of water.
I was out looking for a new supply last weekend in south Warren County, Mississippi, and found a plant near a road. I knew it hadnt been sprayed, so I gathered a new supply. The mullein was free, and picking enough to last for a while took about five minutes.
I started drinking mullein tea upon recommendation of an herbalist. Decades of playing stringed instruments left me with an arthritic left thumb joint, and prolonged jam sessions would leave me with an aching left hand. After an hour or so of intense, inspired fiddlin, my hand would get sore. Thats a terrible thing to happen an hour into a square dance!
Reasoning there was nothing to lose, I brewed up some mullein tea, and started drinking it. My thumb started feeling better within a couple of days, and it feels great now. I am sold on the concept.
Save
Overwintering Mullein In The Garden
Mullein is biennial, and its also frost resistant. This plant tolerates temperatures as low as 5, which is pretty low for most regions of the United States and Europe.
Despite its ability to withstand frost, its still best to use mulch before a frost. Cover up the surface around the plant with a layer of straw, twigs, leaves, or bark. Doing so helps to insulate the roots from the cold temperatures.
Recommended Reading: How To Pass The Teas Test With A High Score
What Does Mullein Tea Do For You
Mullein tea is frequently linked to various health benefits and the majority of users prefer to reap these benefits through drinking the leaves in a tea. The tea can be used for a range of reasons, commonly being respiratory illnesses, but some research suggests that the tea can also help to fight viral infections. Test tube studies have been able to suggest that mullein has antiviral properties, for example mullein extract was found to be effective against the influenza virus and also pseudorabies a virus in the herpes family.
It is also suggested that mullein also has antibacterial properties. Another test-tube study concluded that mullein extract reduced the growth of bacteria that causes infections such as E-coli and Streptococcus pyogenes. Mullein oil can be bought as a disinfectant to treat internal and external infections due to the antibacterial properties of the mullein leaves. Internally it has been used to treat ear infections, colon infections and even urinary infections.
Mullein can also be used in oil form, this is commonly used to treat inflammation and pain with earaches in adults and children. Traditional use extends to treating burns, bruises, hemorrhoids and even gout. Instead of brewing in tea, mullein used to be ingested, smoked and applied topically. Some even apply the leaves to skin to make it softer, as a beauty treatment.
Also Check: Boba Tea Dunkin
How Does Mullein Tea Work
The active ingredients in mullein tea include flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin. These compounds have been found to be powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce inflammation and infection in the respiratory tract. Mullein tea also contains medicinal glycosides .
Mullein is able to reduce the symptoms of a cough due to its diaphoretic properties which help promote expectoration of phlegm and mucus. Mullein tea also contains a number of volatile oils, including many terpenes such as beta-phellandrene and camphene. These are both powerful lung-soothing agents, which are able to help reduce the symptoms of a cold or flu. Mullein tea can also be used to effectively treat bronchitis due to its sedative, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mullein tea can be used to reduce the symptoms of allergies due to its antihistamine, antioxidant and antiviral properties. Mullein tea is also effective at helping to treat hay fever due to its expectorant properties.
Mullein tea is excellent at reducing the symptoms of asthma, due to it being an anti-inflammatory. Scientific evidence has shown that Mullein tea also has a beneficial effect on dry coughs, as it reduces mucus production and can help break up mucus congestion in the lungs.
Potential Side Effects Of Mullein Tea
Most people can enjoy mullein tea safely with minimal risk of adverse effects.
Yet, the mullein plant may cause skin irritation for some people, so be sure to exercise caution if youre handling the herb directly .
The tiny hairs of the plant can also irritate your throat, which is why its important to strain this tea thoroughly before drinking it.
Additionally, no research is available on mullein teas safety for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Thus, these populations should consult a healthcare professional before using it.
If you notice any negative side effects after drinking this tea, consider scaling back your intake or avoiding it.
Summary
Mullein tea is widely considered safe and has few side effects. Still, you should strain your tea properly and exercise caution if handling the herb directly to prevent skin irritation.
You can find prepackaged mullein tea bags, extracts, capsules, tinctures, and dried leaves at many health stores, as well as online.
Whats more, many people grow mullein in their garden and dry the leaves on their own.
To make the tea with dried leaves, simply add a small handful of them to an 8-ounce cup of boiling water, then steep them for 1530 minutes. To prevent throat irritation, use a strainer or cheesecloth to remove as many of the leaves as possible.
If you desire, you can add raw honey, cinnamon, or a lemon wedge.
Summary
Mullein tea is easy to make with dried leaves or a teabag, though you should be sure to strain the leaves.
