Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!

This week, we will be exploring the many beneficial, clinical applications of the tall, fuzzy plant known as Mullein. Although it has been used for centuries in common folk medicine, an increase in research has finally begun to support these claims. Mullein contains many beneficial bioactive compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these include saponins, which have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antitumor properties; flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; phenylethanoid glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties; and iridoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, Mullein is also known to be antiviral and antibacterial in nature. Because of this herb’s versatile roles, it is often considered a “shapeshifter” herb. Mullein does best paired with other herbs in a formula to help bring out the synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.

Effects on Respiratory Conditions

Antimicrobial & Antibacterial

Infectious diseases are often caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Antimicrobials and antibacterials are among the first lines of defense against these infections. Recent studies such as the one entitled “The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L” written by Saman Mahdavi et al and published in the Medicinal Chemistry journal in 2020, have shown that Mullein leaf has antibacterial properties in both Gram-positive (have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer lipid membrane) and Gram-negative bacteria(have a thin peptidoglycan layer and have an outer lipid membrane). It has been found to act against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These studies suggest that the antibacterial compounds in Mullein can be used as unconventional antimicrobial agents when developing treatments for infectious conditions.

Vulnerary, Demulcent, and Expectorant

A vulnerary is defined as an herbal remedy used in the healing of wounds. This term is often used to describe external wounds, however, it is equally as important to support internal wound healing as a demulcent – specifically internal organs covered by the protective mucous membrane barrier (ie. stomach cavity, intestinal tract, lungs, throat, etc.). According to the scientific review published in the scientific journal Phytotherapy research by Arzu Turkey & Gurel Ekrem in 2005 entitled “Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research,” the demulcent ( a herb rich in mucilage and can soothe and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissue) and expectorant (herbs that help the body to remove excess mucous from the lungs) properties found in Mullein stem from the polysaccharide mucilage and gums (resins) that help soothe irritated tissue. In other words, the saponins stimulate fluid production while the iridoid glycosides and flavonoids work to decrease the inflammation response. When inflammation is present in the respiratory system, it can cause breathing problems, pain, chest tightness, extra mucus, and even fatigue. To summarize the combined efforts of the saponins, with the soothing effect of its mucilage, make Mullein a most useful herb for the treatment of hoarseness, tight coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and even whooping cough.

Antiviral

Viruses are the cause of some of the more familiar infectious diseases such as the common cold, flu, and warts. However, they also are the source of severe illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19. Some lab studies, such as the study entitled “Combined antiinfluenza virus activity of Flos verbasci infusion and amantadine derivatives” written by Julia Serkedjieva and published in the 2000 Phytotherapy Research journal, have shown that Mullein – when combined with the medication amantadine – increased the antiviral activity against influenza virus A. Similarily, Mullein extract was also shown to exhibit antiviral activity against herpesvirus type 1 in the lab study written by A.R. McCutcheon et al entitled, “Antiviral screening of British Columbian medicinal plants,” and published in the 1995 Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Despite these positive lab findings, gold-standard human, clinical research is still needed for use of this herb in more serious conditions.

Mullein, Inflammation, & COVID-19

As is the case with many other diseases, the development of systemic inflammation is the main feature of COVID-19. In many cases, proinflammatory cytokines are overproduced, resulting in ‘cytokine storms’ (when the cytokines begin to attack the cells and tissues of the body). This can potentially increase the risk of multi-organ failure and even death in some cases. According to the 2021 clinical review published in the Biology journal entitled, “Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae),” and written by José Blanco-Salas et al, their hypothesis suggests that several Verbascum (otherwise known as Mullein) phytochemicals – specifically the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin – have been shown to be replication inhibitors of other coronaviruses and also have promising anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, another recent review published in the Pharmacological Research journal by Yu-Feng Huang et al entitled, “Review on the potential action mechanisms of Chinese medicines in treating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” studied the potential use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat Covid-19 by inhibiting inflammatory mediators. The formulas used shared similar phytochemicals presented in Mullein such as luteolin, kaempferol, and quercetin. Much more research is still required before a definitive understanding of how Mullein may support those with Covid-19, however, the potentiality remains positive.

Additional Health Benefits of Mullein

Image Source: “Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review”

Earaches & Infections

Due to the sensitive nature of the ear, they are often prone to viral and bacterial infections – trapping fluid behind the eardrum. According to the 2003 clinical trial published in the Pediatrics journal entitled, “Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children,” and written by Michael Sarrell et al, ear drops prepared from the flowers of Mullein have healing potential for Otitis Media.  All in all, Mullein’s well-established antibacterial, emollient, and astringent properties can make for an excellent choice in the treatment of temperamental ear ailments. *Please make sure to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism to make sure Mullein ear drops would be right for you.*

External Wound Healing & Recovery

Mullein has commonly been used in folk medicine to treat external wounds, cysts, zits, eczemas, rashes, ulcers, and even burns. A recent 2021 study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies journal entitled, “The effect of the Verbascum Thapsus on episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial,” and written by Sahar Taleb and Maryam Saeedi, aimed to evaluate the effect of Mullein on episiotomy wound healing. The pain and discomfort caused by episiotomies significantly affect the lives of mothers every day, so finding a quick, effective, and complete repair of these wounds is key. Overall, the results of this study provided better healing of episiotomy wounds after 10 days of use – potentially due to the phenol and flavonoid compounds.

Final Recommendations

Here is Nancy’s Mullein recommendation from Fullscript:

Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.

Other Resources:

Healthline | The Naturopathic Herbalist | Science Direct | National Academies | Very Well Health | Medline Plus