From the Guidelines
Mullein is not recommended for relieving cough due to the lack of strong evidence supporting its efficacy and safety, and instead, simpler and more evidence-based remedies such as honey and lemon should be considered. When it comes to relieving cough, the most recent and highest quality study suggests that the simplest and cheapest advice may be to provide a “home remedy” such as honey and lemon 1. This approach is supported by the fact that acute viral cough is almost invariably benign and prescribed treatment can be regarded as unnecessary, with patients reporting benefit from various over-the-counter preparations but little evidence of a specific pharmacological effect 1.
Some key points to consider when managing cough include:
- Acute viral cough can be distressing and cause significant morbidity, but it is often self-limiting and can be managed with simple remedies 1
- Central modulation of the cough reflex is common, and simple voluntary suppression of cough may be sufficient to reduce cough frequency 1
- Opiate antitussives have a significant adverse side effect profile and are not recommended 1
- Cough challenge methodologies have shown suppression of the cough reflex with active agents such as dextromethorphan, menthol, sedative antihistamines, and codeine or pholcodine, but mullein is not mentioned as a recommended treatment 1
In terms of safety and efficacy, while mullein may be considered safe for short-term use, its effectiveness is not supported by strong evidence, and potential side effects such as skin irritation or stomach discomfort should be considered. It is also important to use only properly prepared commercial products to avoid throat irritation from the plant's tiny hairs. However, given the lack of strong evidence supporting its use, it is recommended to prioritize evidence-based remedies such as honey and lemon over mullein for relieving cough. If cough persists beyond two weeks or is accompanied by fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
From the Research
Safety and Efficacy of Mullein for Cough
- The safety and efficacy of mullein for relieving cough is not directly addressed in most of the provided studies, with the exception of a few that mention its traditional use for pulmonary problems and coughs 2.
- One study discusses the development of cough-relieving herbal teas, but it does not specifically focus on mullein, instead mentioning other herbs like marshmallow roots, liquorice roots, and lime flowers 3.
- Another study examines mucolytics, expectorants, and mucokinetic medications, but it does not mention mullein or its effectiveness for cough relief 4.
- A review of common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) highlights its traditional use for treating pulmonary problems, including spasmodic coughs, but does not provide conclusive evidence on its efficacy or safety for this purpose 2.
- A study on over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for cough in acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) does not mention mullein, instead discussing the effectiveness of other remedies like dextromethorphan, honey, and zinc 5.
- The mechanisms of action of herbal cough medicines, including mullein, are not well understood, and their effectiveness is often difficult to evaluate due to the complexity of their phytochemical constituents and the lack of standardization in their preparation 6.