Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Light. Gentle. Healing.
Soft in texture. Powerful in presence. Mullein brings both balance and strength to your smoking ritual. Cherished as one of the most soothing herbs for the respiratory system. Its smoke is smooth and mild, making it an ideal base for tobacco-free blends, calming to the nerves, easy on the lungs, and subtly uplifting to the mind.
Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, gets its name from the Latin “barbascum” meaning bearded [1], a nod to the plant’s soft, hairy, silvery leaves that hint at the herb’s uniquely soothing nature.
Revered for centuries, Mullein has a long history of use in both European and North American folk medicine. First recorded nearly 2,000 years ago by the Greek physician Dioscorides [2], it was traditionally prescribed for respiratory issues, used to ease coughs, open the lungs and calm inflammation [3][4].
By the nineteenth century, it had become recorded as a remedy for asthma in North America, often rolled into cigarettes made from dried flowers or roots. This practice was learned from the Mohegan and Penobscot peoples, who smoked dried or powdered leaves, and the Menominee, who used mullein roots to relieve pulmonary disease [5]. More recently, in 2019, research indicates that mullein possesses antiviral properties, effective against viruses such as human coronavirus HCov-229E and herpes simplex virus type 2 [6][7].
But Mullein’s power goes beyond the physical. In folk traditions, it was known as an apotropaic - a plant used to ward off evil spirits [8]. It was said to instil courage, offer protection, support fertility and promote health and vitality [9]. A botanical shield as much as a healer, it holds a place in both medicinal and magical practices.
The Navajo referred to Mullein as “big tobacco”, smoking it ceremonially for its calming, grounding effects [2][10]. Other Native American tribes, including the Isleta and Thompson, used Mullein in spiritual rituals, often as smudge or smoke to support healing and the Potowatami used it to expand consciousness [10].
In Ayurvedic medicine, Mullein is highly esteemed for its potential to balance the Kapha and Vata doshas [11].
Beyond its smoking qualities, Mullein supports:
Respiratory health (eases coughs, opens airways) [3][4][7][8][12][20]
Analgesic helping to relieve pain [14]
Removal of congestion and waste from the lymph system [14]
Circulatory function [12]
Antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and antimicrobial [6][7][18][19][20]
Musculoskeletal and arthritis [18]
Digestive system and Inflammatory Bowel Sickness [18]
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [11][12][13][19][20]
Skin health such as eczema, minor burns and tissue regeneration [11][12][13][18][19][20]
Energetic and Spiritual Properties of Mullein [14]
Element Associations: Fire, Air
Planetary Associations: Saturn
Astrological Associations: Capricorn, Aquarius
Chakra Associations: Throat Chakra Energy, Solar Plexus
Magical Properties: Divination, Protection, Courage, Health, Self-Love
Not just healing for the body, Mullein is a regenerative force in the garden too. Its deep roots help repair depleted soil, returning nutrients back to the earth [14][21].
Note: Always consult your physician before using herbs to treat medical conditions, especially if taking medications such as antidepressants.