Learn how to make mullein tincture that can be used to help support lung or bronchial health as well as congestions, asthma, constipation, inflammation, headaches and gout.

Mullein

Mullein has been used for thousands of years throughout Europe and North American folk medicine. The dried leaves can be brewed in a tea, or used in infusions and syrups.

Mullein is a plant that grows a tall flower spike. It is a medicinal plant that is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has been used traditionally to help

Ease respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds and coughs and more.
Help with reducing inflammation
Keeping infections under control
Helping to ease discomfort

Notes

If you are picking fresh leaves to use in this tincture, make sure to harvest them from a pesticide free area. Alternatively, you can purchase dried mullein from a reputable company.
Harvest only when you are 100% positive you have the correct plant as there can be some lookalikes which are inedible or poisonous.
Mullein leaves are fuzzy, so make sure to strain through a piece of tightly woven cheesecloth so the hairs on the leaves don’t cause irritation to your mouth and throat when using.
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
If you are on medication, check with your health professional before taking.

Uses for Mullein Tincture

Mullein tincture can be used for:

Respiratory Issues
Sore Throats
Coughs
Congestion
Bronchitis
Gout
Urinary Tract Infections
Flu
Upset Tummies

Tinctures

Tinctures are easy to make herbal remedies. They usually consist of herbs infused in vodka for about one month.

The most important thing is time, though this requires no effort on your part.

For most tinctures, vodka will work. Grain alcohol like Everclear is great for root tinctures as its harder consistency, though this can be hard for many people to then take.

Vodka also has a fairly neutral taste, so the final product shouldn’t have an alcohol flavour.

As an alternative to vodka, rum, whisky, brandy or gin can also be used.

For an alcohol free tincture, apple cider vinegar or food grade (vegetable) glycerine can be used. That said, I have never used these myself.

Cloudy Tinctures

You may find that some tinctures get cloudy or milky in appearance.

This is usually Inulin, a healthy starch and prebiotic. If your tincture does develop this, keep it all and just shake well before using.

Ingredients for Making Mullein Tincture

To make around 10 ounces of tincture, you will need:

⅔ Cup Dried Mullein – Fresh leaves or mullein leaf powder can also be used.
About 2 cups of 80% proof vodka (40-50%) (pictured below) or 1 ½ Cups of Vegetable Glycerin with ½ cup water
Cheesecloth
Glass Jar
2 x 4 oz Glass Bottles

Making Mullein Tincture

Place the dried mullein into a glass jar.

Fill the rest of the jar with the vodka or the glycerin and water. Make sure that all the dried mullein is completely covered so that it doesn’t go mouldy.

Place a small piece of baking paper or parchment paper on top and then add the lid.

Label the jar and leave it sit in a dry, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks.

Shake daily and make sure that the mullein stays under the liquid.

At the end of the 6 or 8 weeks, strain using a piece of cheesecloth into a clean, sterilised jar.

Label your tincture and it is ready to use.

Using Mullein Tincture

To help ease respiratory issues, add 1 to 2 drops of mullein tincture into a glass of hot water with a little honey.

This tincture could also be added to juice or herbal teas including lemon balm tea, nettle or elderberry tea.

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