There's something magical about walking along a sunny hillside or grassy hedgerow and unexpectedly finding a stand of Mullein.
Its tall flowering stalk rises confidently above the surrounding grasses, while its soft, velvety leaves invite you to stop, touch, and take notice.
To me, Mullein has always felt like a quiet guardian of wild places, a plant that stands patiently through every season, reminding us of resilience, gentleness, and steady growth.
This month, we're exploring Verbascum thapsus, our Herb of the Month, and why it has remained one of Western herbalism's most beloved plants for centuries.
What Is Mullein?
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa that has become naturalized throughout much of North America.
During its first year, it forms a low rosette of large, soft leaves.
In its second year, it sends up an impressive flowering stalk that can reach five to seven feet in height, producing clusters of cheerful yellow blossoms throughout the summer.
Nearly every part of the plant has been incorporated into traditional herbal practice, including the leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds.
Materia Medica
Botanical Name: Verbascum thapsus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Energetics: Cooling • Moistening • Softening • Slightly Bitter • Mildly Astringent
Parts Traditionally Used
- Leaf
- Flower
- Root
- Seed
Key Constituents
- Mucilage
- Saponins
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
- Carotenoids
- Volatile oils
- Trace minerals
Traditional Herbal Actions
Mullein has traditionally been regarded as a:
- Demulcent
- Expectorant
- Mild astringent
- Relaxant
- Soothing herb for the respiratory tract
- Gentle topical botanical
A Plant Rooted in Tradition
For centuries, Mullein has been gathered from roadsides, sunny hillsides, and open fields.
Traditional European herbalists associated Mullein with Saturn, seeing it as a plant representing endurance, wisdom, and quiet strength.
Whether or not one follows traditional planetary herbalism, it's easy to understand why Mullein earned that reputation.
It grows where many other plants struggle.
It stands tall through changing seasons.
It reminds us that resilience is often quiet.
Harvesting with Respect
If you enjoy wildcrafting, Mullein offers an opportunity to practice mindful harvesting.
Choose areas free from roadside pollution, herbicides, or pesticides.
Harvest only what you need.
Leave plenty of plants to flower and reseed.
Whenever we gather herbs from the landscape, gratitude and stewardship are just as important as the harvest itself.
Why Herbalists Appreciate Mullein
One of Mullein's greatest strengths is its gentleness.
Its soft leaves reflect one of its traditional qualities, bringing moisture and comfort to tissues that feel dry or irritated.
The Leaves
The leaves have traditionally been prepared as teas and infused oils.
Many herbalists appreciate them for their soothing qualities and their long history of use in supporting respiratory comfort.
The Flowers
The bright yellow blossoms have traditionally been infused into oils and teas.
They have long been valued in both internal and external herbal preparations.
The Root
Less commonly used than the leaves or flowers, Mullein root has its own place within traditional Western herbalism and is appreciated by many practitioners for its grounding qualities.
The Seeds
Historically, the seeds have been used differently than the other parts of the plant and are generally reserved for experienced herbal practitioners.
Breath and Reflection
One of the reasons I've always appreciated Mullein is that it reminds me to pay attention to my breathing.
Whether we're stressed, grieving, overwhelmed, or simply moving too quickly through life, our breathing often changes before we even notice it.
Many traditional healing systems have associated the lungs with grief, letting go, and renewal.
While these ideas come from traditional energetic frameworks rather than modern physiology, they offer an invitation to pause and consider the relationship between our emotional and physical experiences.
Perhaps the next time you enjoy a cup of Mullein tea, simply notice your breath.
Notice whether it feels rushed or relaxed.
Sometimes awareness is the first step toward caring for ourselves.
Preparing Mullein
Mullein can be enjoyed in several traditional preparations.
Tea (Infusion)
Steep the dried leaves or flowers in hot water, then strain carefully through a fine filter or cloth to remove the tiny leaf hairs that may irritate the throat.
Tincture
Prepared according to traditional herbal methods and used according to the manufacturer's directions or guidance from a qualified herbal practitioner.
Infused Oil
The flowers have traditionally been infused into oil for topical use and remain one of Mullein's most familiar preparations.
Choosing Quality Herbs
When purchasing Mullein, look for herbs that retain their natural green or golden color and have been harvested and stored with care.
Freshness matters, particularly with aromatic herbs.
Choosing organically grown herbs or responsibly wildcrafted plants also supports both quality and sustainability.
Precautions
Mullein has a long history of traditional use and is generally well tolerated when prepared appropriately.
Always strain leaf infusions thoroughly to remove the tiny hairs that naturally occur on the leaves.
As with any botanical, consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning new herbal products if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or managing an underlying health condition.
Final Thoughts
Every time I encounter Mullein growing along a quiet country road, I'm reminded that strength doesn't always announce itself loudly.
Sometimes it stands quietly.
Patiently.
Steadily.
Perhaps that's one of the greatest lessons this remarkable plant offers.
Not simply to breathe more deeply, but to slow down long enough to notice that we're breathing at all.
References
- Bergner, P. Medical Herbalism: A Journal for the Clinical Practitioner.
- Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.
- Culpeper, N. Culpeper's Color Herbal.
- Holmes, P. The Energetics of Western Herbs.
- Maier, K. A Seasonal Model for Working with Depression.
- Skenderi, G. Herbal Vade Mecum.
- Tierra, M. Planetary Herbology.
- Tilgner, S. Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Statements regarding herbs and dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Megan; a clinical herbalist, educator, and founder of MEGAN & CO. Apothecary in Spirit Lake, Iowa. I help individuals support their body's natural processes through personalized herbal formulations, nutrition, and traditional Western herbalism. My passion is empowering people with practical herbal knowledge while honoring both traditional wisdom and modern research.