You may have seen the pretty yellow flowers of the mullein plant, but never stopped to think about its benefits. Mullein, also known as Verbascum Thapsus, is used as a relief from the symptoms of respiratory illnesses and chronic pain around the world.
Mullein has a stem that is two feet tall, but it can sometimes grow up to seven feet. Its pale, yellow flowers are bunched closely around the top of the plant and it has large, flat leaves that grow up the stem. Native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa, mullein is now also found in the Americas and Australia. It is a plant that thrives in a temperate climate, but it can also survive in cooler weather with proper care.
Many people take concentrated mullein in capsule form to combat breathing problems, like asthma, colds and sore throats. Mullein can be bought in a few different forms, including the raw plant. But health shops mainly sell it in its most user-friendly versions – as capsules, tea and oil. This article will cover everything you need to know about mullein capsules…
Mullein capsules & Mullein pills
The mullein plant can be made into tea. But for those who don’t like the strong flavour, or are just too busy to make it, mullein capsules are another, much quicker option. Normally these capsules contain dried mullein leaf. They are an efficient way of reaping the same benefits as can be gained from drinking mullein tea and are easily found online or in your local health shop.
Mullein capsules uses
There are many different benefits to taking mullein. The most common is as a relief from the symptoms of respiratory illnesses, like asthma, coughs, sore throats, colds and pneumonia, as well as chronic pain. Mullein is a known anti-inflammatory and has been used for ear and throat infections for thousands of years. Some lab studies found that it even has antiviral properties that help combat the flu and herpes.
Mullein capsules side effects
Most people can take mullein capsules without any side effects. For a few people, mullein capsules are thought to have similar side effects to mullein tea, which can cause skin dermatitis. This normally only happens when people have an underlying skin condition, but you may want to consult your GP or do a skin patch test before taking mullein capsules. There are no studies into how mullein capsules affect pregnancy, so speak to your doctor before taking them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Mullein capsules are not a substitute for medicine, so make sure you get proper treatment as well as taking mullein to relieve the symptoms.
What are the benefits of mullein?
Is mullein good for the lungs?
The flowers and leaves of the mullein plant are used to treat ailments that damage your lungs, including tuberculosis and bronchitis. It is especially effective when used for illnesses that cause your airways to swell, like asthma. Mullein helps relieve shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. However, there is little human research that has been done on how mullein treats these conditions, so it is important to seek medical advice alongside using it.
Mullein extract for lungs
Mullein oil is extracted from the leaves or flowers of the plant and can be used as an expectorant. This means that it expels mucus from the lungs by loosening the bronchial secretions. Research has shown that mullein oil also reduces pain and doesn’t have any known major side effects. Mullein extract can be found online and in health shops in the form of pills or herbal drops.
Does mullein really work?
While there isn’t sufficient lab research into the benefits of mullein on humans, people have been using it for thousands of years to relieve pain and respiratory illnesses. This means that while mullein isn’t an active ingredient in any manufactured drugs, many people believe it to be an effective herbal remedy. By the late nineteenth century it became a popular treatment for tuberculosis in Europe and America. Today, mullein is used world-wide as a herbal remedy in capsule, tea and oil form.
What are the side effects of mullein?
There are thought to be no major side effects of taking mullein. Sometimes mullein can cause skin rashes and itching, but this is found to happen only to a very few people. If you are prone to skin irritation it is important to do a patch test with mullein before taking it. There has been little research into the effects of mullein on pregnant or breastfeeding women, so make sure you consult your doctor before using it. Although mullein is widely used to combat symptoms of various illnesses, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you have any doubts about mullein, contact your GP.
Where to buy mullein capsules
Mullein capsules can be found in most organic and health shops. They are also sold in most major pharmacies. You can search ‘mullein capsules near me’ on Google to find a chain health shop or pharmacy that sells it. Failing that, there are plenty of places to get mullein capsules online. Just type ‘buy mullein capsules’ in a search engine to find an online shop that ships them directly to your door. You can also head straight to mulleinleaf.com to find high-quality mullein products.
Mullein can also be found in tablet form, if you prefer that to capsules. Again, you can find either tablets or capsules online. Most major pharmacies and health shops sell mullein in both forms. Normally which one you get just depends on personal preference, since they both contain mullein.
Mullein capsules Amazon
Amazon is known for cheap, online shopping and mullein is no exception to this. There are some retailers on Amazon selling mullein. Make sure you read the reviews and check the ingredients to be certain that you know what you’re buying before you hit that purchase button. Check out mulleinleaf.com’s Amazon page here.
Mullein tea
Mullein tea is another way that you can take mullein. It has a strong, aromatic flavour and can be a tasty hot drink as well as having health benefits. You can buy ready-made mullein tea bags. These you brew like normal tea, for a few minutes depending on how strong you like the flavour, before taking the tea bag out. Most people have mullein tea without milk, but you can add it if you prefer the taste.
You can also buy dried mullein leaves to make the tea with. Soak the leaves in boiling water for fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on taste. The mullein plant has tiny hairs on it that can irritate your tongue, so make sure you strain the tea thoroughly before drinking. Sugar, honey and lemon can be added to sweeten and flavour the tea.
If you are interested in the health benefits of mullein and gardening, why not try growing mullein plants in your back garden. Mullein is a hardy plant that can survive cooler and temperate climates. Just make sure that you dry the leaves properly before using them to make tea.
Mullein capsules reviews
A good way to know whether to buy mullein capsules is through trusted review websites. You can research the benefits of mullein and the best places to buy it by reading about other people’s experiences. Just be careful about which advice you believe – make sure you are getting your information from a trusted source, so you know that it’s accurate.
It’s also important to remember that people have different opinions and while mullein may greatly benefit most people, it can have adverse effects for a select few. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor before taking mullein. Likewise, you may come across some negative reviews of mullein. Don’t let that put you off exploring it as an option – every person’s body is unique and can react to medicines and herbal remedies in different ways. People have been reaping the benefits of mullein throughout history. If you suffer from any respiratory problems, chronic pain or infections, mullein may well be a remedy worth exploring.