Read Also: Dunkin Donuts Popping Pearls
How To Make The Best Mullein Tea
To make the best mullein tea, make sure youre buying the best mullein! Do your research and decide whether you want to use dried mullein, mullein flowers or pre-packaged mullein flower tea. Its up to you and your preferences you can also adapt the taste and add sweeteners to complement the dried mullein. Making mullein tea can easily enhance your daily routine whilst also soothing ailments, there are types for those who are busy and those who want to create the tea from leaf/dried form too.
Mullein & Eucalyptus Chest Rub
Mullein has an affinity for the lungs and is often used internally and externally to help dry unproductive coughs and bronchitis. In this salve variation, were going to add in essential oils that are helpful to use in vapor or chest rubs.
Its created for older teens and adults. For younger kids, try replacing the essential oils with something gentler, such as KidSafe Sniffle Stopper by Plant Therapy.
Ingredients for Mullein & Eucalyptus Chest Rub
- 1.6 oz oil infused with mullein
- 0.25 oz beeswax
- 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops white camphor essential oil
- optional: 2 drops manuka essential oil
Also Check: Is Green Tea Good For Urinary Tract Infections
Health Benefits Of Unsweetened Iced Tea
Related Articles
With its crisp, slightly astringent flavor, iced tea helps keep you cool in the warmer months while replenishing your bodys fluid levels. The Harvard School of Public Health lists tea as one of the best sources of hydration, second only to water. Opting for unsweetened iced tea means youll increase your intake of essential nutrients and compounds. This benefits your health as you avoid the nutritional disadvantages associated with sweetened iced tea.
What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking Mullein Tea
Possible adverse reactions of drinking mullein tea In spite of this, the mullein plant has been known to irritate the skin of certain individuals, so if you plan on physically handling the herb, you should proceed with caution . It is vital to filter this tea very well before drinking it since the plant has very fine hairs that might irritate your throat if they get into your system.
Also Check: Peach Peace Tea Bulk
Lemony Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches
This classic recipe for cucumber tea sandwiches was created by Chew Out Loud.
Its hard to imagine a tea party menu without a cucumber sandwich. This recipe is deliciously traditional. Made with cucumber, lemon, dill, and, cream cheese, these finger sandwiches are perfect for a baby or bridal shower themed tea party.
What Does Mullein Tea Taste Like
Many claim that mullein tea has a sweet flavor. However, a few dispute this claim by stating its bitter and unpleasant. The overall taste of mullein tea depends on whether your dried tea has been made from the leaves, roots, or flowers.
Some herbalists incorporate all of the plant into a tea mix, whereas others use the leaves only. The roots are distinctly bitter, whereas the leaves have more subtle earthy bitterness. The flowers have a hint of sweetness. To make the tea more palatable, a blend of another tea and other herbs are incorporated into the tea mix.
Recommended Reading: Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
What Is Mullein Tea
Mullein tea is a traditional brew that is made by steeping the fresh or dried leaves and flowers of the mullein plant in hot water. The most common type of mullein plant is taxonomically known as Verbascum thapsus, although the Verbascum genus contains more than 250 different species of mullein. This plant is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, although it originated in Europe and parts of Asia. Brewing a tea from this plant is the most common use, primarily due to the amount of mucilage present in the leaves, which creates a coating on the throat.
Mullein tea has a rather distinct taste, although it is a mild, aromatic flavor with a small aftertaste of spice. When combined with other brews, spices or natural sweeteners, it takes on a pleasant and very drinkable quality. There is no natural caffeine in the mullein plant, so unlike many other types of tea, this variety is good for those who want to cut down on caffeine.
Can I Drink Mullein Tea Every Day
The European Medicines Agency Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use deemed mullein tea as generally safe under normal conditions of use. Furthermore, they go on to state that no harmful effects have been identified. However, they caution use in children and pregnant/breastfeeding women.
The leaves of the mullein plant do contain coumarin and rotenone However, there are many claims that drinking mullein tea is absolutely safe.
Still, contradictory scientific data from the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, states in their compound summary of rotenone that there are adverse effects. Their report notes that rotenone causes a disturbance in the nervous system and long-term toxicity to the respiratory, hematologic, and reproductive systems.
To drink, or not to drink, mullein tea daily basically comes down to making a personal choice.
Recommended Reading: Prince Of Peace Menopause Tea
Can I Make Tea Sandwiches The Night Before
Yes! In fact, I highly suggest to do this to save time. Just store them in a sealed container in the fridge. I like to layer them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
If you are layering your tea sandwiches on top of one another, I like to place a piece of wax or parchment paper in between so they do not get too soggy or stick to each other.
