How To Make Mullein Tincture (Easy Medicinal Recipe)

Learning how to make mullein tincture is a great way to always have a powerful respiratory herbal medicine on hand. Known for its ability to loosen lung congestion, mullein is a medicinal plant that makes a good tincture for colds season and beyond.

Mullein plants (scientifically known as verbascum thapsus or verbascum densiflorum), are native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is also found in parts of North America and other regions around the world. It’s also commonly called common mullein and great mullein. It grows several feet high and has large, velvety leaves. In the summertime, mullein produces yellow flowers.

Mullein leaves and flowers have historically been used to prepare herbal remedies like teas, tinctures, and extracts. Mullein can support various health conditions and is primarily known for its ability to fight against respiratory infections.

DIY clove tincture and basil tincture can also help support respiratory conditions.

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Benefits of mullein tincture

Respiratory support – Mullein is often used to support respiratory health. It’s believed to have expectorant properties, which means that it can help to loosen mucus and relieve congestion in the lungs. Mullein tea and tincture can be useful for supporting respiratory health.

Anti-inflammatory properties – Some research suggests that mullein may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and sore throats. Mullein is rich in bioactive compounds including flavonoids, saponins, mucilage, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds. These compounds work together to reduce inflammation by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting inflammatory pathways, and soothing inflamed tissues. 

Antibacterial and antiviral properties – Mullein has shown some antibacterial and antiviral activity in laboratory studies, suggesting it may help fight off infections including the herpes virus.

Earache relief – Mullein oil or tincture is sometimes used to soothe earaches and ear infections. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties may help reduce pain and inflammation in the ear.

How to make mullein tincture

Tools

An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

Small amber glass dropper bottles – I use these ones.

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

A knife – to chop up whole mullein leaves

Supplies

Dried mullein – I like using this mullein because the leaves haven’t been completely ground.

High proof vodka (80-proof vodka or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar.

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Fresh or dried mullein?

While most tinctures can be made with dried or fresh herbs, it’s best to use dried mullein to make this tincture. This is because the leaves have a high level of water content which can make the tincture spoil more quickly. Using dried herbs will result in a tincture with a much longer shelf life.

When to forage mullein?

If you are foraging and drying mullein to make this tincture, I recommend you forage the leaves in mid-morning. This is to ensure that the plant’s essential oils are at their maximum strength which will result in a more potent tincture. After the afternoon heat and sun reach the plant, the oils dissipate and the tincture won’t be as strong.

Using the folk method

I use the folk method when making DIY tinctures at home. The folk method uses less precise measurements and I do not weigh the plant material or alcohol when I make my tinctures. If you’re making this tincture for yourself, the folk method will work fine. If you’re making tinctures to sell, it’s best to weigh your plant material to ensure that your final tinctures will have a consistent level of medicinal properties.

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Instructions

Sanitise your glass jar and lid.

If your dried mullein leaves are whole, use a knife to chop them up into small pieces. This is to maximise the surface area that is exposed to the alcohol when the tincture is steeping.

Add the dried mullein to your glass jar. Fill the jar ½ of the way full to leave room for the plant to absorb the alcohol.

Cover the mullein with alcohol until the leaves are completely submerged. 

Add a lid to the jar and shake it vigorously to ensure the alcohol is covering everything. 

Date and label the tincture so that you remember when you made it and what it is. Set it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. You can leave it to sit for longer – this will result in a more concentrated tincture. 

Try to shake the jar 3-4 times per week to make sure everything remains submerged in the alcohol.

After 6-8 weeks, strain off the tincture using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.  I recommend doing multiple strains to remove the fine hairs from your tincture.

Use a funnel to add the liquid into a clean amber glass dropper bottle.

Date and label the tincture so you don’t forget what it is.

That’s it!

How much mullein tincture to take?

I like to take 1 dropper full per day 1-2 times per day when I feel I need an extra boost or during cold or flu season. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.

How long does mullein tincture last?

Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal preparations, this tincture will last a long time if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.

How to use mullein tincture

Directly – The best way to consume mullein tincture is by taking it orally. Add the dosage under your tongue. Hold it there for 20 seconds and then swallow.

In mullein extract – You can steep dried mullein in water overnight to create a mullein extract. You can then simply add the tincture dosage to the extract to consume an extra nutrient-dense and nourishing tea.

Diluted in tea – You can add the dosage to an herbal tea of your choice or hot water. This method is particularly nice if you’re using the tincture to support respiratory health. I like to use it with mint or chamomile tea.

Mixed with honey – You can also add the dosage to a spoonful of honey to amplify the throat-soothing benefits of the tincture.

In smoothies or juices – If you do not like the taste of the tincture, you can add it to a smoothie or cup of juice which will dilute the flavour.

As an herbal ear drop – I like to add a few drops of the tincture to a cotton bud and carefully swab the irritated ear.

I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication. 

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