what is mullein leaf

Mullein leaf is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine to reduce inflammation and as a moisture-inducing and expectorant herb. It is a biennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall and is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, but has been introduced in the Americas and Australia. Mullein contains chemicals that might help fight certain infections, and people use it for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, cough, and many other conditions, although there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Mullein may be cultivated as an ornamental plant, and its seeds contain several compounds that are toxic to fish and have been widely used as piscicide for fishing. Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant and is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions. Although thought of primarily as a weed, common mullein has been used as an herbal remedy for coughs and diarrhea, and topical applications against a variety of ailments.