Those looking for natural ways to support lung and respiratory health often turn to mullein leaf. What are the benefits of mullein leaf and mullein leaf tea for promoting respiratory wellness? We’ll cover some of the advantages of mullein leaf tea for lungs and other complementary remedies that may aid in a lung detox.
Understanding Lung Detox
Lung detox is a loose term that refers to cleansing the lungs to remove toxins, pollutants, and mucus to support overall respiratory functioning. While our bodies have natural mechanisms in place to eliminate toxins, there are ways to support this process through lifestyle changes and natural remedies.
Lifestyle Choices to Promote Lung Health
Our lungs clean themselves by producing mucus to trap toxins or unwanted substances. We then expel this mucus by coughing, clearing the throat, or sneezing. Some of the best ways to help this natural process along include:
- Staying hydrated
- Improving indoor air quality (through ventilation, air purification, and regular cleaning)
- Avoiding cigarettes, cigarette smoke, and vaping
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting exposure to irritants like wood smoke and other outdoor pollutants
But there may be times when our respiratory health needs additional assistance. This is especially true during allergy, cold, and flu seasons, for those with asthma, or for those prone to respiratory infections. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, a lingering cold, or an occasional cough or sore throat, mullein leaf tea may help. Before getting to an easy way to prepare mullein leaf tea for lungs, let’s look at the plant itself.
What is Mullein?
Mullein is a plant that’s part of the snapdragon family. Some gardeners may consider it a weed, but those in the natural health world see it as a beneficial herb that aids with respiratory ailments. Mullein leaf has long been used in tribal and folk medicine and by herbal medicine specialists, naturopaths, and functional medicine practitioners to support circulatory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and respiratory health.
Beneficial Properties of Mullein Leaf
According to Sobia Khan, MD, a functional medicine specialist, mullein leaf has many practical health applications. It’s beneficial for any lung condition that causes inflammation or infection. Mullein leaf was often used as an herbal remedy for pneumonia, tuberculosis, and whooping cough before antibiotics were available; today, it’s used as a natural way to help manage allergies, sore throat, coughs, the common cold, bronchitis, and tonsillitis.*
Mullein leaf is considered a go-to in natural respiratory health because of specific properties inherent to the plant.
Expectorant
Mullein acts as an expectorant, a term for medications that help the body expel mucus. Expectorants can make coughs more productive, helping the body clear mucus from the lungs more quickly.
Demulcent
Why do so many people turn to mullein leaf as a go-to ingredient in their lung detox tea? Part of the reason is that mullein has demulcent properties, which help relieve irritation and inflammation in the mucous membranes. Demulcents like mullein create a soothing coating over irritated mucous membranes, relieving irritated respiratory tracts.
Antiviral and Antibacterial
Some initial studies indicate that mullein leaf may have potent antiviral effects against influenza, and other research suggests that mullein’s antibacterial properties may make it a valuable tool in treating middle ear infections in children.
How to Take Mullein Leaf
One popular way to take mullein leaf is in a mullein leaf tea preparation. A mullein leaf tea for lungs can be as simple as mullein leaf extract and hot water or part of a larger lung detox tea recipe.
For a comprehensive lung detox tea, try Dr. Morse’s 3 Herb Tea. 3 Herb Tea from Dr. Morse’s is a three-herb blend that effectively supports lung health by detoxifying, strengthening, and providing crucial support to lung and respiratory tissues. It features Mullein leaf, fenugreek seed, and pleurisy root.
To make a mullein leaf tea with soothing peppermint oil, start with Buried Treasure Mullein Mint. Mullein Mint from Buried Treasure is a liquid formula that combines traditional mullein leaf extract with peppermint oil. Simply add the extract to hot water or hot tea to support respiratory comfort and healthy airway function.
If you aren’t a tea drinker or want a quicker, on-the-go option, try Nature’s Answer Mullein Leaf Extract. To use Mullein Leaf Extract from Nature’s Answer as a dietary supplement, take 2 mL up to three times a day in a small amount of water to support natural respiratory health and healthy mucous membranes.
For additional mullein tea and other herbal teas, coffees, and beverages, the Professional Supplement Center has you covered. You’ll find many more options if you browse our store.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Dr. Kathleen Scala, AP DOM, is an NCCAOM FL Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She graduated with honors from East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, FL and received NCCAOM diplomas for both acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. Through her acupuncture and herbal training she also became skilled in nutrition and homeopathy. While a medical student Kathleen managed the herbal clinic at East West College. She brings extensive supplement knowledge from over twenty-four years in the natural health and wellness industry.