Mullein

🌿 Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Also known as: Velvet Plant • Lungwort • Candlewick Plant • Aaron’s Rod
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Origin: Europe and Asia, now naturalized worldwide
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, and root
Primary Use: Internal & External – Lung Support, Respiratory Healing, and Soothing Inflammation

✨ Description

Mullein is one of nature’s most cherished herbs for the lungs, throat, and respiratory system. With its soft, fuzzy leaves and towering golden flower spikes, it is a plant of both beauty and resilience — thriving in the harshest soils while offering gentle healing to those in need of breath and balance.

For centuries, Mullein has been used in traditional European and Native American medicine to relieve coughs, loosen mucus, and clear the lungs of congestion. The leaves are rich in mucilage that coats and soothes irritated tissues, while the flowers hold mild expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In folk traditions, it’s known as a protector plant, symbolizing courage and light — a companion for those navigating grief, respiratory imbalance, or emotional heaviness.

🍵 Internal Uses & Benefits

• Respiratory Health: Clears mucus, soothes sore throats, and supports recovery from bronchitis or colds.
• Lung Detox: A favorite for smokers or those exposed to pollution.
• Cough Relief: Acts as an expectorant and demulcent to calm irritation and open airways.
• Immune Support: The flowers contain antioxidants that help strengthen natural defenses.
• Digestive Soothing: Mildly coats the stomach lining to calm inflammation.

How to Use:

• Tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried Mullein leaf in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Strain through fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove hairs. Drink up to 3 cups daily.
• Tincture: Take 1–2 mL up to three times daily for lung or throat support.
• Syrup: Combine with honey for a soothing cough remedy.

🌬️ Smoking & Aromatic Use

Mullein is one of the best smokeable herbs, prized for its smoothness, lung-cleansing qualities, and grounding aroma.
It produces a light, velvety smoke that opens airways and relaxes the lungs, making it an ideal base herb in herbal smoking blends.

How to Use:

• Use as the main base (40–60%) in herbal smoke blends.
• Blend with Damiana, Mugwort, or Peppermint for relaxation and mental clarity.
• Smoke alone for respiratory cleansing, meditation, or as part of a quit-smoking transition.

Energetic Effect in Smoke: Clears congestion, releases emotional heaviness, and invites calm focus.

🐾 For Pets

✅ Safe for dogs and horses in small amounts for respiratory support.
❌ Not for cats, as their systems are sensitive to saponins in the leaves.

How to Use:

• Brew a light tea (1 tsp leaf per 2 cups water) and add to pet food once daily for dogs with cough or mucus buildup.
• For horses, mix a handful of dried leaves into feed for seasonal lung support.

💧 External Uses

• Ear Oil: Mullein flowers infused in olive oil make a classic remedy for earaches and wax buildup.
• Poultices: Crushed leaves applied to the skin ease swelling, bruising, or muscle pain.
• Baths or Steams: Use for sinus relief and chest congestion by inhaling steam or soaking in warm water infused with the herb.
• Salves: Combine with calendula or comfrey for soothing balms that calm rashes and skin irritation.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Element: Air & Fire
Chakra Alignment: Throat & Solar Plexus

Energetically, Mullein is a herb of light, protection, and courage. It clears the energy of fear and self-doubt, strengthening the voice and breath.
In metaphysical traditions, it is burned to banish negativity and summon clarity, symbolizing the inner flame that persists through adversity.

In dreamwork, Mullein enhances mental stillness and spiritual resilience, grounding emotions while inviting clear intuition.

Affirmation:

“I breathe deeply and fully. My spirit is clear, strong, and filled with light.”

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

• Licorice Root or Marshmallow Root: For soothing throat and respiratory tissue.
• Peppermint or Eucalyptus: To enhance lung clearing and open airways.
• Lobelia or Coltsfoot: For more advanced respiratory blends.
• Mugwort or Damiana: For smoke blends that calm and uplift the mind.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Mullein is organically grown and wild-harvested from pristine meadows in Eastern Europe and North America.
The leaves are hand-picked in early summer before flowering, when they hold the most mucilage and softness.
Flowers are harvested at peak bloom and shade-dried to preserve their golden color and potency.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

• Taste: Mild, earthy, and slightly sweet with a soft texture.
• Energetic Profile: Cooling, soothing, moistening, and protective.

⚠️ Warnings

• Avoid inhaling fine leaf hairs; always strain teas carefully.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or for infants.
• Use caution if prone to allergies within the figwort family.
• For long-term use, rotate with other herbs to maintain balance.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Mullein is the breath of the earth — gentle, steady, and wise.
It reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be harsh; it can come through softness and light.
When your lungs feel heavy or your spirit weary, Mullein brings the courage to breathe again.
It is one of my favorite herbs for restoration, clarity, and protection. 🌬️