Mullein
Verbascum thapsus / mullein leaf · Foundation
A traditional respiratory herb that went viral for "lung cleansing" with essentially no human trials behind it.
What the evidence says
Long traditional use for coughs and respiratory complaints, with laboratory work showing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in vitro. Controlled human trials for respiratory outcomes are essentially absent. The recent "lung detox" popularity is a social-media phenomenon rather than an evidence one — lungs do not need or respond to a cleanse.
What studies used
No established dose; sold as leaf tea, tincture and capsules at widely varying strengths. Published studies had not established a preferred timing.
Reported from published studies and product labelling — a record of what was used in research, not a recommendation. What is right for you is a conversation with a clinician.
Watch out for
- Preparations vary enormously in strength and quality
- Anyone using it in place of treatment for asthma, COPD or a persistent cough is substituting a herb for medicine that works
Evidence base
substantial literature
Real human evidence: randomised trial reports, or review-level evidence backed by at least one human trial report.
This letter measures how much human research exists, not whether it works for you — the tier above (Anecdotal) is the read on quality.
Research (12)
- Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in researchPhytother Res · 2005
- Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A reviewPhytother Res · 2022
- Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae)Biology (Basel) · 2021
- Taxonomy, comparative genomics of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae), with implications for the evolution of Verbascum and LamialesBMC Genomics · 2022
- The Complete Genome Sequence of Verbascum thapsus (Scrophulariaceae, Lamiales), the Common MulleinBiodivers Genomes · 2023
- Effect of the Freeze-Dried Mullein Flower Extract (Verbascum nigrum L.) Addition on Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Cold-Pressed OilsFoods · 2023
- Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) Ethanolic Extracts Displayed Antiproliferative Effects and Induced Caspase 3 Activity in Human HT29 and SW480 Cancer CellsPharmaceutics · 2022
- [Mullein helps in hoarseness]Pflege Aktuell · 2005
- The genome sequence of the Mullein moth, Shargacucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758)Wellcome Open Res · 2023
- Occupational dermatitis from Gordolobo (Mullein)Contact Dermatitis · 1985
- Clean synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on polyamide fabrics by Verbascum thapsus L. (mullein) extract: characterization, colorimetric, antibacterial, and colorfastness studiesEnviron Sci Pollut Res Int · 2024
- The Use of the Mullein Plant in the Treatment of Pulmonary ConsumptionChic Med J Exam · 1883
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