Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Uses, History, and Plant Monograph

As dawn paints the horizon with soft hues of pink and gold, the natural world begins to stir. Bees hum their familiar songs, birds call to each other across the trees, and a woodpecker works its way up a tall, sturdy stalk. In the midst of this morning orchestra, one plant seems to rise with quiet dignity: mullein. Its tall spire of soft, yellow blossoms sways gently, catching the light. A hummingbird darts past, its wings brushing close to the velvety leaves, before heading toward honeysuckle blooms. This image captures what many herbalists and plant lovers feel when encountering mullein—it’s more than just a weed; it’s a healer, a protector, and a fascinating companion of human history.

Mullein, scientifically known as Verbascum thapsus, is a biennial plant that has found its way into gardens, meadows, and medicine cabinets across the world. Known for its towering stalks, soft woolly leaves, and clusters of yellow flowers, mullein has a long tradition of use in both folk remedies and modern herbal practices. From respiratory support to skin applications, mullein has carried with it centuries of reverence and practical healing.

This monograph explores mullein in depth—its botany, traditional uses, chemical composition, therapeutic applications, preparations, folklore, and safety considerations—while offering a holistic view of why this humble plant continues to inspire respect and curiosity.

Botanical Description

Mullein belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, though historically it has been reclassified by botanists multiple times due to its unique features. The most commonly referenced species in herbal medicine is Verbascum thapsus, though there are over 200 species of mullein worldwide.

Growth Habit: Mullein is a biennial plant. In its first year, it produces a basal rosette of large, soft, gray-green leaves. These leaves are so velvety they have earned nicknames such as “velvet plant” or “woolly mullein.”

Second-Year Growth: In its second year, the plant sends up a tall, unbranched flowering stalk that can reach 2 to 7 feet in height. Along this stalk grow clusters of five-petaled yellow flowers, each only a few centimeters wide, blooming sequentially from bottom to top.

Leaves: The leaves are oblong, alternating up the stalk, and covered with dense trichomes (tiny hairs) that give them their woolly texture. These hairs help reduce water loss and protect the plant from herbivores.

Flowers: Blooming typically occurs from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are bright yellow and mildly aromatic, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Seeds: Once the flowers fade, mullein produces tiny, dark brown seeds that can remain viable in the soil for decades.

Mullein thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, fields, and sunny meadows, often considered a weed but valued by herbalists for its resilience and accessibility.

Historical and Traditional Uses

Mullein has a deep history stretching back thousands of years. Ancient cultures across Europe, Asia, and North America revered it for its medicinal and practical properties.

Greek and Roman Uses: Ancient Romans dipped mullein stalks in tallow or wax to create torches, which is why mullein is sometimes called “torch plant.” The Greek physician Dioscorides (1st century CE) praised mullein for treating respiratory ailments, wounds, and skin conditions.

European Folklore: In the Middle Ages, mullein was associated with protection against evil spirits and witchcraft. Some carried mullein leaves in their pockets for good luck. Others hung dried stalks over doorways as protection charms.

Native American Traditions: Several tribes used mullein for a range of purposes. The Cherokee brewed mullein tea for coughs and asthma, while the Navajo smoked dried mullein leaves for respiratory support. The plant was also used topically for wounds, rashes, and inflammation.

Colonial America: Early settlers adopted Native practices, using mullein teas, syrups, and oils for lung complaints, earaches, and skin problems.

Thus, mullein bridges cultures and centuries, standing as both a folk remedy and a plant of spiritual significance.

Constituents and Chemistry

Mullein’s therapeutic qualities come from its phytochemical composition:

Saponins: These compounds act as natural expectorants, helping to loosen mucus in the respiratory system.

Mucilage: Found in the leaves and flowers, mucilage provides a soothing, demulcent effect, calming irritated mucous membranes.

Flavonoids: These antioxidant compounds contribute to mullein’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Iridoid glycosides: Such as aucubin, known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

Tannins: Contribute to mullein’s astringent properties, useful in wound healing.

Volatile oils: Present in the flowers, contributing to its soothing and antimicrobial properties.

This unique synergy of compounds explains why mullein is most frequently used for respiratory and skin health.