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Mullein for Lungs: Tradition, Evidence and Cautions
Mullein is a tall plant whose leaves and flowers are used in traditional teas for cough and chest comfort. Human research is limited, so the claim that it supports the lungs is not proven. It is not part of PureLung, and anyone with a lasting cough should see a clinician first.
Written by the PureLung label deskUpdated · 5 min read
What is mullein?
Mullein, also called Verbascum, is a biennial plant with soft grey leaves and a tall spike of yellow flowers. It grows across Europe, Asia and North America. Herbal traditions in several places use the leaves and flowers in teas and smoked or steamed blends for coughs.
It is not on the PureLung label. We include it because many people who search for lung products come across it.
What does research say?
Laboratory and animal studies have looked at compounds in mullein, including some with possible soothing or antimicrobial effects. Good quality studies in people are few. That means the claim that mullein supports lung health rests mainly on tradition, which is real but not proof.
A long history of use shows people have used a plant. It does not show it works, or that it is safe at any dose.
How it is used
Teas are the common form, made by steeping dried leaf and straining well, because the leaf has fine hairs that can irritate the throat. Tinctures and capsules also exist. Smoking mullein is also sold, and we do not recommend inhaling any smoke, since smoke irritates the lungs whatever the plant.
Possible cautions
Herbal does not mean harmless, and mullein has a short list of cautions worth knowing before a first cup.
- Fine hairs in unstrained tea can irritate the throat.
- Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people with allergy to related plants.
- Safety in pregnancy, nursing and in children has not been established.
- Interaction data with medicines is limited, so ask a pharmacist.
- Products vary, and quality control is uneven.
PureLung: 60 capsules a bottlePacks of 1, 3 or 6 bottles · live price shown at checkout · guarantee as printed on the live listing
See packsWhat to do with a cough
A cough has many causes: a cold, allergy, reflux, asthma, medicine side effects, smoking or a lung disease. Many colds clear on their own in one to three weeks. A cough that lasts beyond that, or is worse at night, brings up blood or comes with fever, weight loss or breathlessness, needs an exam (NHLBI, Tests for Lung Disease).
What does the PureLung label say?
The label shows 60 capsules, a serving of 2 and a 600 mg Proprietary Blend of eleven names with no single amount; it names no disease.
| Item | As printed |
|---|---|
| Form and count | Capsules, 60 per bottle; serving size 2 capsules; 30 servings |
| Blend per serving | Proprietary Blend, 600 mg: eleven names, no single amount printed |
| Inactive | Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate, Silica Dioxide |
| Distributor | MJO, Sheridan, WY 82801 |
Where this leaves mullein
It may feel soothing to some people, and it is not shown to treat or cleanse anything. If you want to try the tea, buy from a known seller, keep to small amounts, strain well and stop if you feel worse. Tell your pharmacist if you take regular medicines, and keep any cough diary so you can show a clinician how it changes. See the lung supplements guide for how to weigh such products.
3-bottle pack
3 bottles: 180 capsules
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Order 3 bottles
6-bottle pack
6 bottles: 360 capsules
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Order 6 bottlesPrices are filled in once the live listing is confirmed. A single bottle is also sold. Check your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist before you order, and keep using every inhaler and prescribed medicine.
FAQ01
PureLung questions people ask
Is mullein in PureLung?
No. It is not on the label.
Does mullein clear mucus?
Tradition says so. Evidence is limited.
Can I smoke mullein?
We do not advise inhaling any smoke.
Is it safe for kids?
Safety is not established.
Is mullein tea FDA approved?
Herbal products are not approved before sale.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label images, seller information and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a U.S. authorized retailer for PureLung. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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