Dried Herb & Tea

Mullein Flower

Verbascum thapsus, V. densiflorum, V. phlomoides

T Traditional use

EMA recognises mullein flower tea as a traditional remedy for sore throat with dry cough and colds. Not recommended for children under 12.

Respiratory, Throat & Mouth
Mullein Flower
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
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On this page

At a glance

Mullein (Verbascum species) is a tall plant with yellow flowers on a long spike and woolly leaves. EMA recognises the traditional use of tea made from its dried flowers for sore throat associated with dry cough and colds. This use is based on long-standing experience.

Parts used: flowers
Key constituents: Mucilage (polysaccharides), Saponins, Iridoid glycosides (aucubin), Flavonoids

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    EMA recognises mullein flower tea as a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve symptoms of sore throat associated with dry cough and cold. [1]

How is it used?

Tea

Dried flowers are steeped in boiling water. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 week.

Amount: 1.5–2 g in 150 ml boiling water, 3–4 times a day (4.5–8 g a day)

Duration limit: 1 week

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 12 years

  • Not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of data.
  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
  • See a doctor if you have shortness of breath, fever or pus-like sputum.
  • See a doctor if symptoms worsen or last more than 1 week.
[1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • No known side effects

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Is mullein good for cough?

EMA recognises mullein flower tea as a traditional use for sore throat associated with dry cough and colds. This is based on long-standing experience, not clinical trials.

How do you make mullein tea?

According to EMA, 1.5–2 g of dried flowers are steeped in 150 ml of boiling water and drunk 3–4 times a day.

Can children have mullein tea?

EMA does not recommend use under 12 due to lack of data.

Can I drink mullein tea while pregnant?

EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.

Are mullein leaves used too?

The EMA assessment covers the flowers only. There is no official assessment for the leaves or root.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. European Union herbal monograph on Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol. (V. thapsiforme Schrad) and V. phlomoides L., flosEMA HMPC · 2018 · MonographSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Mullein Flower (Verbascum thapsus, V. densiflorum, V. phlomoides). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/mullein-flower/

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