Mullein Tea - Benefits, Uses, and Recipes

Mullein tea is made from the leaves and sometimes from the flowers of the mullein plant. The plant is native to the European nations. It is packed with antioxidants and related beneficial herbal compounds. Since time immemorial, it is hailed as a beneficial beverage that can help one to manage health issues. It promotes sleep, assists in mitigating tummy troubles, and more. No wonder, it is one of the most popular herbal teas both here in the States and the rest of the world.

What is Mullein Tea?

Mullein tea is known for its healing properties. It is a popular herbal drink that is preferred in the States as well as in European nations. The plant is native to Europe but it soon found itself growing commercially in the Americas. It is a perfect herbal remedy for people who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma. Its plant is easy to recognize in the wild as it has a distinct silhouette and fuzzy leaves. To know more about this wonderful herbal drink, be sure to read closely the sections below!(Reference Mullein Tea Is The Best Natural Lung Medicine, Homegrown Self Reliance, retrieved on 1 January 2024) 

 Mullein Tea, Twin Eagles Wilderness School, Google Images licensed under CC BY 2.0

What is the history of Mullein Tea?

Mullein flower tea or better known simply as mullein tea is made from the namesake mullein plant. The plant is native to Europe, but later found its way into North America, when it was accidentally brought over to the States in dirt used as a stabilizer in old ships, back in the day. In Europe, people brewed mullein tea from both the leaves and the flowers of the namesake plant. The Irish brewed mullein tea and served it to people who suffered from tuberculosis, back in the day. Furthermore, the mullein plant also found itself in the hand of ancient Romans who used to light large stalks of the plant as a ceremonial torch. Taking inspiration from this, back in the day, American gold mines were lit using torches made using stalks of the mullein plant. Native Americans, apart from brewing mullein tea, used to smoke dried leaves of this plant, after mixing it with tobacco leaves. According to them, it helped them attain relief from respiratory illnesses like asthma! (We at teacurry.com do not endorse smoking or tobacco products! (Reference Mullein Tea Is The Best Natural Lung Medicine, Homegrown Self Reliance, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

What are the benefits of Mullein Tea?

There are lots to talk about when it comes to mullein tea benefits.(Reference What Is Mullein Tea? Benefits, Side Effects, and More, Healthline, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

Here is a short rundown of the same –

It is a great herbal remedy to mitigate respiratory conditions. Mullein tea for lungs has long been prescribed by people here in America and Europe as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions. It is primarily effective when it comes to mitigating severe symptoms of an asthma attack such as –

• Incessant coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing.

Mullein tea works its magic when a person is having an asthma attack by reducing the inflammation of their respiratory tract, thus ensuring the smooth passage of air. It is also capable of mitigating other respiratory illnesses like –

• Tuberculosis
• Bronchitis
• Tonsillitis and
• Pneumonia – however, research needs to be conducted to back up these claims.

It helps ward off viral infections. As per the findings documented after conducting some studies, it was concluded that mullein tea possesses strong antiviral properties. For instance, as per one study, it was found that mullein tea, when prescribed to a patient infected with the dreaded influenza virus, got relief from the symptoms shortly after downing a cup of this tea. Another study also concluded that mullein tea is also capable of warding off pseudorabies infection. It is a virus belonging to the herpes family! More research needs to be conducted to take these claims more seriously. It has natural anti-bacterial properties. As per several controlled studies, it is found that mullein tea is capable of warding off symptoms in a person when the same is infected with bacterial infections from the following bacterium –

• Bacillus cereus – found mostly in soil and food
• coli and
• Streptococcus pyogenes

Mullein Tea For Lung, herbalteatherapy, Google Image  Licensed under CC BY 2.0

What does Mullein Tea taste like?

Mullein tea is known for its herbal, refreshing, and aromatic taste.Reference (11 Impressive Health Benefits Of Mullein Tea + How To Make, StyleCraze, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

 Herbal tea with marsh mallow leaves, Stockfood, Google Images licensed under CC BY 2.0

What are the side effects of Mullein Tea?

Please note - If you prefer growing this herb in your backyard, be sure to exercise caution when you are handling the leaves of this plant. When your skin comes in direct contact with the leaves of the Mullein plant, the tiny hairs on the plant could irritate your skin. Chances are pretty slim but if you witness that you are experiencing some form of side effect in your body just after sipping on a cup of mullein tea, be sure to dial back on the dose or keep yourself away from the tea for about a week before resuming your dose!

What are the different recipes for Mullein Tea?

