Mullein is a herbal remedy with a long history of treating respiratory disorders including asthma, coughs, and tuberculosis.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is commonly seen along ditches in North America, where it looks like a 2- to 5-foot staff with yellow flowers clinging to the top quarter. The leaves, which are large, soft and hairy, as well as the flowering tops are used medicinally.
Mullein contains high amounts of mucilage and saponins, making it an excellent agent for soothing mucous membranes.
Mullein seems to be particularly helpful – and has a history of use – for respiratory conditions including coughs, colds, emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma.
Mullein can be used as a tea, a tincture, or powdered directly. Extracts have not shown to have any particular advantage over these other preparations as the active components are freely expressed in water.