When Should Mullein be Picked?

Mullein is an herb that was first introduced to the United States during the 1700s, presumably planted by European settlers who used it for its medicinal properties. Throughout history, mullein has been used to cure coughs and diarrhea and to ease respiratory symptoms such as asthma. Extracts from mullein have also been used as a fish poison and an insecticide.

Mullein Characteristics

• Mullein is a standing herb that can be identified in its early years of growth by bluish-green leaves with a felt-like texture. Leaves can grow to over a foot in length. Beginning in the second year of a mullein plant's life, flowers are produced on a tall stalk that can reach up to 10 feet in height. Mullein flowers are typically yellow with five petals and are located along the spiky top of the mullein plant. Flowers usually bloom between the months of June and August.

Mullein Distribution

• During the 1800s, mullein was planted throughout the United States, first identified in Virginia and later populating the entire East Coast. Mullein has since spread across the United States and is currently considered invasive in many places, especially on the west coast. Mullein is commonly thought of as a weed or wildflower.

  Mullein usually grows in dry, sandy soils, and is often found on roadsides, hillsides and pastures. It grows best in direct sunlight without shade cover.

Picking Mullein

• Mullein should be picked while the flowers are in bloom--generally June through August--although taller plants may bloom up until October. Only flowers that are fully open should be harvested. Once harvested, mullein can be dried like other herbs and used as needed at a later date.

Mullein Uses

• Mullein was first used to treat respiratory ailments like asthma and coughs, but its uses have expanded dramatically over time. The plant has mild narcotic properties, leading to its use as a pain killer for headaches, migraines, arthritis and earaches. The mullein flower can act as a sedative, encouraging relaxation and relieving ailments caused by anxiety, including cramps, diarrhea and insomnia. These same relaxant properties also make mullein a natural treatment for asthma, cough and sore throat. Mullein exhibits decongestive properties that can help alleviate a stuffy nose or allergy symptoms. As a diuretic, mullein helps minimize fluid retention and can detoxify the kidneys, thereby treating some of the symptoms of gout and arthritis.

  Mullein has other medicinal uses externally. Leaves are often boiled and applied to the body to ease soreness caused by bruising, arthritis, wounds and burns. Flowers can be pressed and mullein oil extracted and applied to the area around the ears to relieve pain from earaches.