Mullein Tea and Long Steeped Mullein Infusion
This tea has long been a healing remedy for respiratory complaints in many parts of the world. We have certainly benefited from it in our home, ever since I came to know this plant more intimately and have work with it where we live. It breaks up congestion in the bronchioles and helps stimulate movement of fluids and expectoration, while reducing inflammation and soreness throughout the respiratory system. See Herbal Allies for more information on Mullein.
Mullein tea: 1-2 teaspoons ground dried Mullein leaf and/or flowers
1 cup filtered boiling water
Pour boiling water over herb and steep for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain through a coffee filter to ensure that the throat does not get irritated by the little hairs on the leaves. This tea be taken three times a day, or as needed. I am not aware of any contraindications with this herb.
Mullein Infusion
1 oz dried Mullein leaves
1 quart filtered water
In a heat proof quart jar, pour filtered boiling water over mullein leaves, and wait a few minutes as the leaves really soak up the liquid. Add more water to fill the jar and secure the lid in place. Let the mixture infuse for 4-8 hours or overnight, keeping the jar wrapped in a kitchen towel for a little insulation. Strain the infusion through a coffee filter place inside another strainer, and squeeze out all liquid, composting the remaining herb. We enjoy drinking this warmed with a little milk and maple syrup; making it a very delicious respiratory remedy before bed or to replace morning coffee. (The addition of milk and maple syrup was suggested to me by Linda Conroy during my herbal apprenticeship with her, a delicious suggestion, especially if you have local maple syrup). Keep any remaining infusion refrigerated and use within 48 hours. Enjoy one to two cups a day or as needed.
Mullein Flower Oil
Mullein flowers are striking as they emerge over many days on the tall stalks of the Mullein plant from June through September. The flowers have a long history of use as an effective treatment as an infused oil for ear infections that accompany a cold or upper respiratory infection. A few drops of the warmed oil can be given in both ears to help ease pain. We have found that it is even more effective when combined with a fresh strained garlic infused oil (while at the same time, taking echinacea tincture internally, to help support the immune system).
Mullein infused oil can also be use topically to relieve pain and can even be massaged into the temples or the forehead and around the sinuses to help ease sinus congestion. Matthew Wood (1997) suggests that it can be used in cases of neuralgia and has an affinity to the nervous system.
Making Mullein Flower Oil
Dry Mullein flowers
Organic olive oil
Clean, dry, glass jar with tight fitting lid (4 -16 oz jar is sufficient for the family herbalist)
Dark colored bottle for strained infused oil
Strainer
Cheese cloth or tea towel
Collect mullein flowers on a dry day; (preferably after three consecutive, dry days). If the flowers are too moist, the oil may develop mold.
Place flowers in a small glass jar until it is filled about three quarters full, lightly packing down the flowers. Add oil to completely cover the flowers and use a clean utensil (I use a bamboo skewer) to ensure all flowers are covered and to make sure there aren’t any air pockets. Add enough oil so there is an additional one centimeter of oil and a little air room at the top of the jar. Cap with tight fitting lid and label the jar. Place in a warm and dark place. Agitate it daily and strain after four to six weeks. (Following the moon cycles might be helpful, making it on the new moon and straining it on the full moon, in this way you are working with the gravitational forces on the fluids at their optimal times.)
Strain the infused oil through a small strainer lined with cheese cloth or an old tea towel and squeeze or press through strainer. Let the infused oil sit for one day and then decant and filter again if necessary. Store the infused oil in a dark colored bottle with a tight fitting lid and label with contents and date. Most infused oils have a shelf life of one year if kept in a cool and dark place. Oils can be used alone or made into a salve, which usually have a longer shelf life due to the preservative effect of the beeswax.
Mullein Flower Salve
This topical salve offers the delightful qualities of these beautiful flowers into an herbal remedy that works well with therapeutic touch. This salve is inspired by Rosemary Galdstar (2012), with the addition of lavender flowers which I find to give it a more sensual healing experience. Gently massage a little dab of this salve into areas of swelling or glandular and lymphatic congestion as often as needed. Apply the salve with light strokes toward the heart, setting the intention to move and dissolve the built up congestion. This herbal blend could be made into a hot tea, as well, for even more support. I believe that we often benefit from a combined effort of more than one remedy or approach to bring nurturing and healing to our whole selves.
A gentle yoga practice would be an excellent addition to your daily routine if you have lymphatic and glandular congestion. And I love inversions, like viparita karani if there is swelling in the legs. Try placing legs up the wall and elevating under the sacrum with a yoga block or bolster for 10 – 25 minutes a day, to offer the body and mind a time to relax, possibly preventing and/or reversing other potential health issues, and letting lymph and blood shift their flow of movement.
To make the salve
1/4 cup +2 Tablespoons mixture of Mullein flowers and leaves infused in oil and strained
1/4 cup Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) infused in oil (strained)
1/4 cup Red clover blossoms (Trifolium pratense) infused in oil (strained)
Optional: add 1-2 Tablespoons infused lavender flower oil for its relaxing effects
1/4 cup Clean Grated Beeswax (use more if you like a very firm salve)
Optional: add 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil as additional preservative
Prepare the herbal infused oils of calendula flowers, red clover blossoms, mullein flower, mullein leaf and lavender flower separately. See Herbal Recipes under Calendula or the previous recipe for mullein flower oil for how to make the herbal infused oils. This method takes 4 -6 weeks.
Pour 1/4 cup grated beeswax in a pyrex measuring cup (I use a 2 cup pyrex measuring cup, placing the handle out of the water bath so that it isn’t as hot) or use a pint mason jar. Place container of beeswax into the pot of gently boiling water to melt. When beeswax is melted, pour in the different herbal infused oils with the beeswax. When beeswax and oils are fully melted, remove it from heat using an oven mit and pour into small jars or tins. It will thicken and harden as it cools. If the consistency is not to your liking, simply remelt salve and make adjustments (more beeswax for a firmer salve or more oil for a softer salve).
This recipe makes approximately eight ounces of salve. Store in cool place. Feel nurtured and embraced by nature’s healing powers!
Mullein Steam Therapy for Sinuses
Juliette de Bairacli Levy (1997) gives very practical and personal accounts of how to work with herbs. This is one of her recipes that I have modified a bit, with the addition of the eucalyptus leaves and using a large pot instead of a kettle. I especially like it for relieving sinus pressure and congestion. She says that it works well for asthma and hayfever, as well.
To make the Mullein steam:
Pot of boiling water with lid
Tablespoon or handful of dried mullein
Optional: Add a pinch of crumbled eucalyptus leaves or thyme to boiled water
Bring two to three quarts of water to boil. Turn off heat. Add the herbs and cover the pot for 3-5 minutes. Drape a towel around head and pot to create a vapor cocoon, so the steam does not escape and being careful not to burn yourself. Inhale the steam of boiling water with mullein for five to ten minutes.Take deep breaths with the eyes closed for as long as is comfortable and begin to feel the opening of the sinuses and movement of stuck congestion. I recommend the mullein steam therapy in addition to drinking the mullein tea and/or overnight infusion, as these remedies work well together.