Mullein: The Tall Herb for Stubborn Respiratory Seasons

Mullein isn’t a tidy garden plant. I’ve tried planting seeds and haven’t had much luck, but it still pops up around the yard, usually in the most inconvenient places. This year one even came up right in front of the shed door. I tried to save it, but between the foot traffic and the location, most of the leaves were damaged before I had a chance to harvest.

It shows up where the soil’s been disturbed, grows tall without much help, and stands out once you know what you’re looking at. It’s not something I plan for—but it’s something I leave when it appears.

Like a lot of useful plants, it tends to take care of itself.

What It Is

Mullein is a biennial plant known for its large fuzzy leaves in the first year and a tall flowering stalk in the second.

It often grows in poor soil, along roadsides, and in open areas where not much else wants to be. Like a lot of useful plants, it doesn’t need perfect conditions to do its job.

How It Grows

Mullein is another one I don’t fuss over.

• Full sun

• Poor to average soil

• Very little watering

It tends to show up where it wants, and I let it be.

How I Use It Around Our Home

Most of my use leans toward respiratory support.

I don’t typically make mullein as a tea. The tiny hairs on the leaves are hard to strain out completely, and they can irritate the throat more than help. Instead, I mostly use it as a tincture for easier use and storage

My husband will also smoke dried mullein in his tobacco pipe when he feels like his lungs need a little extra care.

When sinus pressure sets in, I’ll usually reach for a simple steam using mullein and a few other herbs—nothing complicated, just something that helps take the edge off.

Traditional Uses

Mullein has a long history in traditional herbal use, especially for respiratory support. It’s often used in teas or preparations meant to support the lungs during seasonal illness or irritation. It’s been relied on for generations.

A Simple Recipe: Mullein Steam for Sinus Support

This is one of the easiest ways to use it, especially when you need quick relief.

Ingredients

• Handful of dried mullein

• Small handful eucalyptus

• Small handful thyme

• Small handful Peppermint (I add this one in to help relieve the headache that usually appears along with the sinus pressure)

• Pot of hot water

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil

2. Remove from heat

3. Add herbs

4. Lean over the pot with a towel over your head to trap steam

5. Breathe deeply for several minutes

How I Use It

• When sinus pressure/congestion sets in

• When I need something simple and immediate

No prep ahead of time—just use what you have.

Tip: Don't have the specific herbs on hand - check to see which herbs you have are good for respiratory support and add those

How This Actually Gets Used Week to Week

This isn’t an everyday herb—and that’s fine.

• Dried and stored or tinctured for when it’s needed

• Pulled out during seasonal illness

• Restocked once or twice a year

• Used in steam when sinus pressure hits

• Occasionally used by my husband in his pipe

It’s more of a “keep it in the cupboard” kind of plant than something you reach for daily.

‘Til next time, keep livin’ that farm fresh life!
~ Megan

👉 Curious how our homestead journey began? Read our story here.

A Quick Note on Herbs

Herbs are helpful, but they aren’t cure-alls.

This is based on traditional use and everyday experience, not medical advice. It’s always worth doing your own research and using good judgment.