Great Herb for Supporting the Respiratory System

Jenni-Leigh Rose

7/23/20263 min read

You can watch the video here👇

https://youtu.be/1aoVvf1Zr40?si=pJQXSWaDCvYJuCCu

Let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorite friends. His name is Verbascum Thapsus. But, only his grandma calls him by his full name. To good friends, it's Mullein.

But if you are a lover of herbal medicine, you've already met, haven't you? In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Mullein has already gotten you out of a couple of jams.

This plant is, hands down, one of the most incredible herbs for supporting the lungs. Whether you’re dealing with a viral or bacterial infection, Mullein is THERE. It brings a powerful synergy of actions that make it an indispensable tool in soothing, clearing, and restoring the respiratory system.

It's honestly inspired.

The same God who designed our intricate, brilliantly functioning lungs also invented a perfect plant, tailored to support them through just about every challenge they might face. Mullein meets us with exactly what we need.

Bacterial infection? Absolutely. Mullein has demonstrated action against Streptococcus (that little rat who causes excruciating sore throats) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the guy who causes pneumonia.

Viral Infection? No problem. Especially if it's influenza or a corona virus.

Well? cool. BUT what if your lungs get all gunked up with mucus after battling one of those nasty bugs? What if you're coughing your brains out? No worries Mulleins got this. It's one of the most fabulous expectorants out there. One of its lesser-known superpowers is how it supports the cilia those tiny hair-like structures that line your respiratory tract. Mullein helps increase their mobility and function. Why does that matter? Because those little cilia wiggle in a rhythmic motion to move mucus, pathogens, and other debris up and out of your lungs. It's your respiratory systems cleaning crew. And Mullein just helps it do its job better. Lends a hand.

Mullein is also incredible for relieving the pain of a cough. It has an incredible soothing and sedating effect on the muscles and nerves of the lungs? great for quieting spasms and irritation.

As wonderful as mullein is for mammals, it won’t be your friend if you’re an intestinal worm. The same sedating and mucus-moving properties that are a blessing to the lungs, paralyze worms and help to clear out the mucus in the gut. Mullein simply stuns them, making them easy for the body to pass. No drama. Just a sleepy eviction.

The seed chemistry is much more concentrated than the leaf and flower. The seed is too strong and not safe for humans or other mammals. Native Americans and other ancient cultures used ground mullein seeds to paralyze fish in ponds so they could be easily gathered. DO NOT DO THIS. It's illegal now…not to mention very disruptive to all of the other life in the pond. Mullein's life of crime is over. He's turned over a new leaf a harmless fuzzy one

Bending, Not Breaking

Let me tell you about a particularly special mullein plant I've had the pleasure of knowing.

Out in the HomeGrown Herbalist show garden, we've been watching one tough little mullein do something quite remarkable. It had volunteered itself right in the middle of our garden walkway. Mullein is really gifted at thinking outside the garden box. We'd lovingly let it stay so folks on our plant walks could see what a second-year mullein looks like in all its tall, fuzzy glory. It was gorgeous. A show-off, really.

Then, a few weeks ago tragedy struck. A huge windstorm rolled through and absolutely flattened it. Poor guy. We thought that was the end. But guess what?

It didn't give up.

Its roots held. And over the next few weeks, it started bending back up slowly, steadily, stretching toward the sun like it had someplace to be. It's still going strong, still adapting. A living metaphor for resilience.

Rooted in Resilience

That image of a flattened but determined plant feels especially relevant as we prepare for our Resilient Roots Conference in July 2025. The purpose of that gathering isn't just to talk about herbs. It's about giving people tools and knowledge to navigate health and life with more confidence and stability. You can do this! You can manage your own body and your own health.

Storms come, illness, stress, change. There's no real way to avoid them. Welcome to mortality! But if your roots are strong if you've taken the time to understand your body, your environment, and the tools available to you you're in a better position to adapt, and even thrive. And best of all to keep on growing!

We're so excited to share this with you. Hope you'll join us. It wouldn't be the same without you!