Mullein Leaf: Health Benefits and Risks

Mullein leaf (Verbascum ) is a common weed used for centuries in herbal medicine. Herbalists often use mullein flowers and leaves to treat respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions, among other health concerns.

Mullein contains numerous active ingredients, including flavonoids and saponins with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties. However, very little evidence exists to support its use for any medical condition.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. When choosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

The list of mullein's purported uses is long. However, much of the evidence supporting these uses is weak.

Many studies evaluating mullein have been performed in vitro (i.e., in a test tube) rather than in humans. Though we can learn many things from in vitro studies, we won't know the full effects of mullein until human trials have been done.

Traditionally, mullein has been used to treat a handful of lung and respiratory conditions, particularly:

For respiratory conditions, mullein is typically consumed in liquid form as an infusion or syrup. It is used alone or in combination with other herbs, like mint, rosemary, hawthorn flower, or pine leaves.

Plant compounds in mullein are known to have antitussive (cough-reducing) and expectorant (mucus-thinning) properties. Mullein also contains ursolic acid, a substance that some researchers believe could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection.

Most beneficial flavonoids in mullein have poor bioavailability, however, meaning that the human body cannot absorb them easily. More research is needed to determine what use, if any, mullein has in treating respiratory illness.

Some research has found that mullein has antibacterial properties, which may mean its compounds could be used to help fight bacterial and viral infections.

Mullein extracts are sometimes included in ear drop formulations to treat ear infection. There are no clinical studies, however, evaluating the use of mullein as a treatment for ear infections. More research is needed.

Some studies have also found that extract of mullein has antiviral activity. When tested against the influenza A virus, researchers found that it had an efficacy of around 50%. However, laboratory studies don't always translate well to use in human beings, and more research is needed.

Sometimes mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or wounds. This is traditionally done by making an ointment from the leaves. A poultice made from mullein leaves and seeds may also be used to draw out splinters.

One of the only human trials of mullein investigated the herb's use for episiotomy wounds. In the study, new mothers applied a mullein cream preparation on their episiotomy wounds twice a day for 10 days. The mullein cream enhanced the healing of episiotomy wounds.

One of the most common conditions that mullein is traditionally used to treat is osteoarthritis. The condition is characterized by destruction of cartilage and inflammation.

Mullein contains a variety of plant chemicals with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that one of these plant chemicals, an antioxidant called kaempferol, could help reverse cartilage destruction. It may also reduce the severity of pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition to easing arthritis-related inflammation, mullein has been used to treat:

Inflammation due to skin conditions or broken bones may be treated with a mullein leaf ointment, while gut, liver, or arthritic inflammation may be treated by consuming droplets of a mullein water or oil infusion.

For ear pain, an ointment may be made from the leaves and applied to the ear canal for pain relief, or, mullein flowers may be infused in olive oil then used as ear drops to treat infection.

Mullein extract is often used topically to treat skin conditions, such as:

Again, there isn't much research to support the effectiveness of mullein against these common skin conditions.

For people with diarrhea, mullein leaves and flowers are typically infused in water then consumed.

Diarrhea is usually related to some sort of infection. Diarrhea also causes inflammation in the body. Both concerns can supposedly be remedied with preparations of mullein, but like most other purported benefits, this has not been proven with human studies.

Overall, there is very little scientific evidence to suggest that mullein is an effective treatment for any health concern. It is clear, though, that mullein has many healing qualities that could potentially be used in medicine.

Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, and other actives that are individually proven to be:

The mullein plant is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. If you have access to the plant, you can make an ointment using a pestle and mortar with olive oil, or you can infuse the weed in water or olive oil.

If you don't have access to the plant in nature, you can find mullein supplements in almost every form. Some of the more popular ways to consume mullein include the following:

Regardless of the form of your mullein supplements, protect them from reaching overly hot or cold temperatures. Discard your mullein supplements when they reach their expiration date as listed on their packaging.

There are no common or severe side effects associated with the use of mullein.

According to one review of various herbs, mullein has no reported side effects. In another study, participants who used mullein for episiotomy wounds did not experience side effects after using it for 10 days.

Although there are no known adverse effects associated with the use of mullein, it's important to educate yourself about supplement safety before using any herb.

It is difficult for the FDA to effectively evaluate all supplements on the market. Therefore, many products out there are unregulated and haven't been tested for safety. This means the actual content of some products may not match their product labels.

Also, keep in mind that some supplements may not be safe for children, people who are pregnant or nursing, or people with certain medical conditions.

Mullein is an herbal remedy used to treat a range of medical conditions, including respiratory illnesses, infection, skin disorders, and diarrhea. Although mullein appears to be fairly safe, it has not been proven effective in treating any health condition.

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National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements: What you need to know.

By Brittany Lubeck, MS, RDNLubeck is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition writer with a master's degree in clinical nutrition.