Pharmacognosy · Respiratory & Anti-inflammatory Support · Scrophulariaceae

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus (Scrophulariaceae) — a tall, woolly biennial that Pliny recommended for the lungs, still grouped today among the classic "pectoral species" for cough and throat complaints. Its mucilage and the phenylethanoid verbascoside explain its soothing reputation, while the iridoids harpagoside and harpagide — shared with Devil's Claw — hint at a genuine anti-inflammatory role beyond the respiratory tract.

11 Primary Refs
6 Properties
Flower Parts Used
✦ Researched
Last Updated September 23, 2026
Primary Source Wikiphyto · NCBI PubMed · Phytother Res
Family Scrophulariaceae
French Pharmacopoeia List A · Scrophulariaceae

Biological Overview

Verbascum thapsus is a robust, stiff-stemmed plant reaching up to 2 meters, covered in a thick woolly, cotton-like coating. Its large oval, crenate leaves form a basal rosette, and its dense flower spikes — sometimes 1 meter long — bear rotate corollas with five unequal, pale yellow petals. It is common in uncultivated ground across much of Europe.

HabitWoolly Biennial, up to 2m
Native RangeEurope (Uncultivated Ground)
Mucilage Content3%
Regulatory StatusFr. Pharmacopoeia List A
Botanical Classification

Taxonomy & Identification

Latin Name
Verbascum thapsus L.
Synonyms
V. schraderi, V. thapsiforme, V. phlomoides
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Common Names
Mullein, Common Mullein, Bouillon blanc
Parts Used
Flower (leaf, root)
Origin
Widespread across Europe
Ethnobotany & Traditional Use

History & Tradition

Pliny recommended mullein for the lungs and for broken-winded horses. It remains grouped among the classic "pectoral species" of European herbal tradition, alongside corn poppy, marshmallow, mallow, cat's foot, coltsfoot, and violet — a traditional blend for respiratory complaints.

Modern research has since characterized mullein's anti-inflammatory activity, particularly concentrated in leaf and root extracts, alongside documented antibacterial properties. 3456

⚠ Filter Carefully — Irritating Leaf Hairs

Mullein leaves are covered in fine hairs that can irritate the throat and mouth if consumed directly — herbal teas made from the leaf should always be filtered carefully before drinking.

Timeline

Ancient Roman Respiratory Remedy

Antiquity

Pliny recommended mullein for the lungs and for broken-winded horses.

Part of the Pectoral Species Tradition

Traditional

Grouped among the classic "pectoral species" of European tradition for respiratory complaints.

Modern Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial Research

20th–21st Century

Research characterized mullein's anti-inflammatory activity, particularly in leaf and root extracts, alongside antibacterial properties. 36

The Key Compounds

Verbascoside & Iridoids — Deep Dive

The phenylethanoid glycoside and shared iridoid compounds behind mullein's soothing reputation and its surprising overlap with Devil's Claw.

🧬

Verbascoside — Signature Phenylethanoid

Verbascoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, is a marker compound characterized in the plant. 12

🔗

Shared Iridoids with Devil's Claw

Mullein contains the iridoids aucuboside, harpagoside, and harpagide — the same harpagoside found in Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum), though in lesser quantity.

🔄

A Potential Devil's Claw Substitute

Given its harpagoside and harpagide content, mullein could serve as a substitute for Devil's Claw, though at lower iridoid concentrations.

🔥

Anti-inflammatory Activity Concentrated in Leaf & Root

Anti-inflammatory activity is documented for the whole plant, but is especially notable in leaf and root extracts. 345

Pharmaceutical Preparations

Parts Used & Available Forms

The flower, leaf, and root are used medicinally, prepared as a single documented form.

Mother Tincture

Tincture of the whole plant.

Mother Tincture · Whole Plant

Clinical Dosimetry

Dosages

No standardized usual dosage has been established for mullein; dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner.

