The whole world of herbal teas is fascinating as a whole. But, among these, mullein leaf tea holds a special place as its benefits affect something we do thousands of times every day, breathing. More specifically, it is reported to have positive effects on the entire respiratory system. But are these claims legit? If they are, what factors should you consider before choosing a mullein-leaf tea brand? Let’s find out.
Mullein Leaf Tea Health Benefits
Mullein leaf tea is healthy, in general. But, it is not a cure-all medicine that will resolve every health issue in your body. These are the real health benefits you can expect from consuming this tea regularly. Health writer Nadzeya Sankovich comments that the mullein plant "has antibacterial properties, helps fight viral infections, and also improves respiratory issues. For cough and cold, it can be consumed in the form of tea. The nature of mullein leaves is [sic] expectorant. This means it helps separate mucus." Let's discuss mullein tea benefits in more detail below.
Mucus removal
One of the most effective and relieving benefits of mullein leaf tea is its ability to expel mucus. It works alongside the natural cough reflex of your body and makes it more productive. The result is a mucus-free throat and chest, which in turn leads to easier breathing.
Healthier lungs
One of the long-term benefits of mullein leaf tea is its lung health improvement. This usually takes time, and the results are not immediately noticeable. However, keeping a routine of consuming this tea will make your lungs healthier and more resistant to respiratory issues.
Throat soothing
A messed-up throat can put your whole life in disarray. The difficulty in breathing makes you irritated and prevents you from focusing on anything you want to do. In most cases, drinking mullein leaf tea can provide instant relief and soothing to your throat and make the situation better as a whole.
Breathing issues
While this is not 100% guaranteed, mullein leaf tea has been observed to be effective in aiding breathing issues. More specifically, it can provide relief from asthma and other similar problems. Just keep in mind that the results on this one can vary drastically from one person to the other.
Buying the Right Mullein Leaf Tea
So, you understand the benefits of mullein tea and want to give it a try. These are the key factors to consider if you want to find the ideal mullein leaf tea option for your use.
Flavor
The first, and arguably the most important, factor to consider is taste. Even if you see this herbal tea as a medicine, you will not be able to consume it regularly if you don’t like the taste. On the other hand, if you get the taste right, drinking it will become a habit in no time. Mullein leaf tea has a natural, earthy flavor by default. The variations occur based on concentration and other herbs mixed with the mullein leaves. So, make sure to pick an option with the right flavor intensity according to your taste. Also, the pure mullein taste is great, but you can find options that mix other tasting herbs to sweeten the tea a little. Whatever flavor you choose, stay away from the options with sugar or other artificial flavorings.
Quality
Do not buy cheap, low-quality mullein leaf tea. The difference in per-bag price between actual high-quality tea and the lower-end is not worth it. But what makes mullein leaf tea high quality in the first place? Well, the first indication of quality is the raw ingredient. Look for options that come from fresh, ethically harvested herbs with high-quality standards for selection. Wild harvests can also be great if handled with care. The next step in finding high-quality mullein leaf tea is processing and packaging. Make sure that the tea itself does not include any additives, artificial flavors, or filler herbs. As for the packaging, ensure that the bags are not bleached and are made from natural materials.
Cost
The final major consideration for finding the ideal mullein leaf tea option is the cost. As stated earlier, do not go for the cheap low-end options, as their quality can be quite hit or miss (most often a miss). On the other hand, you don’t have to buy into ultra-expensive luxury tea brands either, as most of their “premium” claims are nothing but empty marketing. The ideal lies between these two extremes. Here you will find mullein tea options with great taste and top-tier quality that are still a good value for your money. While there is no correct price for these tea options, a respectable range is between $0.40 and $0.55 per tea bag. Also, buying large packages with more bags can bring down the overall cost as well without compromising on quality. But you should buy smaller packages when you’re just testing different brands.
