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Mullein: What It Is and How to Use It

Mullein: What It Is and How to Use It

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a tall, stately biennial with large, soft, fuzzy leaves and a spike of yellow flowers that can reach six feet or more. It grows wild along roadsides and fields across North America and has been one of the most widely used herbs in European and American folk traditions. You can find it in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.

Available in Bulk

We carry mullein in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful for a single pot of tea to a full bag for the season. Our staff can help you find it in the bulk bins and answer questions about the cut and powder forms.

What We Carry

  • Mullein leaf cut and sifted — dried fuzzy leaves, the classic form for teas.
  • Mullein leaf powder — finely ground leaves for blending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mullein traditionally used for?

Mullein leaf has a long history in herbal traditions, where it was traditionally used to support respiratory comfort — it shows up in folk remedies across Europe and North America going back centuries. The flowers were traditionally infused in oil for ear preparations. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited.

Why are the leaves so fuzzy?

The soft, woolly hairs covering mullein leaves are the plant's adaptation to dry, sunny habitats — they reduce water loss and reflect harsh sunlight. The fuzz is also why mullein tea should always be strained carefully through a fine filter or cloth: the tiny hairs can irritate the throat if they end up in your cup.

What does mullein tea taste like?

Mullein tea is mild and slightly sweet with a smooth, almost velvety quality. It is one of the gentler-tasting medicinal herbs, which is why it blends easily with stronger herbs like peppermint, thyme, or elderflower. Most people find it pleasant on its own.

Can you use mullein for anything besides tea?

Traditionally, yes — the dried stalks were dipped in tallow and used as torches (earning it the nickname "torchweed"), and the large soft leaves were reportedly used as shoe liners by soldiers and travelers. Today it is mainly a tea herb, though the flowers are still infused in oil by home herbalists.

Did you know? Mullein was brought to the Americas by early European settlers as a medicinal plant and naturalized so successfully that it now grows wild in every U.S. state — it is one of the most widespread introduced herbs in North America (source: USDA PLANTS Database distribution records for Verbascum thapsus).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find mullein in the bulk section and answer questions about the forms we carry.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.