Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus, is one of the most versatile herbs to add to herbal smoking blends. This herb offers a very light and soothing smoke experience that helps to relieve respiratory ailments such as congestion, coughs and bronchitis. This is because of the plant’s expectorant properties, which are capable of thinning the thick mucus inside the lungs and making it easier to cough up.
This lung-friendly herb has been used for medicinal purposes for ages. The ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist Dioscorides documented that the plant is beneficial for respiratory conditions like asthma. Mullein has also been used as a remedy by many cultures across Europe, Asia and Africa. Native Americans cultivated the plant as well and used it for numerous health benefits.
Adding mullein to your herbal smoke blend can help alleviate symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asthma by opening the airways in the lungs and promoting deep, slow breathing. The vapors produced by the burning leaves are very light and almost similar to that of smoked tobacco, but are free of any nicotine content. The smoke is known to be soothing to the lungs and throat, and the herb has been reported to calm and relax the nervous system.
Smoking mullein is safe for most people to do, especially in small doses. However, long-term use can lead to tolerance and addiction. It is also recommended to avoid the herb for pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with liver and kidney disease.