Science & Nature • Botany

Mullein

Mullein is a common name for flowering plants in the genus Verbascum, especially common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mullein is a common name for flowering plants in the genus Verbascum, especially common mullein (Verbascum thapsus). It is known for its tall yellow flower spike and soft, fuzzy leaves, and it has a long history of traditional herbal use, especially for respiratory complaints. Scientific evidence for many claimed health uses remains limited.

Description

Mullein is a flowering plant in the snapdragon family (Plantaginaceae), best recognized for its large woolly leaves and tall spike of yellow flowers. Common mullein is a biennial species that typically forms a leafy rosette in the first year and a flowering stem in the second. It is a flowering plant, not a vegetable.

Traditional uses

Historically, mullein has been used in herbal medicine for coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. The leaves and flowers are commonly used to make tea, infused oil, or topical preparations. It has also been used topically for minor skin complaints and in some traditions as ear oil or a wash. For other plants with similar traditional uses, see Elderberry and Stinging nettle.

Habitat and distribution

Common mullein is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and it is now naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America. It typically grows in open, sunny, disturbed places such as roadsides, fields, and waste ground.

Safety and evidence

Mullein is generally regarded as low risk when used appropriately, but high-quality clinical evidence for many claimed benefits is limited. As with any herbal product, contamination, misidentification, or improper preparation can affect safety.

Key facts

Mullein refers to plants in the genus Verbascum, with common mullein being the best-known species.
It is traditionally used for cough, sore throat, bronchial complaints, and other respiratory symptoms.
Leaves and flowers are commonly used to make tea, infused oil, or topical preparations.
Evidence for many medicinal uses is limited, despite long traditional use.

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Canadian context

Mullein is found in Canada as an introduced and naturalized plant, especially in disturbed sites, roadsides, and open fields. It is also known to Canadian herbal users as a traditional remedy, though evidence for many uses remains limited.

Frequently asked questions

What is mullein used for?

Mullein is traditionally used for coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints. It is also used in teas, oils, and topical preparations, but scientific evidence for many uses is limited.

Is mullein good for cough?

Mullein is commonly used for cough in traditional herbal medicine, and some products are marketed for that purpose. However, available evidence is limited, so its effectiveness is not well established.

How to make mullein tea?

Mullein tea is usually made by steeping dried leaves or flowers in hot water, then straining carefully to remove fine plant hairs. Proper straining matters because the hairs can irritate the throat.

What does mullein look like?

Mullein usually has large, soft, fuzzy leaves and a tall upright stalk topped with small yellow flowers. Common mullein often looks like a rosette of leaves at ground level before it sends up the flower spike.

Is mullein safe to smoke?

Smoking mullein is a traditional practice, but inhaling any smoke can irritate the lungs. Safety evidence is limited, so it is not considered a risk-free method of use.

Where does mullein grow?

Mullein grows in sunny, disturbed habitats such as roadsides, fields, and dry open ground. Common mullein is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is now widely naturalized elsewhere.

References

WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/mullein
Supports: Overview, traditional uses, and limited evidence for benefits.
RxList — https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/mullein.htm
Supports: Traditional medicinal uses and forms of preparation.
Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/health/mullein-leaf
Supports: Use of leaves and flowers for tea or oil and possible risks.
Cleveland Clinic — https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mullein-benefits
Supports: Origin, growth, general safety notes, and plant description.
DrWeil.com — https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/mullein/
Supports: Plant description, native range, and traditional respiratory uses.
Drugs.com — https://www.drugs.com/npp/mullein.html
Supports: Traditional respiratory uses, topical uses, and lack of clinical trial data.