What is Mullein Tea? Know its health benefits, side effects and uses

Mullein tea is tea made from the leaves of the Mullein plant. Traditionally, it has been used to relieve respiratory symptoms of asthma and various bacterial infections. This tea has been used since centuries in various parts of India for common cold and coughs.

However, while Mullein tea comes with plenty of health benefits, it is also important to understand its nutritional value and right dosage. Over consumption of Mullein tea is also not beneficial for our bodies and in some patients, it may cause throat irritation of mucous membranes. Read on to understand all about Mullein tea, how to make it, benefits as well as side effects.

What is Mullein tea?

Mullein is herbal tea that may relieve symptoms of cold and cough, as well as other bacterial infections. The tea is made from the leaves of the Mullein plant, which is widely available in Europe, Africa as well as Asia. It has a rich and aromatic taste and can be consumed on a regular basis.

How to make Mullein tea?

Mullein tea recipe is fairly easy and just take a few minutes to prepare.

• Take about 8 ounces of water and let it boil
•  Add 1-3 teaspoons of dried Mullein tea leaves to the water
•  Let this steep for 15 minutes
•  Pour this liquid through a cheese cloth or a strainer
•  Enjoy you cup of Mullein tea

Uses of Mullein tea

Mullein tea is used for the treatment of various respiratory as well as bacterial infections such as:

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• Cold
•  Cough
•  Throat irritation
•  Clearing mucus
•  Calming inflammation
•  Bronchitis
•  Aasthma

Benefits of Mullein tea

Mullein tea comes with a host of benefits that makes it a great beverage to have on a regular basis:

1. Helps to manage respiratory condition

Be it asthma or other respiratory conditions, drinking mullein tea can help you feel better. The tea helps to clear your airways, and enables you to breathe better. It helps to ease symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, states this study, published in Springer. It also helps to relax the respiratory muscles.

2. Helps with viral infections

Yes, Mullein tea has some anti-viral properties, which may help against many viruses. This study, published in Evidence Based Complimentary Alternative Medicine, suggests that this tea can help fight against Influenza as it contains many medicinal herbs. Mullein tea can also effective in fighting the virus pseudorabies, which causes respiratory problems. Further scientific studies may be necessary to discover the benefits of mullein tea.

3. Antibacterial properties

The antibacterial properties of Mullein tea may help fight many ailments such as stomach problems and other health issues. This tea is good at fighting E. coli and Streptococcus pyogenes, bacteria that can cause infections in the body but it cannot be used as a mainline treatment for any of these conditions.

Side effects of Mullein tea

While Mullein tea has many benefits, it should be noted that it should not be consumed in excess. There are some side effects that can be caused by over consumption. Firstly, if you plan on making your own Mullein tea, be careful how you handle the herb as this can cause Contact Dermatitis, reported this study, published by the National Institute of Health. Also, once you make the tea, make sure to strain it well as the plan has tiny fibres that can irritate your throat, rather than soothing it. Also, if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you might want to check with your healthcare practitioner before having Mullein tea. Some people may also experience dizziness and nausea after over consuming Mullein tea. However, these side effects are temporary.

FAQs

Can I drink Mullein tea everyday?

Yes, Mullein tea can be consumed everyday. You can have the tea three to four times a day if you are suffering from a cold, cough or any other respiratory infection.

How quickly does Mullein tea work?

Mullein tea consumptions takes a few days to start showing its effect. However, the consumption needs to be regular. This time may vary depending on the severity of the ailment.

Can Mullein tea surpress cough?

Yes, Mullein tea can work as a cough expectorant. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to eliminate mucus, and thus, make you feel better. It also has a soothing effect.