Mullein

Mullein is a common name for flowering plants in the genus Verbascum, especially common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Mullein is a flowering plant from the genus Verbascum, best known for its tall yellow flower spike and soft, fuzzy leaves. It has a long history of traditional use for respiratory issues, though scientific evidence for many claims remains limited.

What it is

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial plant in the snapdragon family (Plantaginaceae). In its first year, it forms a rosette of large, woolly leaves; in the second year, it sends up a tall stalk lined with small yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but has become naturalized across North America, including Canada, where it grows in sunny, disturbed sites like roadsides and fields.

Traditional uses

Herbal medicine has long used mullein leaves and flowers for coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints. Preparations include tea, infused oil, and topical applications (e.g., for minor skin issues). However, high-quality clinical evidence for most of these uses is limited. Smoking mullein is also a traditional practice, but inhaling any smoke can irritate the lungs, and safety data is lacking.

Where it grows

Mullein thrives in open, sunny, disturbed habitats such as roadsides, fields, and waste ground. In Canada, it is an introduced and naturalized plant, commonly found in these environments. It is also a familiar plant to Canadian herbal users, though its medicinal use remains supported mainly by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence.