If you’ve been looking for ways to “detox” your lungs or breathe easier, you may have seen mullein leaf pop up in your search results. This fuzzy-leafed plant has been used for centuries to help calm coughs, clear mucus and soothe irritated lungs.
But does it actually work and is it safe?
We spoke with Madhav Chopra, MD, an interventional pulmonologist with Banner University Medicine, to learn more about this fuzzy plant, how the lungs naturally protect themselves and what you can safely do to support your breathing.
What is mullein leaf?
Mullein (pronounced mull-in) is a tall, flowering plant that grows in many parts of the U.S. and Europe. Its soft, fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers have been used in herbal medicine since ancient times.
“Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as mullein, has a long history of being used to treat respiratory ailments around the world,” Dr. Chopra said. “Different parts of the plant have different properties and it can be found in a variety of preparations.”
You can purchase mullein as an herbal tea, liquid tincture (liquid herbal extract), capsules and steam preparations for inhalation.
Traditional healers often turned to mullein to ease coughs, calm sore throats and support breathing. People today use mullein leaf to:
- Ease dry or chronic coughs
- Loosen mucus so it is easier to cough up
- Calm inflammation (swelling) in the lungs and airways
Can mullein leaf really detox your lungs?
Here’s the truth: Your lungs already know how to detox themselves. Your lungs have built-in tools to clean themselves.
“The lungs clean themselves by producing mucus that traps unwanted substances like dust and bacteria,” Dr. Chopra said. “Tiny hairs called cilia move mucus and trapped particles out of your airways. Your body also uses coughing, sneezing and clearing the throat to remove the mucus.”
While the idea of a “lung detox” is popular, your lungs are already doing the work, especially if you’re healthy and breathing clean air.
However, some habits and exposures can make this job harder. Common factors that can affect lung health include:
- Smoking and vaping
- Air pollution and allergens
- Respiratory infections
- Chronic lung conditions like asthma or COPD
What research says about mullein leaf
While mullein has been used safely in herbal medicine for centuries, research is still catching up.
A few studies suggest that mullein may:
- Act as an expectorant, helping your body clear out mucus
- Offer anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties
- Soothe irritation in the throat and airways
However, these studies are small and limited. Most studies have been done in labs and not on people. More scientific evidence is needed before medical experts can confidently say how effective it is for lung health.
Is mullein leaf safe?
In general, mullein appears to be safe for most healthy adults when used as directed. Dr. Chopra noted that there are no known significant side effects to using mullein. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Possible mild side effects may include:
- Upset stomach
- Skin irritation (when applied to the skin)
- Allergic reactions, especially if you’re sensitive or allergic to plants in the figwort family
Mullein’s fuzzy leaves can also irritate if not properly strained when making tea. Always strain tea well before drinking to avoid a scratchy throat.
“Another significant concern with herbal remedies is that they don’t undergo the same rigorous testing as prescription medications,” Dr. Chopra said. “In the U.S., mullein isn’t manufactured in a standardized way as in Europe, so it may be hard to find effective formulas.”
To stay safe:
- Buy from reputable brands that offer third-party testing (like NSF or USP).
- Always follow the recommended dosage.
- Talk to your health care provider before starting any new herbal remedy.
Who should avoid mullein leaf?
While mullein leaf is generally safe for most adults, talk to your health care provider first if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: There isn’t enough research to confirm it’s safe
- Have asthma or COPD: Mullein may help, but it can also irritate some people’s lungs
- Take prescription medications: Mullein may interact with some medications, especially diuretics or anti-inflammatories
- Have plant allergies: Especially to mullein or related species
How to safely use mullein leaf
If you and your provider decide that mullein is right for you, here are the most common ways people use it:
Mullein tea
- Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain well to remove tiny leaf hairs that can irritate your throat.
- Drink up to two cups per day, unless your provider says otherwise.
Tinctures or extracts
- Liquid extracts are taken under the tongue or mixed with water.
- Follow the label’s dosing guide.
- Start small and increase only if needed.
Capsules
Look for brands with clear ingredients and no unnecessary fillers.
Steam inhalation
- Add mullein leaves to hot water in a bowl.
- Drape a towel over your head and breathe the steam for five to 10 minutes.
No matter which forms you use, start small and listen to your body. If you notice any unusual symptoms, stop use immediately and talk to your provider.
“Seek medical help instead of trying to ‘detox’ if you experience shortness of breath, worsening cough, fevers, chills, night sweats or unintended weight loss,” Dr. Chopra said.
What else can you do to support lung health?
Even if you don’t use mullein, there are many safe, evidence-based ways to keep your lungs strong.
- Drink more water: Your body uses water to produce mucus. When you’re well hydrated, your lungs can move mucus more easily out of your lungs.
- Move your body: Exercise improves your lung strength and oxygen flow. Even daily walks can make a difference.
- Practice deep breathing: Techniques like belly breathing or pursed-lip breathing can help expand your lungs and calm your nervous system.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Choose fruits, vegetables, olive oil, turmeric and omega-3-rich fish to help reduce inflammation in your lungs and body.
- Improve indoor air quality: Use air purifiers, dust, vacuum and clean regularly.
- Avoid harmful exposures: Stay away from cigarette smoke, vaping, wood or campfire smoke and heavily polluted air.
Bottom line
Do you really need a lung detox? Probably not. You don’t need a trendy detox to take care of your lungs. Most people’s lungs do a good job of cleaning themselves.
But if you’ve been sick, exposed to smoke or pollutants or want to feel better, natural tools like mullein leaf may offer gentle support. If you’re curious about trying mullein, talk with your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. Together, you can decide whether it fits safely into your wellness routine.
