Mullein flowers are used for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. They have a soothing effect on inflammation of the mucous membranes (catarrh of the respiratory tract) and associated cough, cold symptoms, flu-like symptoms and increased mucus production. The drug can also be used supportively in bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). Traditionally, people use woolly flowers to help loosen mucus in the airways.
Mullein: application in folk medicine.
Folk medicine has long used the healing properties of the plant for the treatment of chronic cough and to promote the expectoration of bronchial secretions (expectorant).
Furthermore, people use woolly flowers in folk medicine as:
- Diuretic (diuretic).
- Agent against rheumatism
- Diaphoretic agent
Furthermore, the flowers applied externally should contribute to faster wound healing and healing of various skin conditions. In homeopathy, the fresh, above-ground plant parts of mullein collected at flowering time, without the woody stems, are used to treat diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract and peripheral nervous system.
Ingredients of mullein
Mullein flowers contain about 3% mucilage and furthermore various iridioids such as aucubin, saponins such as verbascoside, flavonoids and about 11% invert sugar.
Mullein: indication
Indications for which mullein can be used are:
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
- Catarrh
- Cough
- Cold
- Flu
- Bronchitis
