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Mullein

Mullein is a plant whose flower is used to make medicine.

Mullein is used for coughs, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earache, colds, chills, flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis and sore throat. Other uses include the treatment of asthma, diarrhea, colic, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, migraines, joint pain and gout. In addition, mullein is used as a sedative and as a diuretic to increase urine output. Mullein is applied to the skin to treat wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, bruises, chilblains and skin infections. Mullein leaves are used on the skin to protect and soften the skin. In industrial production, mullein is used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.

How does mullein work?

The chemicals contained in mullein may be able to fight flu and herpes viruses, as well as some bacteria that cause respiratory infections.

How effective is mullein?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of mullein applied to the skin for wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, bruises and chilblains, and mullein taken orally for earaches, colds, flu, asthma, diarrhea, migraines, gout, tuberculosis, croup, coughs, sore throats and bronchitis. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of mullein in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information to say whether mullein is safe and harmless or what side effects it may have.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the use of mullein during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid mullein.

Interactions

At present, there is no information on interactions between mullein and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of mullein depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for mullein. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Zgorniak-Nowosielska I, Grzybek J, Manolova N, et al. Antiviral activity of Flos verbasci infusion against influenza and Herpes simplex viruses. Arch Immunol Ther Exp 1991;39:103-8.