Mullein: From Ancient Herb to Modern Lung Support
Mullein’s Roots
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a hardy, biennial herb native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. In year one, it forms a low rosette of soft, woolly leaves; in year two, it sends up a tall flower spike dotted with tiny yellow blooms—often towering 6–8 feet. Its texture and silhouette made it easy to spot along sunny, dry slopes and field edges, and it eventually followed trade routes and migration paths across the globe.
Old-World Uses & Folklore
Classical herbals from Greece and Rome described mullein as a soothing plant for the chest and throat, with leaves and flowers steeped as gentle teas or syrups. In medieval Europe, the downy leaves were valued as a soft poultice, while the dried stalks—dubbed “candlewick” or “torch plant”—were dipped in tallow or wax and burned as makeshift torches. Beyond medicine, the plant found its way into dyes, lamp wicks, and even beekeeping lore, earning a place in cottage gardens and apothecaries alike.
From Healer to “Weed” in the New World
Introduced to North America by settlers in the 1700s, mullein adapted quickly to disturbed soils, roadsides, and pastures. Its prolific seed production and preference for sunny, open ground helped it spread, and by the 19th century farmers commonly labeled it a “weed.” Yet even as it naturalized, many homesteaders continued to harvest it, bridging practical fieldwork with traditional herbal know-how.
Rediscovery & Modern Herbal Interest
By the 1800s and early 1900s, eclectic physicians and household guides in the U.S. again highlighted mullein as a soothing, demulcent herb for the respiratory tract, often prepared as teas, syrups, oils (from the flowers), or tinctures. Today, herbalists continue that tradition with modern extracts and liquid drops prized for convenience and quick absorption. Contemporary interest emphasizes gentle airway support, moisture balance, and overall
respiratory well-being—framed as traditional use rather than disease treatment.
Bring Mullein Into Your Daily Routine
Modern mullein drops make it simple to integrate this heritage herb into a daily routine: add to water or take under the tongue, typically up to two servin
gs per day as directed on the label. Many users pair mullein with chlorophyll for a fresh, plant-forward profile.
👉 Try our Natural Mullein Leaf Extract with Chlorophyll (2 oz) — perfect for everyday support.
👉 Want more value? We’re introducing a 2-pack bundle so you’ll always have a backup on hand. The bundle saves you money compared to buying two singles, making it our best deal for those who want lasting support.
As with any supplement, individuals who are pregnant, nursing, on medications, or managing a medical condition should consult a healthcare professional before use.