Phytochemistry

Composition

Whole-plant composition only — no gemmotherapy (bud) or essential-oil fraction is documented for this species.

Plant — Primary Constituents

MucilagesUronic acid, galactose, arabinose
3%
IridoidsAucuboside, harpagoside, harpagide
Present
PhenylethanoidsVerbascoside 12
Present
Flavonoids & LignansGeneral polyphenolic constituents
Present
Phenylpropanoid Osidic EstersAdditional phenolic constituents
Present
SaponinsPresence not firmly established in the available literature
Uncertain

Plant Properties — Pharmacodynamics

Six pharmacodynamic properties are documented for mullein, anchored in its mucilage, iridoid, and phenylethanoid content.

6 Properties Emollient Anti-inflammatory Clinical + Preclinical
💧

Emollient & Expectorant

The flower is part of the classic pectoral species, soothing and supporting expectoration.

🌡️

Soothing & Diaphoretic

Traditionally regarded as soothing and sudorific (sweat-promoting).

🔥

Anti-inflammatory

Especially notable in leaf and root extracts. 345

🦠

Antibacterial

Documented antibacterial activity. 6

🐟

Ichthyotoxic (Seed)

The seed specifically is toxic to fish — a property distinct from the flower, leaf, and root used medicinally.

🔄

Potential Devil's Claw Substitute

Its iridoid content (harpagoside and harpagide, in lesser quantity) suggests possible use as a substitute for Devil's Claw.

Clinical Applications

Clinical Indications

Mullein's primary use is respiratory, extending to headache and specific homeopathic indications.

🤧
Respiratory Health
Primary Indication
  • Cough & Asthma: traditional core indications.
  • Obstructive Bronchopulmonary Disease (COPD): a documented traditional indication. 7
🤕
Headache
Traditional Indication
  • Headaches: a documented traditional indication. 8
🌸
Homeopathic Indications
Traditional / Homeopathic
  • Facial Neuralgia at Fixed Hours: a specific homeopathic indication. 9
  • Laryngitis with Barking Cough: described as a "trumpet-like" cough in homeopathic use. 9
⚠️
Use Considerations
Preparation Notes
  • Seed Not for Internal Use: the seed's ichthyotoxic property means it should be avoided in any preparation for internal use.
  • Filter Leaf Preparations: filter teas carefully to remove irritating leaf hairs before drinking.
Pharmacodynamics

Mode of Action

Mullein's soothing respiratory effects sit within the broader pectoral species tradition, alongside genuine iridoid- and extract-specific anti-inflammatory activity.

🌿

Part of the Pectoral Species Tradition

Mullein's soothing respiratory action places it among the classic pectoral species used together for cough and throat complaints.

🔥

Anti-inflammatory Activity via Leaf & Root Extracts

Documented anti-inflammatory activity is especially concentrated in leaf and root extracts. 345

🔗

Iridoid-Mediated Effects

The iridoids aucuboside, harpagoside, and harpagide are shared with Devil's Claw, a genus well known for iridoid-driven anti-inflammatory activity.

🦠

Antibacterial Action

Documented antibacterial activity contributes to mullein's traditional use for respiratory infections. 6

Clinical Safety

Safety & Interactions

Mullein has a mild safety profile, with the main precautions relating to preparation care rather than any documented systemic risk.

⚠️

Adverse Effects

  • Leaf Hair Irritation: unfiltered mullein leaf tea can cause throat and mouth irritation from fine leaf hairs — always filter carefully before drinking.
  • Ichthyotoxic Seed: the seed is toxic to fish and should not be used in preparations intended for internal use.
🚫

