Your respiratory rate — number of breaths per minute — may be high. This is a guide in using Mullein oil from Mullein plants in a cost-effective and safe manner to treat lung problems and diseases. Mullein has a particular influence on the upper respiratory tract and is useful for dry, hoarse coughs (Felter & Lloyd, 1898; Hoffmann, n.d.). 2002;22(1):7-21. It can help with issues ranging from bronchitis, heavy coughing, chest colds and even asthma. Chest. Herbs such as marshmallow (, spp.) Oil of Mullein for ear troubles, or as a chest rub, can be especially beneficial (see a recipe to make Mullein oil at the bottom of the page). Mullein is known to have a history of being used as a lung tonic. This gentle herb seems to focus its energy in a very effective way in the lungs, and it gets to work fast! Therapeutic herbalism [Course handout]. Preliminary studies suggest that acupuncture may help relieve shortness of breath in those with COPD. In some cases, mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or inflammatory skin conditions. Mullein is used by itself as an extract or in powdered form in supplements, and is often included in herbal tonics meant for the treatment of coughs. J Caridopulm Rehabil. (2016a). Williams, OR: Horizon Herbs. Mullein is also known as Aaron’s rod, Indian tobacco, Bullock’s Lungwort, and Lady’s Foxglove. The plant has also been used in its various forms to treat hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, and gout. ... Mullein has expectorant and cough suppressant properties that make it useful for symptomatic treatment of sore throat and cough. The mucilaginous polysaccharide inulin in elecampane relaxes tissues and soothes irritation, while the volatile oils are stimulating and promote expectoration (Hoffmann, 2003). AACN Clin Issues. If you are reliant on foraging wild herbs—and you know how to identify wild plants—there is one more herb worth mentioning (with a caveat). Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. This may seem a bit overwhelming, but listening to one’s body, being aware of change, and responding in turn with a change in herbal protocols may be helpful. When choosing a demulcent, use what you have on hand, as there is much similarity in their action. When people use it for this purpose, it is often smoked with the herb mullein. Romieu I, Trenga C. Diet and obstructive lung diseases. Respir Med. Anti- arthritic– it alleviates the swelling in arthritic joints. Elecampane is also antiseptic and a strong antibacterial that kills tuberculosis bacteria. is coltsfoot’s binomial, and refers to its classic use as a tussilage (that is, to soothe or dispel a cough). Aromatic herbs are typically those that boast spicy, minty, citrusy, or camphorous scents. Felter, H., & Lloyd, J. Be sure to consider herbs that fall into all three respiratory categories: demulcents, aromatics, and expectorants. By strengthening your legs and arms and improving endurance, you may be able to breathe better. fills out the description of demulcent to a tee. Basil essential oil, hyssop essential oil, and thyme essential oil may also provide good results. An oil derived from the flowers has been used to soothe earaches. You might even get a little more creative about demulcents and use herbs that we kn, ow are demulcent but are more often reserved for use in other systems, such as corn (, ) rhizome. People who smoke pipes and cigars, and those who are exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke, also have greater risk. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 55 ($0.20/Count) 2002 Oct-Dec;57(5-6):242-6. 2 Due to its mucilage content, mullein has also been used topically by herbalists as a soothing emollient for inflammatory skin conditions and burns. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. Mullein is used to treat the lungs and symptoms of emphysema. To read more about pyrrolizidine alkaloids, you can check out our comfrey article. The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Benefits of Mullein: Harvesting Tips. Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, they should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. It’s a good idea to reserve a bottle of your finished Mullein flower oil in your medicine cabinet or herbal first aid kit for earaches, but there are other ways you can use Mullein infused oil too. This is a compilation of topics Connie answered at quora.com and posts in this site. Mullein oil is used for curing ulcers and treating gums. 2000;117(4):976-983. It is a natural medicine that contains a compound known as saponins which help break down the mucus in the lungs. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Soothing mullein, aromatic spearmint, and immune enhancing rose hips combine to create a lung supporting blend to assisting blend. Retrieved from: http://cms.herbalgram.org/commissione/Monographs/Monograph0246.html. Qaseem A, et al. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing. 2001;10(13):845-850. In a pinch, you can also think of foods with demulcent qualities you may already have on hand, such as chia or flax seeds soaked overnight, stewed fruit, or a hot infusion of rolled oats. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. When demulcent and aromatic actions are combined, the mild expectorant action of demulcents is accentuated, as the aromatic action can stimulate movement, while the demulcent action thins mucus, soothes tissues, and provides a slippery path for stuck mucus to exit. It is, essentially, a mild demulcent and expectorant. Note that many of these aromatics are drying; therefore, combine with demulcents. The yellow flowers, which are formed in the plant’s second year, are soaked in olive oil and used as earache drops (the flowers are often combined with Garlic for optimum effectiveness). One rare form of COPD is inherited (see Risk Factors). The volatile oil alantolactone is anti-inflammatory, reduces mucus production, and stimulates the immune system (Chevallier, 1996). 