Mullein Leaf: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More

Mullein Leaf: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More

Mullein Leaf: Potential Benefits, Known Risks, and More
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Updated on April 25, 2025
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Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

Mullein leaf, also known as Verbascum thapsus, is often considered a weed, but it has a long history of use as a medicinal plant.

For hundreds of years, Native Americans used mullein leaf to help with coughs, healing wounds, and more. Now it's used for benefits ranging from potentially reducing inflammation to soothing respiratory illnesses.

Do these perks really check out?

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Potential Health Benefits of Mullein Leaf

Mullein leaf comes with a number of purported benefits, but as with many other supplements, more research is needed to confirm these perks.

Here are a few of the most studied benefits of mullein leaf.

  • May ease respiratory issues: “As a moisture-inducing and expectorant herb, mullein leaf has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine to reduce inflammation and soothe dry and inflamed lungs and throat tissue, especially in cases of asthma, coughs, and pneumonia,” says Jenna Volpe, RDN, a functional dietitian and clinical herbalist based in Austin, Texas. Research shows that mullein is an expectorant, meaning it helps clear phlegm (mucus) from the throat.

  • May treat ear infections: Past research on 103 children with middle ear infections found that those who took a remedy made with mullein had comparable pain relief to those who used a typical eardrop solution.

     “Due to the antimicrobial components, there may be some benefits to using the oil as a treatment for ear infections,” says Christiane Matey, RDN, a Mooresville, North Carolina–based nutritionist and the founder of Mint Nutrition. She adds that human trials or clinical research (like the older, aforementioned one) are scant.
  • Could reduce inflammation: A research review looked at why mullein has been used for centuries in Spanish folk medicine. One reason, the authors explain, is its anti-inflammatory properties.

     But more research is needed to determine how effective mullein leaf is at reducing inflammation. “Although used as a complementary treatment over the centuries, there are limited high-quality clinical human trials [on anti-inflammatory effects],” says Matey.
  • May prevent cell damage: “Perhaps one of the biggest benefits [of mullein] is its antioxidant perks; it can protect the cells from damage,” says Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, a Chicago-based registered dietitian nutritionist. One study found that high concentrations of mullein helped successfully combat free radicals (what antioxidants fight against), although lower doses did not have the same effectiveness. Still, this study was performed in a lab setting, and further studies are needed to determine the impact of mullein on the body, according to its authors.

  • Could keep infections at bay: Certain studies in laboratory settings tout mullein's antibacterial properties. For example, past research has linked it to stopping the growth of pneumonia, staph, and E. coli bacteria (although this was a lab-based study, and more research needs to be done in humans).

     It's also been found to have bacteria-fighting properties.

     But Matey says the limited research on mullein for these purposes makes it difficult to conclusively call it effective.

Weight Loss Effects of Mullein Leaf

Though some companies purport that mullein leaf may promote weight loss by suppressing appetite, Matey says this potential benefit is not research-backed.

“Mullein leaf is more known for its medicinal properties to help with respiratory health. Clinical studies would be the next step to confirm if mullein can be beneficial for weight loss,” she says.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Mullein Leaf

The FDA regulates supplements differently from prescription drugs, so Retelny says you don't always know what you're getting in a mullein leaf supplement. It's wise to get to know this plant's potential risks.

Risks

If you're interested in trying mullein, the risks are generally considered low. “Used as an adjunctive therapy, it's not shown to be toxic, but proceed with caution with herbal remedies,” says Retelny.

There are a few reasons to be cautious. Firstly, supplements like mullein leaf are not regulated by the FDA to the same degree as prescription medications, so they may use marketing claims that aren't supported by strong scientific evidence — and they may even contain ingredients not listed on their labels.

Secondly, mullein seeds may be considered toxic, so if you buy a product that's contaminated with the seeds, it may be harmful. (Volpe explains this is due to a substance called rotenone, which is found in the seeds of certain plants, which research has also noted.)

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid mullein leaf, since there's no well-established safety information for mullein during pregnancy. Some research has shown that mullein could contribute to kidney failure, so if you have kidney disease, steer clear of mullein leaf or speak to your doctor.

Side Effects

The known side effects for mullein leaf are minimal. “At this time, there are no known risks, medication side effects, or contraindications of mullein leaf, aside from occasional reported contact dermatitis (an itchy rash that develops from physical contact with an irritant) in cases of allergies,” says Volpe. “Otherwise, mullein leaf is generally regarded as safe.”

Irritation can happen if applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes, adds Retelny. Research has also noted that it may cause contact dermatitis in some.

Forms of Mullein Leaf

Mullein leaf supplements can be found in a variety of forms:

  • Dried, loose herb
  • Fresh or dried herbal tincture
  • Herbal glycerite (a liquid form that submerges leaves in vegetable glycerin, rather than alcohol)
  • Cough syrup
  • Capsule

Each form has its pros and cons. Volpe notes that capsules are an easy choice for their convenience factor, and that an herbal glycerite is a viable option for people who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Food Sources of Mullein Leaf

According to Matey, mullein leaf can be steeped into a tea that's ideal for drinking when you have a cold, cough, or other respiratory problem. “Mullein teas are great for respiratory issues and hydration,” she says. Follow steeping instructions on purchased mullein leaf teas.

