Side Effects of Mullein

Mullein is a plant species originally from Europe. It has five variants, all belonging to the same family known as the Scrophulariaceae or figwort and snapdragon family. The leaves and the flowers are the parts that are used, having a subtle odor and a bitter taste. The best time to harvest the mullein is in the summer and the flowery spike in the middle of the plant can get up to eight feet tall. It has many medicinal properties; however, it's wise to also know the possible side effects.

Identification

• Common mullein is a bluish-green plant with woolly leaves. In the second year of growth, the plant produces yellow flowers along the stalk. Common mullein grows in areas where there is plenty of sunlight and an annual precipitation of 3 to 6 inches. The growing season for mullein is around 140 days. The plant doesn't grow well in shady areas, and typically grows in open pastures, industrial areas and along roadsides. The dried leaves have been used throughout history as wicks for candles. It has had many folk names including candlewick, big taper, torchwort, peter's staff, velvet dock, flannel leaf and Aaron's rod. Moth mullein is similar to the common mullein but smaller. The leaves have toothed margins and are hairless.

Active Ingredients

• The active components in mullein include glucidic substances, flavonoids, and tannins. Tannins are helpful for reducing intestinal inflammations and stopping diarrhea. The mucilages in mullein soothe infections in the ear and other irritated membranes. Mullein also contains saponins, which help to bring up mucous during coughing. The active ingredients work together to make mullein an anti-inflammatory. It is also an antihistamine, emollient and expectorant, and it is antiviral and calming.

Positive Effects

• Mullein is typically used for respiratory problems such as colds, coughing, tuberculosis or asthma. The plant can be used in teas, tinctures, smokes or compresses. Mullein, as a compress, helps with burns and bruises. Teas and smokes are used to soothe the lungs. The oils of mullein can be used in the ear to soothe earaches or other ear problems as long as the ear drum is not punctured. It has also been used against flu and herpes viruses because of its antiviral properties.

Negative Effects

• The hairs of mullein may cause skin irritations or dermatitis in some people. It is also possible the hairs could irritate the body when taken internally and cause breathing problems, skin hives, chest pain, rash, itchiness, weakness or tightness in the throat and chest. Mullein should not be taken by children, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. It is best for people who have never taken the herb to test their reaction, and to make sure teas are well-strained so that none of the hairs are digested from the plant.

Dosage

• Mullein is typically steeped for 10 minutes in boiling water in order to make a tea for coughs or lung problems. A teaspoon of the herb is used per cup of water. It is then strained well, and sweetened with honey. About three to four drops of mullein oil at room temperature can be used to relieve an ear infection.