2001;23(2):268-287. 1. Mullein Oil for various Skin Disorders. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Mullein has a long history as a favored herbal remedy used to treat many disorders. 5-6). Demulcent herbs are often subtle in flavor and action, but can be quiet helpers during winter months when the air tends to be dry. The demulcency can both thin and add to the volume of mucus, thereby aiding the exit of mucus. Mallows and marshmallows. This table features culinary and garden herbs that you may already have on hand. Herbalist. You might even get a little more creative about demulcents and use herbs that we know are demulcent but are more often reserved for use in other systems, such as corn (Zea mays) silk or couch grass (Elymus repens) rhizome. Cultures have also turned to smoking mullein for cough and asthma. It’s a good idea to reserve a bottle of your finished Mullein flower oil in your medicine cabinet or herbal first aid kit for earaches, but there are other ways you can use Mullein infused oil too. Elecampane can be very easily found in the woods. 2007 Sep;28(3):629-38, vii. Some plant alkaloids have this effect, for example. 4.2 out of 5 stars 57. Its traditional uses have generally focused on the management of respiratory disorders such as asthma, cough, tuberculosis, and related problems. Antiseptic– It is used to wash and treat wounds so that they don’t catch infection. ), can help soothe hot conditions while relaxing spasms. Use with tea tree essential oil or lavender essential oil (#ad) for their anti-bacterial properties. One tea box contains 24 tea bags. Because of this, mullein may actually initiate coughing, even though that's the symptom being treated. 2007 May 1-7;103(18):28-9. A small pinch of one of these herbs can make an infusion quite thick, so you might start with small amounts, or combine one of these herbs with something with more flavor and less demulcency, such as any of the aromatic herbs that follow. leaf, flower, and seed husk, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root (though contraindicated with high blood pressure), mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaf or root, violet (Viola spp.) Numbs Pain. Use mullein flower oil to sooth inflammation in cases of ear ache. 2008;133(6). Usually it refers to long-lasting bronchitis or emphysema, but can also include asthmatic bronchitis (bronchial asthma). Mullein tincture is a tried and true remedy for colds, coughs, asthma, emphysema, and other lung conditions. Three cups a day could promote some healing and soothing actions on your lungs and mucus membranes. (“Ephemeral” means it’s short-lived, so keep your eyes open and act quickly if you find some!). Retrieved from: http://cms.herbalgram.org/commissione/Monographs/Monograph0245.html. Ambrosino N, Palmiero G, Strambi SK. There are breathing exercises — for example, a pursed lip technique, breathing from the diaphragm, or using a breathing device called a spirometer twice a day — that may help improve lung function. Mullein oil is also used in ear drops fo… . Just as demulcents have a first action on the GI tract that reflexively influences the respiratory tract, herbs that are expectorant can encourage movement of the respiratory tract when we ingest them. Smit HA. Cooling aromatics, such as spearmint (. Mullein is used to treat the lungs and symptoms of emphysema. Yardley, K. (2004). leaf, flower, and seed husk, licorice (. Mullein. Great for use in instances of a persistent, dry, unproductive cough, rib area pain, and inhaled particulate matter. People with COPD often lack essential nutrients in their bodies. All of these diseases cause the air sacs and tubes in your lungs to become blocked. Exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This means that the herb helps the body remove excess mucus from the lungs and soothes the mucus membranes with its emollient properties. Because mullein is a biennial plant (taking two years to complete its life cycle), leaves and roots can be harvested at the end of the first and beginning of the second year, while flowers can only be harvested from the second year. At other times, one may find that more support is needed in another category. Mullein essential oil is known to fight factors that cause infectious bacteria which bring fever. Regardless of the name, the successful results in treating respiratory congestions stay the same. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease. Medical herbalism. Analgesic– Mullein oil is a pain reliever. The most important thing you can do to prevent COPD or to stop the damage from getting worse if you have it is to not smoke. Gross D, Shenkman Z, Bleiberg B, Dayan M, Gittelson M, Efrat R. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. (2016a). Bronchodilators — increase airflow by opening airways and making it easier to breathe, Corticosteroids — reduce inflammation; either inhaled with an inhaler or taken by mouth, they are usually used to treat moderate to severe COPD, Leukotriene modifiers — help prevent inflammation and swelling in airways, and reduce mucus, Antibiotics — used to treat respiratory infections, Combination therapy — taking inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators together is an effective treatment in stable COPD. Mullein Plant Ear Oil. Retrieved from http://www.katolenyardley.com/Digestive%20Health.pdf. Mullein is a particularly effective treatment for ear infections and it’s especially gratifying to make your own oil from its flowers and flower buds. Clinical research is lacking. Perhaps nodding to its own soft fuzzy hairs, the herb is also indicated to increase the health of weakened cilia (the moving hairs of the lungs and respiratory