Verbascum thapsus. Illustration by Michelle Enemark.
MULLEIN TEA RECIPE
to soothe and heal the lungs
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup fresh (packed) or dried mullein
1 quart water
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add fresh or dried leaf to a pot (with tight fitting lid) and cover with water. Bring *almost* to a boil then turn the heat down and simmer for about 20 minutes.
MEDICINAL USE:
Our family often drinks mullein tea when a cold, cough, or respiratory flu is first comin on. It helps to soothe the lungs, throat, and nasal passages. I have known it to stop or shorten the duration of a cold. You may continue to drink mullein throughout the duration of a respiratory illness.
Mullein is also a great longterm remedy for smokers and others lookin to heal up their lungs (those with asthma, other allergies, or recovering from respiratory illness). You could drink a good quart a day for 6 weeks. Heal up those precious lungs. With this coronavirus wreaking havoc right now, it is a good time to take special care of the lungs and respiratory system and it sure wouldn’t hurt to drink mullein tea everyday. I try to always have a supply of dry mullein on hand and find that I always prefer the wild plant to what one may buy dried.
In my experience and knowledge, mullein is a fairly friendly herb. I don’t know of any contraindications, but you should always do some research or check with a master herbalist if you have special conditions or are taking other medications.*
HARVEST:
I usually harvest the leaves fresh and make them into tea immediately. Just harvest one or two leaves from each plant. And always make a blessin on the plant, even it’s just a word of thanks.
Do be careful of where you harvest, as mullein often grows on roadsides and other places that could be sprayed with harmful chemicals. If you can, grow some mullein of your own.
Blessins, friends.
*Disclaimer*
This recipe does not provide specific dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner.