Are you familiar with mullein, also known as common mullein ? Behind this rustic name lies a majestic plant with yellow flowers and a honeyed fragrance, used since antiquity. Hippocrates and Dioscorides already praised its expectorant properties for soothing coughs and respiratory irritations.
A story full of curiosities
Mullein has had some surprising uses throughout the centuries. Its velvety leaves have served as dressings for wounds, wicks for candles, and even as a kind of wild "toilet paper" (we'll let you guess why). It's no wonder this plant has maintained a reputation for soothing and comforting properties throughout the ages.
Mullein in the seven pectoral flowers
Mullein is one of the famous seven pectoral flowers (mullein, cat's foot, poppy, mallow, marshmallow, coltsfoot, violet), used for centuries as an infusion against coughs and respiratory ailments .
Mullein flowers: properties and health benefits
It is primarily the flowers of the mullein plant that concentrate its active ingredients .
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Rich in mucilage , they soothe irritated mucous membranes – ideal against dry coughs and sore throats.
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Thanks to their saponins and flavonoids , they act as anti-inflammatories, antitussives and antispasmodics – perfect for calming bronchitis or soothing asthma.
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Their sudorific and diuretic effect supports the body during colds.
In practice, mullein is an ally during difficult winters: it relieves coughs , facilitates expectoration (goodbye stubborn phlegm), soothes an irritated throat and, when used externally, soothes the skin in cases of minor burns, frostbite or small cracks.
How to use white broth?
Infusion for coughs and throats
To prepare a mullein herbal tea :
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1 tablespoon of dried flowers per 1 cup of boiling water.
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Let it steep for 10 minutes covered.
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Filter carefully (the flowers contain tiny irritating hairs).
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Enjoy 2 to 3 cups per day.
Mullein tea has a mild and slightly sweet flavor thanks to the glucose naturally present in its petals.
White broth for external use
Applied as compresses or poultices, the decoction of flowers and leaves soothes minor burns, chilblains and skin irritations .
A homemade cough-relieving herbal tea made with pectoral plants
Mix together 30g of mullein flowers , 20g of poppy and 20g of mallow (or 15g of marshmallow root ).
Infuse a tablespoon of the mixture in a cup of boiling water, strain, sweeten with honey if desired… and enjoy a soothing, cough-suppressing and calming drink for the bronchi and throat.
Summary of the benefits of mullein (common mullein)
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Relieves dry coughs and sore throats
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Soothes bronchitis and facilitates expectoration.
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Soothes the bronchial tubes in case of asthma or a cold
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Softens the skin when used externally
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A mild, naturally sweet infusion with no contraindications at usual doses.
In short, mullein is a true natural ally for your bronchi and respiratory tract , ideal as a homemade pectoral herbal tea to get through the winter smoothly.
Sources:
- Medicinal Plants: Secrets and Remedies of Yesteryear , Debaisieux Edition
- I Make My Own Healing Herbal Teas , by Caroline Gayet and Dr. Patrick Aubé, Leduc Editions
- Secrets of a Herbalist: 250 Medicinal Plants , Marie-Antoinette Mulot, Éditions du Dauphin
- Herbalism: A Practical Manual of Plant Health , by Patrice de Bonneval
- Guide to Medicinal Plants , Dr. G. Pamplona-Roger, Life and Health Encyclopedia
Under no circumstances should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis made by a doctor or healthcare professional, who are the only ones able to properly assess your state of health.
