Benefits of Mullein Root

Our Favorite Root for Structure, Breath & Nervous System Support

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Why We Love Mullein Root

• Supports full body alignment: spine, nerves, reproductive, urinary and energy systems
  
• Helps with lung rhythm and lower respiratory health
  
• Tones the urinary tract and supports reproductive health
  
• Grounding, stabilizing, and surprisingly versatile
  

We reach for it in tinctures, teas, and even topical salves—and our customers feel the difference.
Shop Mullein Root Tincture →

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Mullein Root at a Glance

What does mullein root do for the body?
Mullein root is traditionally used to support the spine, lower back, urinary tract, reproductive health, and deeper lung rhythm. It’s grounding, anti-inflammatory, and energetically stabilizing.

Can I take mullein root every day?
Yes—many herbalists recommend mullein root as a gentle daily tonic. As always, check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new herbal regimen.

What’s the difference between mullein root and mullein leaf?
Mullein leaf supports the upper lungs and helps clear mucus and irritation. Mullein root works deeper—supporting structural alignment, pelvic tone, bladder health, and nervous system grounding.

→ Keep reading for deeper insight, energetic uses, and our full FAQ at the bottom of this post.

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Mullein has been with me for a long time. I grow it. I drink tea made from its flowers and leaves. I smoke it, tincture it, admire it. I breathe with it. And, every time I reach for mullein in any of its forms, I remember: this plant has layers.

And while mullein leaf is gaining popularity as a wonderfully effective lung remedy for respiratory issues like coughing, irritation, or smoke inhalation—and even a calming nervine that soothes those "frayed edges"—I personally find its most powerful potential lies in its roots.

A dropper of Mullein Root Tincture is how I begin when my body feels off. Misaligned. Tight in my spine. A little frayed in the nervous system. Funky. You know the feeling.

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What Is Mullein Root Traditionally Used For?

Mullein root (Verbascum thapsus) has a long-standing presence in folk herbalism. While the soft leaves and yellow flowers are more commonly used in teas and oils, the root is a lesser-known treasure with unique qualities.

Structural and Nervous System Support

According to herbalist Matthew Wood, mullein root is considered a remedy for alignment—supporting the spine, bones, bladder, and energetic structure of the body. He describes it as a plant that helps people “stand tall” both physically and emotionally (The Earthwise Herbal).

Herbalist Jim McDonald similarly teaches that mullein root acts as a nourishing, grounding, and stabilizing tonic, especially where lower back support or nervous system exhaustion is present. He notes that its gentle action is especially helpful for people who “carry the weight of the world in their lower backs.”

Lung and Breath Clearing

Mullein root is also used in traditional herbalism to support the deeper parts of the lungs—offering grounding where breath feels tight, constricted, or trapped lower in the body. Its action connects the root of the body to the rhythm of the breath. 

Urinary and Reproductive System Support

In addition to its structural and respiratory benefits, mullein root has a long tradition of use for urinary tract and reproductive system support.

• • Its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties make it a go-to for supporting bladder tone, UTIs, and pelvic stagnation.
    
  • It is often referenced as a helpful herb for prostate support in men and menstrual and menopausal balance in women.
    
  • Some herbalists incorporate it into protocols for PCOS, thanks to its tonifying and clearing actions.
    

When there's bloating, pressure, or discomfort in the pelvic region—especially with a feeling of congestion or sluggishness—mullein root can offer deep, subtle relief.

You can find our Mullein Root Tincture here.

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Mullein’s Doctrine of Signatures

And when you look at a mullein plant, you can see why. The whole plant mirrors the human body.

According to the doctrine of signatures, which suggests that the structure of a plant reflects its healing purpose, mullein is one of the clearest examples. The root system resembles the pelvic region—including the lower intestines, urinary tract, and reproductive organs—and the way it branches echoes the legs. The leaf base and root neck look just like the waist, and the broad, fuzzy basal leaves reflect the bottom of the lungs. Then, rising through the center is that tall flower spike—glowing gold like our crown, face, and heart glow. Bendable but never breaking. The stalk is thick with water and nutrients.