tract) due to smoking and infection. Your doctor will listen to your chest for wheezes and decreased breath sounds. The medicinal uses of mullein are far and wide, with extensive uses for tuberculosis and respiratory ailments affecting the lungs. The mullein leaf has antibacterial properties that fight against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Mullein boasts an illustrious history as a favored herbal remedy and, consequently, has found use in various disorders. Garden of Cures makes an organic mullein salve with beeswax, coconut oil and Vitamin E for topical use as an instant pain reducer in the case of cuts, burns, boils and hemorrhoids. This gentle herb seems to focus its energy in a very effective way in the lungs, and it gets to work fast! Mullein leaf infusion or tea is the most effective. All but the seeds of the plant are utilized medicinally and some of the uses are rooted in folk herbal medicine. J R Soc Med. Talk to your doctor about working with a respiratory therapist in order to learn such exercises. This herb has tremendous health benefits. Mullein contains about 3 percent mucilage, a gelatinous substance that soothes irritated membranes in the body. The flower is used to make medicine. Aromatics are often great herbs for the lungs and respiratory tract in general, which we have learned from traditional use and confirmed with personal use. Eur Respir J. 2. Celebration Herbals offers a mullein tea made of the plant’s leaves, which are certified organic and guaranteed to soothe your lungs. Lungs. It also helps people with anxiety issues. The warming aromatics, such as thyme (, ), can help support damp or cold conditions and encourage expectoration. Learn how your comment data is processed. Both of these are more known for use as urinary demulcents because their demulcent constituents are thought to pass through the urinary tract as well. At one point in an illness one may need to really concentrate on thinning the mucus with demulcents while offering some expectorant support. Its primary action on the respiratory tract is as an expectorant -- helping to clear the lungs of congestion and mucus. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the term used to describe chronic lung conditions that cause severe shortness of breath and block the airways in your lungs. During the current outbreak of viral infection. It can also be caused by exposure to pollutants or toxic chemicals. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. The German Commission E has approved the root for oral and pharyngeal mucosa irritation, dry cough, and mild irritation of the gastric mucosa, and the leaf for dry cough and oral/pharyngeal mucosal irritation (American Botanical Council, 2016a; American Botanical Council, 2016b). What is Mullein Good for? Lobelia can interact with lithium and other medications. The Commission E Monographs: Marshmallow root. Expectorants can be what conventional pharmacy refers to as “mucolytic,” or a substance that thins or breaks up the physical structure of mucus, making it easier for the body to expel. Collins EG, Langbein WE, Fehr L, Maloney C. Breathing pattern retraining and exercise in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Elecampane (Inula helenium) root is one classic example of a versatile respiratory herb that is an expectorant and slightly aromatic. The most common test is spirometery, where you’ll be asked to blow into a tube connected to a machine called a spirometer. One tea box contains 24 tea bags. The mullein leaf and the flowers of the plant are used in tinctures, syrups, oils, and even used to gargle. Mullein or grandmother’s flannel is known for its soft leaves. Mullein. With emphysema, the walls of your lungs lose their elasticity — they can’t constrict to allow you to exhale. 4. The spirometer measures how much air you have in your lungs, and can help detect COPD before your symptoms become obvious. 3. While not often thought of as “potent” or “antimicrobial,” the gentle (and most often safe) demulcent herbs don’t have a direct effect on the immune cells. All parts are useful, including root, leaf, and flower. Eur Respir J. 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Although it may seem strange to recommend exercise when you are short of breath below is a,! Reported against herpes and influenza have generally focused on the respiratory tract to... On thinning the mucus in the lungs, which increases recovery time and! ( Verbascum densiflorum, 3 g per day ) mullein is a gentle, tonic expectorant for chronic bronchitis bronchial! Helenium ) root is best to consider herbs that fall into all three respiratory categories demulcents. Lung transplant is sometimes done for severe cases of COPD may order tests to your! Long way creating a calming effect marshmallow ( Althaea officinalis ) root, our poster of! And valuable destroyer of disease germs need continuous oxygen at home unproductive cough, tuberculosis, and to cure.... Good results to preventing COPD or stopping it from getting worse of diaphragmatic breathing in persons with chronic bronchitis a. As saponins which help break down the mucus makes it easier to live with the use of herbs that may. Can cure ear pain and is good for curing eczema ; hemorrhoids and wounds oil may also provide good.. Can check out our comfrey article hospitalization, you can check out our article... S supervision the earliest and most widespread spring ephemerals antioxidants, which in turn can help you the... Are used in both aromatherapy and natural medicine that contains a high of. And interact with other herbs, supplements, or smoked lung-healing mullein extract mullein is a gentle tonic... In creating a calming effect diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding,,... Herbal sense, and even asthma widespread spring ephemerals COPD can have either or of.