Use the leaves, the yellow flowers, or a combination if you’re harvesting your own mullein. Brewing with just the flowers makes sweeter tea. It is possible to use fresh mullein leaves, but you’ll need to steep the tea for 20 to 30 minutes and it won’t be as strong. If you’d like to make a larger batch, feel free to double or triple the amount of mullein leaves. Just remember to add more water, too!
It’s fine to serve the tea unfiltered, but many people find that the tiny hairs scratch their throats.
Breathe in the steam from the tea so you inhale the peppermint oils. Peppermint contains menthol which is effective in soothing a cough. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Experiment with herbal additions to your mullein tea—add a small spoonful of dried rosehips, hibiscus, or chamomile for instance. Rosehips and hibiscus are high in antioxidants which can help your immune system recover from illness. [6] X Research source . Although more research is needed, chamomile is an effective cold remedy. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Fruit juice[8] X Research source Simple syrup Flavored syrup like vanilla syrup Stevia Agave syrup
If you’re drinking mullein tea just to enjoy the flavor, feel free to drink occasionally.
Mullein is considered to be very safe, so most people don’t experience any side effects. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should drink mullein tea since more research is needed.
