Mullein is a herb that has been used since time immemorial to cure a wide array of ailments. Also known as the Velvet plant, it is a native of Asia and Europe with the maximum varieties found in the Mediterranean region. It is called scientifically as Verbascum Thapsus and has been used very commonly as a herbal medicine. Rich in Hesperidin and Coumarin, this herb has various powerful benefits for the mankind.
Various scientific studies suggest that Mullein has antihistaminic, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, estrogenic, anti-fungal, fungicidal, sedative, pesticide, sedative, and hypnotic properties.
Read on to know how you can make use of Mullein to improve your health!
How does Muellin improve your health?
1. Helps in treating cold and flu
Mullein herb has rich anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and expectorant properties that helps in easing the congestion experienced during cold and flu. It decongests the chest and eliminates the phlegm, thereby offering relief from cold or flu. Drink two to three cups of mullein tea to see noticeable differences.
2. Helps in easing inflammation
It gets its innate anti-inflammatory properties the presence of caffeic acid and phenylethanoid, Verbascoside. The smoke of dried leaves help in easing the inflammation experienced by the respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and asthma.
3. Helps in easing ear infection
According to various scientific research, the oil extracted from the flowers of mullein is rich in powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it could be efficiently used as a natural cure for ear infections. It can also be used to ease the pain experienced in the ears due to sinus blocks.
4. Cure for migraine and headaches
The mullein flower extract, being rich in anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, is used in alternative medicines as a cure for migraines and headaches. It can also be used to heal the headaches arising from ear oppression.
5. Improves the health of digestive system
Drinking mullein tea is said to be beneficial for a wide array of digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhea. Its fungicidal properties make it an effective antidote for intestinal worms.
6. Helps in keeping the urinary bladder healthy
It is believed that mullein tea helps in healing the infections that affect the urinary bladder, thus improving its health. It could also be used efficiently to treat hemorrhoids.
7. Beneficial for treating tuberculosis
Mullein has naturally powerful anti-bacterial properties that it gets from the presence of verbascoside. Studies suggest that verbascoside helps to treat tuberculosis and is effective against Staph infections as well.
8. Could help in easing painful conditions affecting joints and muscles
The anti-inflammatory properties of mullein could be used to significantly reduce the pain experienced in the joints or muscles. It reduces the inflammation and swelling, thereby easing the pain.
9. Beneficial in treating cramps
Mullein is well-known for its fabulous anti-spasmodic properties that makes it a potential natural cure for stomach cramps induced by gastric upset as well as menstrual cramps. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties ease the pain associated with these conditions.
10. Naturally helps in managing anxiety and stress
Being a sedative by nature, one could use mullein tea to help in managing anxiety and stress. It is also used as a natural cure for insomnia.
11. Beneficial for the skin
Topical application of mullein oil on the skin could help in easing various conditions like cuts, blisters, burns, and rashes. Being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature, it eases the inflammation and prevents the site from the attack of infections.
Other Benefits of Mullein
The flowers, roots, and leaves of this herb has nervine, vulnerary, anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, emollient, and demulcent properties, enhancing its richness as a powerful alternative medicine.
How to use mullein for better health?
Mullein is available in the form of tea or as tinctures, capsules, and drops. You could prepare your own tea or poultices by using the leaves of this herb.
Precaution
While the roots, leaves, and flowers of this herb are highly beneficial, its seeds are highly toxic. While there is no much information available on the side effects of using mullein, it might trigger an allergic reaction such as itching on the neck, arms, and hands in some people. In extremely rare cases, people may also experience a tightness in their chest and/or throat or find it difficult to breathe.
If you face any such problem, please discontinue the use of the herb with immediate effect. It is also advisable to refrain from using mullein if you are a pregnant or lactating woman as there are no studies available that support or oppose the use of this herb during these periods.
There are times when natural supplements might interact negatively with certain medications that you are already taking for various health conditions. Hence, if you are on any such medication, please consult with your doctor before you start using this herb.
Mullein is, indeed, a beneficial herb for the mankind. But use it judiciously to reap its benefits!
