home remedy for coughs - mullein tea

Home Remedy for Coughs - Healing Mullein Tea

Mullein is a herb that has many healing powers. Whenever one of our family members has a bad cough, I immediately make a big pot of mullein tea. It’s leaves and flowers contain saponins, which are natural detergents that encourage the body to remove excess mucous from the lungs. It also has mucilage, a gelatinous substance that soothes irritated membranes. Mullein is therefore excellent for curing bronchitis, heavy coughing, chest colds and even asthma. It is safe for young children too.

The easiest way to prepare mullein tea is just to steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes, and then strain out the leaves. I like to make a larger amount though (around 2 tablespoons of mullein leaves in 1 L of water) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 months so that I have a stock of it on hand.

When a cough does hit, drink 1/4 cup of the tea (2 tablespoons for young children) at least 3 times a day. Continue taking it until symptoms are gone.

If, for some reason, you don’t like the taste of mullein tea, you can also inhale the steam of a boiling pot of mullein tea. Just let the leaves steep for 5 minutes before inhaling.

Ingredients for Mullein Tea:

  • 1-2 teaspoons of dried mullein tea (make sure there are no seeds)
  • 1 1/2 cup boiling water

 

Directions:

  1. Place the mullein leaves in a small saucepan and pour boiling water on top of it. Cover the saucepan
  2. Let the mullein leaves steep in the boiling water for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain out the leaves and let the tea cool.
  4. Drink drink 1/4 cup of the tea (2 tablespoons for young children) at least 3 times a day.
  5. Continue drinking the tea until symptoms are gone.

 

NOTE: Do not ingest mullein seeds, as they are mildly toxic. Mullein leaves have fine hairs that can irritate some people’s skin and cause rashes. If your skin is very sensitive, use gloves when preparing mullein teas, tinctures, extracts or poultices. Consult with a physician before taking herbal supplements and medicines, particularly if you are taking prescription medications.

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