Mullein Tea for Lung Care
Verbascum thapsus
I’ve seen more mullein this year than ever before, and the timing couldn’t be better. This common weedy plant of dry, sandy, disturbed areas is a wonder for supporting healthy lungs–something so many of us can use this season.
Because mullein is abundant, easy to identify, gentle, and safe, it’s a great beginner’s herb for those exploring herbalism for the very first time! And now more than ever, this is an herb our bodies are calling for. (Read on for how to brew your own mullein herbal tea for weary lung support.)
When we’re inhaling smoke and other irritants (like wildfire smoke) or even experiencing mild asthma symptoms, mullein goes to work to help us breathe easy again. Even here in Wisconsin, far from the ravaging fires out west, when the haze in the air is evident, I’m deeply called to brew this herb to nourish my family and myself.
While I pause before I suggest we take more from this weary earth, I do believe in my heart that when we connect with the plants and the planet, we can help to heal our relationship to the Earth and begin the work of restoring the health of the planet we call home. As long as there’s reciprocity, the plants are here–just waiting for us to lean in and listen.
In my first book, Herbal Adventures, I give loads of mullein plant ID tips so you can confidently forage your own (clears throat and whispers: mullein≠lamb’s ear)! I also share several recipes (like herbal cough syrup, an herbal steam, and an herbal tea blend for cough and cold season).
But it needn’t be complicated! Even a simple mullein leaf tea is incredible for soothing smoke-weary lungs.
And making your own couldn’t be easier.
Here’s how…
Mullein Lung Love Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp mullein leaf (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup freshly boiled water
Directions
- Place mullein leaf in your favorite mug.
- Add just-boiled water.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes or longer (up to overnight).
- Strain well (pouring through a fine mesh cloth is deal), and drink daily as desired. (Seriously, ya’ll. That’s how easy this is.)
Alongside dandelion, white pine, plantain, bee balm, and five other wild wonders, mullein is one of the ten plants I feature in my first book, Herbal Adventures! It’s out of print (sad face), but you can pick up a signed copy on my website (hooray!)/ And when you purchase directly from me, I plant two trees for every copy sold (Take that, Amazon)!