Contraindications & Interactions

  • No Documented Contraindications: none are specifically documented for the flower, leaf, or root.
  • Regulatory Status: the peeled corolla (corolle mondée) is listed on French Pharmacopoeia List A.
  • Preparation Care: always filter herbal teas well to remove leaf hairs before drinking.
Clinical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting mullein, and always filter leaf preparations carefully.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mullein used for?
Mullein is used for cough, asthma, and obstructive bronchopulmonary disease (COPD), and has a documented traditional indication for headaches. Homeopathic use extends to facial neuralgia at fixed hours and laryngitis with a barking, trumpet-like cough.
How does mullein work?
Mullein's soothing respiratory action places it among the classic pectoral species. Anti-inflammatory activity is especially concentrated in leaf and root extracts, and its iridoids, shared with Devil's Claw, contribute to this effect alongside documented antibacterial activity.
What is the typical mullein dosage?
No standardized usual dosage has been established for mullein; dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner.
Is mullein safe?
Yes, mullein has a mild safety profile. The main precaution is filtering herbal teas carefully, since unfiltered leaf hairs can cause irritation, and the seed is ichthyotoxic (toxic to fish) and should not be used in preparations for internal use.
Why do you need to filter mullein tea?
Mullein leaves are covered in fine hairs that can cause an irritant effect if consumed directly, so herbal teas made from the leaves should always be filtered carefully before drinking.
Can mullein be used instead of Devil's Claw?
Mullein contains the iridoids harpagoside and harpagide, the same compounds found in Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum), though in lesser quantity, making it a potential substitute for related anti-inflammatory uses.
Is mullein seed safe to use?
No. Mullein seed is ichthyotoxic (toxic to fish) and should not be used in any preparation intended for internal use; only the flower, leaf, and root are used medicinally.
Does mullein help with headaches?
Headache is a documented traditional indication for mullein, alongside its better-known respiratory uses.
Sources

Bibliography

↑1. Warashina T, Miyase T, Ueno A. Phenylethanoid and lignan glycosides from Verbascum thapsus. Phytochemistry. 1992;31(3):961–965.
PubMed: PMID 1373629 →
↑2. Mehrotra R, Ahmed B, Vishwakarma RA, Thakur RS. Verbacoside: a new luteolin glycoside from Verbascum thapsus. J Nat Prod. 1989;52(3):640–643.
↑3. Turker AU, Gurel E. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytother Res. 2005;19(9):733–739.
PubMed: PMID 16222647 →
↑4. Dimitrova P, Georgiev M, Khan M, Ivanovska N. Evaluation of Verbascum species and harpagoside in models of acute and chronic inflammation. Open Life Sci. 2013;8(2):186–194.
DOI: 10.2478/s11535-013-0124-2 →
↑5. Calabrese G, Zappalà A, Dolcimascolo A, Acquaviva R, Parenti R, Malfa GA. Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritic bioactive potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae) leaf extract evaluated in two in vitro models of inflammation and osteoarthritis. Molecules. 2021;26(17):5392.
PubMed: PMID 34500824 →
↑6. Turker AU, Camper ND. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;82(2-3):117–125.
PubMed: PMID 12241986 →
↑7. Rodriguez-Fragoso L, Reyes-Esparza J, Burchiel SW, Herrera-Ruiz D, Torres E. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008;227(1):125–135.
PubMed: PMID 18037151 →
↑8. Turker AU, Gurel E. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytother Res. 2005;19(9):733–739.
PubMed: PMID 16222647 →
↑9. Guermonprez M, Pinkas M, Torck M. Matière médicale homéopathique. Ed. Doin, Paris, 1985; réédition Boiron, 1997.

Note: reference 8 is the same study as reference 3 (Turker & Gurel, 2005), cited a second time in the original source for its separate discussion of headache.

Additional Sources

Khuroo MA, Qureshi MA, Razdan TK, Nichols P. Sterones, iridoids and a sesquiterpene from Verbascum thapsus. Phytochemistry. 1988;27(11):3541–3544.
Hussain H, Aziz S, Miana GA, Ahmad VU, Anwar S, Ahmed I. Minor chemical constituents of Verbascum thapsus. Biochem Syst Ecol. 2009;37(2):124–126.