Mullein.

During this strange times of Coivd19. I was thinking of which herbs to help protect and fight covid19, and then the most obvious was looking at me outside my bedroom window. It is Mullein. For protection and the lungs, it is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping your coughs be more productive and to bring up mucus in the chest and throat. It is also a demulcent, which means it creates a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over the mucus membrane. Wow, what couldn't be more appropriate. 

The name mullein probably comes from the Latin word mollis, meaning soft, referring to the plant’s woolly stem and leaves. The name also might relate to the Latin malandrium, meaning malanders, a cattle disease for which mullein was used as a remedy.

A couple of folk names for mullein have more intriguing associations. “Candlewick plant” refers to the old practice of using the dried down of mullein leaves and stems to make lamp wicks, the custom of using mullein for torches dates back at least to Roman times.

 

Traditional and Modern Uses:

Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties, as well.

Mullein is perfect for all things lung related. This gentle herb seems to focus its energy in a very effective way in the lungs, and it gets to work fast!

Mullein helps remove any 'gunk' from with the lungs via its gentle yet thorough expectorant abilities. It helps the lungs purge themselves of mucous and phlegm that have taken their fill of toxins, pollutants, and foreign matter so that it can be given healthy replacements.

Like many herbs, mullein has natural mucilage which soothes, coats, and protects the respiratory system from the mouth to the lungs.

In many cases, recurring lung issues are wrapped up in an inflammation cycle. Mullein is a gentle anti-inflammatory that focuses on the lungs, so it can help reduce inflammation in the various passages and tissues in the lungs giving way to healing and easier breathing.

Mullein has been traditionally used as a extract by people with asthma, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, inflammation, respiratory allergies, recurring congestion, smoker's cough, exercise-induced lung strain, and anxiety-related breathing issues.

Like many other herbs, mullein is not entirely benign. Some people find the plant’s hairs irritating to skin and mucous membranes. It’s a good idea to see how you react to a small amount of mullein before consuming.

Remember to always strain the tea through fine-weave cloth or a coffee filter to remove any stray hairs and mix it with other teas to help the flavour if you like. Or add some Manuka honey, if you don't like the taste.

This is Mullein growing right outside my place.