1 - Mullein tea recipe to control excessive coughing 

Ingredients

• You would need one and a half ounces of mullein leaves
• An ounce of calendula flowers
• 3/4 ounce of marsh-mallow
• Half an ounce of licorice root Reference (Grandma's Mullein Tea Recipes & Medicinal Uses, Grandma’s Wisdom, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

Method

• Boil a cup of water.
• Add the above ingredients.
• Cover the pot and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
• Pour the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to filter out the tiny hairs of the mullein leaves and related particles from the remaining herbal ingredients. This is essential to keep yourself from throat irritation.
• You can use a lemon wedge or a cinnamon stick to ensure the overall taste and flavor of the tea is enhanced.

2 – Mullein tea recipe to mitigate the effects of the common cold

Ingredients

• An ounce and half of mullein leaves
• An ounce of elderberries and
• An ounce of plantain.

Method

• Boil a cup of water.
• Add the above ingredients.
• Cover the pot and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
• Pour the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to filter out the tiny hairs of the mullein leaves and related particles from the remaining herbal ingredients. This is essential to keep yourself from throat irritation.
• You can add raw honey but avoid using artificial sweeteners.

3 - Mullein tea recipe to reduce acne

Ingredients

• You would need an ounce and half of mullein flowers
• 3/4^th of an ounce of chamomile flowers
• 3/4^th of an ounce of dandelion and
• 3/4^th of an ounce of wild-pansy

Method

• Boil a cup of water.
• Add the above ingredients.
• Cover the pot and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
• Pour the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to filter out the tiny hairs of the mullein leaves and related particles from the remaining herbal ingredients. This is essential to keep yourself from throat irritation.

What is the recipe for Mullein Tea?

You can make mullein tea from fried leaves or flowers. The following recipe is made using tea bags.(Reference : What Is Mullein Tea? Benefits Side Effects and More, Healthline, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

Mullein Tea Recipe, in.pinterest, Google Image Licensed under CC BY 2.0

 Ingredients

• Mullein tea bags
• Water
• Raw honey
• Cinnamon/lemon wedge

Method

Mullein tea made using tea bags -

• Add 6 bags of mullein tea in 8-ounces boiling water. This will serve 6 people.
• Let it steep for about half an hour.
• Be sure to use cheesecloth or a strainer to fragments of mullein from the tea. This is necessary to keep yourself and the ones you serve from throat irritation.
• You can add raw honey in the tea but refrain from using artificial sweeteners or refined sugar.
• You can add a cinnamon stick or a lemon wedge as garnishing, in your cup!

Health Benefits of Mullein Tea, Pinkvilla, Google Images, licensed under CC BY 2.0

How much Mullein Tea should you drink?

 There is neither evidence nor research to point out the exact dosage for mullein tea. However, sticking to a single cup of tea (30 ML max.) made from 4 grams of mullein flowers or 3 grams of dried mullein leaf is advisable! Reference (Mullein, Drugs.com, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

Can you drink Mullein Tea every day?

It is best to drink a cup of mullein tea per day.(Reference Mullein: The Herb that Fights Infections and Inflammation, Dr. Axe, retrieved on 21 July 2024)

Does Mullein Tea reduce belly fat?

 There is no evidence to back the claim that mullein tea assists in the reduction of belly fat. However, it is perfectly capable of improving the overall efficiency of your digestive system. Better digestion leads to better metabolism and improved metabolism means fewer chances of your body storing excess fat! (Reference : Mullein Tea Is The Only Tea You Need To Stay Healthy, HerZindagi, retrieved on, 1 January 2024) 

 A cup of herbal tea with fresh mullein flowers, Dreamstime, Google Images  Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Frequently Ask Question

Q. Is it okay to drink mullein tea when you have tummy troubles? In case you are suffering from tummy aches, constipation and generic gastrointestinal issues like –Reference (Mullein Tea Is The Only Tea You Need To Stay Healthy, HerZindagi, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

• Diarrhea
• anorexia, or
• nausea – brew a cup of mullein tea and drink it while it is still warm. You will benefit from it!

Q. Does mullein tea promote a good night’s sleep? Mullein tea is capable of relaxing your nerves thereby calming your nervous system. The result – you will have a good night’s sleep! Reference (Mullein Tea Is The Only Tea You Need To Stay Healthy, HerZindagi, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

Q. Does Mullein tea contain caffeine? No, it is a non-caffeinated drink. (Reference 11 Impressive Health Benefits Of Mullein Tea + How To Make, StyleCraze, retrieved on 1 January 2024)

Q. Can pregnant women drink Mullein tea? One should keep in mind that there is no strong evidence or research to back the claim that mullein tea is safe to consume for expecting mothers. Hence, it is best for pregnant and nursing women to avoid drinking this tea. (Reference What Is Mullein Tea? Benefits Side Effects and More, Healthline, retrieved on 1 January 2024)