How to Make an Easy Mullein Tincture with 2 Ingredients
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Mullein is an herbal powerhouse that everyone needs to know about. Having this simple mullein tincture on hand is an amazing asset to your herbal wellness apothecary. And today, I’m fixin’ to show ya how to do it all by yerself with this mullein tincture recipe!
I will start this blog post by saying that everything in this blog post is for informational purposes only. I am sharing how I use this tincture in my home and by no means telling you how to use it on yourself or making healing claims… you know cause the FDA won’t like that. Please do your own research and use this blog post as guideline to spur your own personal research and deep dive into herbal medicine. It’s fascinating learning all about God’s grand design. Everything was purposeful and I am consistently amazed!
What is Mullein?
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is usually considered a weed because it grows pretty readily in not so great places. Think rocky soil, sides of the road, field edges… quite gnarly places to try and thrive. And they do!
And you must know all about the mighty mullein! Most people already know, but in the off chance you don’t, I’m gonna tell ya.
Mullein is a mucilage herb that has been shown to be great for respiratory support, especially in times of congestion and coughing. It’s been used for a long time, being popular in indigenous times even for treating all ailments of the lungs and restore health.
It is known by its light green leaves that are fuzzy and water repellant. When full grown, the plant can reach up to 8 feet tall and grows a stalk out of its center that grows yellow flowers.
The leaves, root, and flowers all have medicinal applications, but for my homestead we prioritize the leaves as they work the best for us and make a small amount of flower infused oil for ear remedies. You can certainly do your own research about the different parts and their applications herbally, but that is entirely up to you to decide! I’m just going to show you how to make a tincture… the rebellious way.
What is Mullein Tincture Use For?
I use mullein tincture for helping with coughs, respiratory irritation and inflammation, to expel congestion and phlegm, and to soothe the respiratory tract during times of high histamine… seasonal allergies and such.
I actually add dried mullein I saved in early spring to my elderberry syrup made later in the summer, because normally if we’re taking elderberry, mullein is needed, too! Two birds, one stone! Learn about my elderberry syrup recipe here.
How to Take Mullein Tincture
I keep my dosage to no more than 60 drops per day, which is PLENTY. That is normally 2-3 dropperfuls. I find myself taking a dropperful maybe max of 2 times a day, but obviously do what works for you! My children are half of that.
Mullein is a pretty bitter and slightly astringent tasting herb, so it’s not the most pleasant thing to take. I normally just add it straight to my mouth from the dropper and chase it with some water, but you can mix it into some juice or water to mask the flavor, especially for children.
I make my tinctures with 80+ proof alcohol, but you can use glycerin as well. I have not personally done that, so I will not provide instructions on that, but from my understanding its quite similar to the process with alcohol. The alcohol does give the tinctures a little bit of a bitter burn, so kids won’t like it all that much.
How Else Can I Incorporate Mullein Besides a Tincture?
Some folks aren’t wild about tinctures, and I get that! You can make a vinegar infusion, or an oxymel (which is honey and vinegar) that works great, too.
Mullein can also be dried and used as a tea, smoked, or placed in boiling water and steam inhaled. Steam inhalation is one of my very favorite ways to use mullein. It’s effective and the combination of steam and mullein really cleans those lungs out for the heavily congested folks.
Mullein can also be dried and infused into oils and then made into a salve for chest rubs. If you’d like to purchase some, I do make it and sell it in my farm shop seasonally! If you’d like to make your own, simply infuse an oil of your choice with dried mullein leaves, then strain and add 1 part of beeswax to every 9 parts of oil. Melt those together, then dump into jars, cool and use!
I put the chest rub on chests, backs, and feet especially at night. It’s amazing! Mullein simply amazes me that it is effective in so many different routes of administration. It’s truly a super herb.
How Long Should Mullein Tincture Sit?
My rule of thumb for tinctures is to give them a minimum of 3 weeks, but me being me, I frequently forget about mine and it’ll be 6 months. They’re still FINE, promise.
Strain when you remember them and make sure to store them when they’re extracting and then after straining somewhere cool-ish and dark. Direct sunlight will destroy the effectiveness of your tinctures.
What is the Shelf Life of Mullein Tincture?
I consider my tinctures to have an indefinite shelf life. That being said, I try to not make more than my family (and friends) will use over 2 years. That’s where I draw the line and find that effectiveness may start decreasing. Don’t toss old tinctures, but you may have to increase the dose amount you’re taking due to things weakening over time due to natural degradation.
This is obviously a highly opinionated questions and one that everyone has one on that dabbles or professionally practices herbalism. You find what works for you and do that! And be firm in your decisions!
How to Store Mullein Tincture
Some folks get hung up on the expiration date and others get hung up in how to store it.
Tinctures DO NOT need to be refrigerated. Alcohol has an indefinite shelf stability, and since we’re using a high proof (>80%) alcohol, even the little bit of water that may come from the fresh leaves and “water down” the alcohol, doesn’t drop it enough to affect shelf stability.
Store your tincture in a dark place away from direct sunlight. That’s the biggest factor in storing tinctures long term. Sunlight will degrade the effects of your tincture!
Tinctures DO NOT need to be refrigerated. REPEAT THAT BACK.
Equipment You Might Want
Glass Jar & Lid
Funnel
Fine Mesh Strainer
Amber Glass Bottle with Dropper Lid
Ingredients
High proof (>80%) alcohol
Fresh Mullein Leaf
Step 1: Prep
Start by harvesting and washing the mullein leaf. Take care to harvest and process the leaves immediately and not let them sit around for days. The properties of the leaves are best as fresh as possible for the highest quality tinctures.
Into a sanitized glass jar, tear the mullein leaves and add them to the jar. I like to moderately pack the jar full of leaves.
Cover the leaves completely with a high proof alcohol, being sure everything is submerged.
Step 2: Infuse
Allow leaves to extract in the alcohol for a minimum of 3 weeks, but I prefer 8+ weeks.
Shake daily or whenever you think of it. I leave my jar in an area I see it and remember to shake it.
Step 3: Strain
When ready, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer and fill amber dropper bottles, or container of choice, with your completed tincture.
Label and store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
As a general guideline, the daily adult dose is 2-3 dropperfuls each day. Do your own research to find a dose that works well for you and your family.
I tend to try and use my tinctures within 2 years for best potency.
Equipment
- Glass Jar & Lid
- Funnel
- Amber Glass Bottle with Dropper Lid
Ingredients
- High proof >80% alcohol
- Fresh Mullein Leaf
Instructions
Step 1:Â Prep
- Start by harvesting and washing the mullein leaf. Take care to harvest and process the leaves immediately and not let them sit around for days. The properties of the leaves are best as fresh as possible for the highest quality tinctures.
- Into a sanitized glass jar, tear the mullein leaves and add them to the jar. I like to moderately pack the jar full of leaves.
- Cover the leaves completely with a high proof alcohol, being sure everything is submerged.
Step 2:Â Infuse
- Allow leaves to extract in the alcohol for a minimum of 3 weeks, but I prefer 8+ weeks.
- Shake daily or whenever you think of it. I leave my jar in an area I see it and remember to shake it.
Step 3:Â Strain
- When ready, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer and fill amber dropper bottles, or container of choice, with your completed tincture.
- Label and store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