Otherwise the plant isn't generally found in other food sources.

How to Select and Store Mullein Leaf

Here's what you need to know before you stock up on mullein leaf.

Selection

In terms of mullein drops, teas, syrups, and pills, many may contain other herbs or ingredients (for example, one mullein ear oil also contains garlic). If you're taking one that's a blend, make sure that you're not allergic to the other ingredients, and that they won't interact with any medications you may be using.

Some people also harvest their own mullein leaves and flowers (rather than buying them dried or in a capsule or in drop form). If this is the case for you, consider harvesting the leaves when they are in a basal rosette shape, in the fall of the first year of growth (or the spring of the second year, before the flower stock grows).

Whether you buy dried leaves and flowers or pick them yourself, be sure to check that there are no seeds present (as they can be toxic).

And, to choose a quality supplement, check the label for USP, NSF, or Consumer Labs Approved. This means the product has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.

Storage

Because there are so many different varieties of mullein leaf, be it capsules or dried leaves, storage depends on the form. First and foremost, follow the instructions on the packaging. For example, dried mullein leaves may do best stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For mullein leaf extract, one brand suggests storing away from heat and light.

Dosage of Mullein Leaf

If you're looking for a one-size-fits-all dose, you won't find it with mullein leaf. “Just like with many herbal remedies, the dosage for mullein leaf is not standardized,” says Retelny. Also, the fact that there are a number of forms of the supplement also make a standard dose impossible.

“There are many variables with herbs as far as the form you use, concentration, and where the herb is cultivated,” Retelny adds.

Talk your doctor about taking the herbal remedy, and if you get the green light, follow the dosage instructions on the package. And as a general guide, Volpe says these doses are commonly used ones, based on form:

  • Herbal tea infusion A typical dose might be 4 to 8 ounces of mullein leaf tea two to four times daily for lung issues. Most mullein leaf teas should be steeped for about 3 to 5 minutes, using a single tea bag.
  • Herbal tincture or glycerite (glycerin extract of mullein leaves) Volpe says the typical advice is to take ½ teaspoon to 2 teaspoons of mullein leaf tincture three times daily for lung issues.
  • Herbal cough syrup Volpe says it's traditionally advised to take 1 tablespoon at a time, one to three times daily, as needed.

The Takeaway

  • Research suggests that mullein leaf may ease respiratory ailments.
  • While the risks and side effects associated with taking mullein leaf are considered low, more research is needed to fully determine the risks and benefits.
  • Talk with your doctor before taking any supplement, and be sure to avoid mullein leaf seeds, as they can be toxic.

Common Questions & Answers

What is mullein leaf good for?

Mullein leaf may help people with respiratory issues, although research is still ongoing. Scientists are also looking into whether it can help reduce inflammation, fight infections, and prevent cell damage.

You can purchase mullein leaf online or buy it in health food stores. The supplement comes in a variety of forms, such as a pouch of dried leaves and flowers, an extract in a bottle, an oil, syrup, or capsules.

While more research is needed, mullein may promote lung function, ease congestion, open up airways, and soothe respiratory conditions.

Before drinking mullein tea every day, talk to your doctor. Some experts suggest that people with lung issues could drink a cup of mullein tea twice a day, although your medical practitioner may have a more specific suggestion.

Some research has shown that mullein could contribute to kidney failure. Always talk with your doctor before taking a supplement, especially if you have kidney disease.

Additional reporting by Sarah Garone.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. How Mullein Benefits Your Lungs. Cleveland Clinic. December 19, 2022.
  2. Garg R et al. Utilization of Medicinal Herbal Plants in the Management of Respiratory Conditions. Immunopathology of Chronic Respiratory Diseases. October 28, 2024.
  3. Sarrell EM et al. Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. July 2001.
  4. Blanco-Salas J et al. Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Biology.
  5. Mahdavi S et al. The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L. Medicinal Chemistry. 2020.
  6. Turker AU et al. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. Biology. October 2002.
  7. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. June 2, 2022.
  8. Krishna G et al. Rotenone. Gut Microbiota in Neurologic and Visceral Diseases. 2021.
  9. Asif A. A brief study of toxic effects of some medicinal herbs on kidney. Advanced Biomedical Research. August 2012.
  10. Flores Echaiz C et al. Simultaneous contact dermatitis caused by Asteraceae and Verbascum thapsus. Contact Dermatitis. April 17, 2017.
  11. How to Use Mullein: Teas, Tinctures, and More. Mother Earth News. September 6, 2023.
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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

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Leslie Barrie

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Leslie Barrie is a health and nutrition writer and editor who loves running marathons and attempting to cook healthy meals for her family (even if they don’t always turn out as planned). She received her bachelor of science degree at UCLA and her master of science degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has written and edited for publications like Health magazine, Seventeen, and Woman’s Day. Leslie won a Hearst Spotlight Award for her work in 2018 at Woman’s Day, and helped plan the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, an event honoring changemakers fighting to end heart disease in women.

When she isn’t writing, Leslie loves chasing her daughter and son around outside, going on family hikes, and starting her day with a big bowl of muesli.
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