What Part Of Mullein Do You Make Tea With
The leaves of the mullein plant are used to make the tea known as mullein. Studies conducted in test tubes show that it may alleviate some respiratory disorders, such as asthma, and even combat viruses and germs. However, research on humans is restricted. This tasty tea may be prepared quickly and easily at home, and it is linked to almost no adverse effects.
Don’t Miss: Green Tea For Bladder Infection
To Treat Wounds And Sores
In topical applications, cooled mullein tea helps soothe and reduce hemorrhoids because it has high content of mucilage.
This brew has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Therefore it is an efficient cure for wounds and sores to keep them clean and prevents infections. It is a soothing and calming agent when topically applied to skin rashes and burns and increases rate of healing.
Uses Of Mullein Plant
The many uses of this odd weedy plant are intriguing. Indigenous tribes here in America dried the leaves and flowers of the mullein plant and used it medicinally. By smoking it, respiratory ailments such as asthma or bronchitis were relieved. Some also made tinctures by boiling mullein leaves to stop coughing.
Folk medicine used the plant to treat tuberculosis, pneumonia, migraines, and many other ailments. Currently, traditional medicine uses an oil infused with mullein for earaches. Extracts, capsules, and teas made from this plant are gaining popularity for the many medicinal benefits.
Also Check: Drinking Lipton Tea While Pregnant
Treatment Of Cold And Flu
As discussed before, mullein leaf extract has expectorant and anti-bacterial properties, which makes mullein tea a great home remedy if you have flu or a cold with lots of congestion. According to medical researchers, the saponins present in mullein give it its expectorant properties . Mullein also helps to reduce the amount of mucus produced in body and reduces congestion.
Among The Many Herbal Products
Herbal medicines have been around for more than 5,000 years and are still very popular around the globe. According to the American Botanical Council, the U.S. herbal product market surpassed $7 billion in sales in 2016.
Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant. The oil is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions.
One older study showed some benefit for ear pain based on a trial of 171 children between 5 and 18 years old with an ear infection. They were given antibiotics or herbal drops with or without a topical anesthetic.
Researchers found the herbal drops reduced pain. They also pointed out that they cost less than antibiotics and didnt have any side effects.
You May Like: Popping Boba Dunkin Donuts
Mullein Tea Side Effects
There are some unwanted side effects of this plant, however, particularly if you consume this tea in excess. These side effects include bleeding problems, as well as skin irritation and respiratory distress if you happen to have an allergic sensitivity to this plant. Topical dermatitis can also occur in some people. Generally, this tea is not recommended for pregnant women, or for those who are breastfeeding. As with many health remedies, be sure to speak with your doctor before adding mullein tea to your health routine.
What Is Mullein Tea Benefits Side Effects And More
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Mullein tea is a flavorful beverage that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including chronic coughs, colds, and asthma .
It has a rich, aromatic taste and is made from the leaves of the common mullein , a flowering plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
This article examines the uses, benefits, and side effects of mullein tea and tells you how to make it.
Mullein tea has been linked to several potential health benefits.
Recommended Reading: Blue Hawaiian Long Island Iced Tea Recipe
A Remarkably Simple Gift
The wonderful gift of mullein is that it grows almost everywhere. Although native to Europe, it grows all over North America as well. In domesticated places like pastures, fields, roadsides, near train tracks, back lots, and alley ways, even parks. But I’ve also seen plenty of it grow in the wild as well. With alternate stemmed, lance shaped leaves that are wooly and soft, they’re unmistakable, especially in the summertime when their bright sunny-yellow flowers are coming out at the top of the spikes.
So the gift here is that because mullein grows in so many places, it’s quite easy to gather the leaves and flowers for making tea. As a guideline, I like to gather herbs and edible plants in places where there are no roads or train tracks. Plants are sensitive and take in car exhaust and other pollutants, and then you’re taking that in through the tea you’re drinking. So no reason you need to buy it from the store now that you know it grows so commonly. Sometimes as I pass by mullein I’ll gratefully gather just a few leaves, tuck them in my pocket and wash them when I get home, dry them well and then slip them into the mullein jar. Often I find it’s the shorter spurts of gathering that make it manageable.
Interested in more herbal tea articles? Take a look at our article about herbal tea recipes here,and our article about herbal tea benefits here.
Contraindications Of Mullein Tea
Mullein tea should not be used by children, pregnant women or nursing mothers without prior consultation with doctor.
Mullein tea contains coumarin, which may elevate the chances of bleeding when ingested together with drugs that raise the risk of bleeding. Such as heparin, aspirin, warfarin , anti-platelet drugs for example clopidogrel , and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen or naproxen.
Also Check: New Boba Drink At Dunkin