When mixed with other herbs, mullein leaf provides a light and smooth smoke that is very well-tolerated by smokers. It is an excellent base herb that you can use in your herbal smoking mixture to help soothe the lungs and reduce irritation from harsher herbs. It is also a mild expectorant and is able to thin out thick mucus, making it easier for the body to cough up and expel.
Mullein leaf is a common herbal remedy for respiratory issues, such as asthma, flu, colds, sore throat and so on. The plant contains a substance called mucilage, which coats the mucous membranes in your respiratory tract, soothing them and reducing inflammation. It can be used as a soothing leaf tea and there are mullein tinctures, syrups and drops available for easy ingestion. Mullein can also be used as an ear drop to relieve ear infections, and the flowers are a common ingredient in throat lozenges.
This herb has been used for thousands of years by many cultures worldwide. The earliest documentation of its medicinal use dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, but there are records of it being used by Native Americans, including the Navaho, who referred to it as “big tobacco”. Its mild sedative and narcotic properties, which can produce a legal high when smoked, make it an ideal herb for calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
Mullein leaves are also very high in antioxidants, which protect your cells from free radical damage. This helps reduce the effects of aging and keeps your immune system strong.