It’s not just a plant—it’s a mirror of the body in herbal form. Its signature is rooted resilience. Flow with ease. Deep, penetrating healing.

Discover our collection of Mullein offerings.

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How We Use Mullein Root

We include Mullein Root in:

• Our Pain Relief Salve, where it works synergistically with other herbs to support the body topically
  
• Our Mullein Root Tincture, as a stand-alone extract for daily use
  

Many customers pair it with:

• Wild Lettuce Tincture when they need deeper support for rest or discomfort
  
• Matador Muscle Salve for topical muscle care
  

And we always keep a bottle on hand when things feel out of balance.

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Energetics of Mullein Root

Mullein root is deeply grounding. It connects you to the Earth’s core and reminds your body how to feel safe, supported, and nourished.

We turn to Mullein Root when:

• Our nervous system feels frayed or disoriented
  
• We need a reminder of our inherent strength and resilience
  
• We feel we can’t “absorb” the nutrients or support we’re being given
  
• Our energy field needs buffering or fortification

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Mullein Flower Essence

In flower essence form, Mullein shines in a whole new way.

We call our essence Shine Your Light, and it came through during a powerful harvest moment under the summer sun. That tall, glowing stalk of flowers reminds us: stand tall, be seen, and let your truth shine.

Energetically, Mullein offers:

• Support for finding your voice
  
• Alignment with truth and inner light
  
• Navigating shadows or confusion, healing inner child work
  

We often recommend it for times of self-doubt, transformation, or when stepping into new visibility.

Explore Shine Your Light Essence →

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Mullein Root FAQ

What does mullein root do for the body?
Mullein root is traditionally used to support spinal alignment, lower back and pelvic tone, nervous system grounding, breath rhythm, urinary tract health, and the deeper parts of the lungs.

Can you take mullein root every day?
Yes—many people use it daily as a gentle tonic. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new herbal protocol.

What’s the difference between mullein root and mullein leaf?
Mullein leaf is commonly used for the upper lungs—especially for coughs, smoking, or irritation. Mullein root works deeper: supporting the spine, bladder, breath rhythm, and pelvic organs.

Is mullein root good for urinary or reproductive issues?
Yes. Thanks to its toning, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial actions, mullein root is often used for UTIs, bladder discomfort, prostate support, and reproductive balance in both men and women.

What are the energetic or emotional benefits of mullein root?
Energetically, mullein root is deeply grounding and stabilizing. It helps people feel safe, supported, and strong—especially during stress, depletion, or overwhelm.

What about mullein flower essence?
Mullein flower essence is used to support courage, clarity, and inner light. It's ideal for people stepping into visibility, truth, or new phases of life.

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References & Reading

• Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books, 2008.
  
  
• McDonald, Jim. Herbcraft: Writings and Monographs on Traditional Western Herbalism. herbcraft.org
  
  
• Turker, A. U. & Gurel, E. (2005). "Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): Recent advances in research." Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), 733–739.
  
  
• Sener, A. & Dulger, B. (2009). "Antimicrobial activity of the leaves of Verbascum sinuatum L. on microorganisms isolated from urinary tract infection." African Journal of Microbiology Research, 3(11), 778–781.
  
  
• Riaz, M., Zia-Ul-Haq, M. & Jaafar, H. Z. (2013). "Common mullein: pharmacological and chemical aspects." Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 23(6), 948–959.
  
  
• Andón, M. T., et al. (2021). "Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used in the treatment of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders." Biology (Basel), 10(8). PMC8301161
  
  
• Turker, A. U., & Camper, N. D. (2005). "Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant." Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), 746–749.
  
  
• Hoffmann, David. The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Inner Traditions, 2002.
  
  
• Sinadinos, Christa. “Mullein Leaf, Flower & Root.” The Forager’s Path. theforagerspath.com
  
  
• Cheryl’s Herbs. “Mullein: Herbal Information Sheet.” cherylsherbs.com