Though
this herb's name happens to rhyme with "sullen," it's certainly
nothing to pout about. In fact, its multiple benefits are worthy of celebration.
Mullein is effective as a sore throat soother, cough
suppressant, wound healer and even hemorrhoid-pain reliever. Mullein's
antibiotic properties have been said to inhibit tuberculosis and it was formerly
used for this purpose.
Mullein has the power to:
Ease coughs and sore throats: The herb contains a substance called mucilage, which swells and becomes slippery as it absorbs water. I may account for mullein's soothing effect the throat. TO brew a medicinal tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup and steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups per day. Mullein tastes bitter, so you may have to add sugar or honey for sweetness and lemon for flavor. With a tincture, take ½ to 1 teaspoon up to three times day.
Soothe minor abrasions: "Crush a few mullein leaves and apply them to the wound as a poultice. It's very soothing," suggests Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., director of the American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City and author of The Scientific Validation of Herbs. Discontinue use if it causes skin irritation.
Relieve hemorrhoid pain: Mullein may do more than simply soothe hemorrhoids. It contains tannins, which may reduce the swelling that causes the discomfort. Make a compress for this purpose by soaking a clean cloth in cooled mullein tea. Apply the compress to the tender area.
Safety Considerations:
The Food and Drug Administration includes Mullein on its list of herbs generally regarded as safe. While Mullein seeds are toxic and may cause poisoning, there have been no reports of adverse effects from using the herb's leaves, flowers and roots. Tannins, which are found in Mullein, have both cancer-causing and cancer-fighting properties. Anyone with a history of cancer should not take Mullein internally.
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