Mullein: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) is a flowering plant found in mountain areas. It's been used in traditional medicines in Pakistan and Turkey.

Mullein contains chemicals that might help fight certain infections.

People use mullein for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, cough, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific to support these uses.

Mullein is sometimes called Aaron's rod. Don't confuse this with Goldenrod, which is also sometimes called Aaron's rod. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Mullein overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if mullein leaf, flower, or root are safe or what the side effects might be. Mullein seeds are possibly unsafe. They might be toxic.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if mullein is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Mullein overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of mullein might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Turker AU, Camper ND. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;82:117-25.

Sarrell, E. M., Cohen, H. A., and Kahan, E. Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Pediatrics 2003;111(5 Pt 1):e574-e579.

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Sarrell EM, Mandelberg A, and Cohen HA. Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2001;155:796-799.

Aligiannis, N., Mitaku, S., Tsitsa-Tsardis, E., Harvala, C., Tsaknis, I., Lalas, S., and Haroutounian, S. Methanolic extract of Verbascum macrurum as a source of natural preservatives against oxidative rancidity. J Agric.Food Chem. 12-3-2003;51(25):7308-7312.

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Slagowska, A., Zgorniak-Nowosielska, I., and Grzybek, J. Inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication by Flos verbasci infusion. Pol.J Pharmacol Pharm 1987;39(1):55-61.

Hartleb, I. and Seifert, K. Triterpenoid saponins from Verbascum songaricum. Phytochemistry 1995;38(1):221-224.

Klimek, B. Hydroxycinnamoyl ester glycosides and saponins from flowers of Verbascum phlomoides. Phytochemistry 1996;43(6):1281-1284.

Castro AI, Carmona JB, Gonzales FG, Nestar OB. Occupational airborne dermatitis from gordolobo (Verbascum densiflorum). Contact Dermatitis 2006;55(5):301.

Grigore A, Colceru-Mihul S, Litescu S, Panteli M, Rasit I. Correlation between polyphenol content and anti-inflammatory activity of Verbascum phlomoides (mullein). Pharm Biol 2013;51(7):925-9.

Ali N, Ali Shah SW, Shah I, et al. Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum thapsus Mullein. BMC Complement Altern Med 2012;12:29.

Flores Echaiz C, Al Ali A, Cao AQ, Sasseville D. Simultaneous contact dermatitis caused by Asteraceae and Verbascum thapsus. Contact Dermatitis 2017;76(5):316-8.

Taleb S, Saeedi M. The effect of the Verbascum Thapsus on episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Jun 8;21(1):166.

Turker AU, Gurel E. Common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytother Res 2005;19(9):733-9.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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