Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) 50 grams
Mullein tea from great mullein leaf: what's in the 50g pouch
Mullein tea is a mild herbal infusion made from the dried leaves of great mullein (Verbascum thapsus), a tall, woolly-leaved plant of the figwort family. This pouch holds 50 grams of shredded mullein leaf from Indian Spirit, ready to steep as loose-leaf tea or to blend with other herbs.
In short: one pouch, one herb, no additives. You get dried, shredded leaf, not flowers, and the pack's own directions are simple: steep it for 5 minutes and drink no more than two to three cups a day.
Specifications
| Botanical name | Verbascum thapsus |
| Common names | Great mullein, common mullein, Aaron's rod, flannel leaf |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae (figwort family) |
| Part used | Leaf, dried and shredded |
| Net weight | 50g |
| Brand | Indian Spirit |
| Pack directions | Steep 5 minutes in just-boiled water; at most 2-3 cups a day |
| Packaging | Resealable stand-up pouch with window |
Mullein leaf and a metal sieve don't get on: the leaf hairs are fine enough to slip through. An empty paper tea filter or a T-bar filter from our Herbal teas shelf solves that in one step.
Great mullein: the plant behind mullein tea
Great mullein is a biennial plant native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa, and it has spread to almost every temperate region since. In its first year it forms a flat rosette of large, grey-green leaves; in its second it sends up a single flower spike that can pass 2 metres, crowded with small, five-petalled yellow flowers. After it sets seed, the plant dies.
The names give away its history. In German it's Königskerze and in Dutch koningskaars, both meaning "king's candle", because dried stalks were once dipped in tallow and burned as torches. In English it picked up "flannel leaf" and "Aaron's rod". It's a plant people have noticed, used and named for a very long time.
Our take: mullein is one of the most recognisable wild plants in Europe, and still one most people walk past without knowing its name. Open the pouch and the first thing you notice is the feel of it. Even shredded and dried, the leaf is soft and slightly fluffy to the touch. That softness comes from a dense coat of branched hairs, and it's the one thing you need to keep in mind when you brew.
What mullein tea tastes like, compared to other herbal teas
Mullein tea tastes mild, faintly earthy and a little like hay, with almost no bitterness. The aroma in the cup is light. It's a background herb rather than a statement, which makes it easy to drink plain and an easy base for blending.
| Herbal tea | Taste | Strength | Good for blending? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mullein leaf | Mild, earthy, hay-like | Light | Yes, carries other herbs |
| Peppermint | Cool, sharp, menthol | Strong | Dominates a blend |
| Chamomile | Sweet, apple-like, floral | Medium | Yes |
| Marshmallow root | Mild, slightly sweet, slippery texture | Light | Yes |
Verdict: if you want a tea that tastes of something on its own, chamomile or peppermint will give you more. Mullein is the better pick as a quiet everyday infusion, or as the soft base you build a blend on: a pinch of peppermint or lemon balm with a teaspoon of mullein works well. The best mullein tea for a first-timer is the simplest one: the leaf on its own, steeped for 5 minutes, with a spoon of honey.
How to make mullein tea from loose leaf
To make mullein tea, steep the shredded leaf in just-boiled water for 5 minutes, then strain it through paper or cloth. The pouch's directions say the same, and add that it can be drunk warm or cold, with honey if you like.
- Put one to two teaspoons of shredded mullein leaf in a paper tea filter, a cotton bag or a very fine strainer.
- Pour over a cup (about 250ml) of just-boiled water.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes, covered.
- Strain through paper or cloth, not only a metal sieve, so the fine leaf hairs stay out of the cup.
- Drink it warm or let it cool; add honey for sweetness. Stick to no more than two to three cups a day.
- Close the pouch after use and store it somewhere cool, dry and dark.
Tip: if you only have a metal infuser, line it with a piece of coffee filter paper. It costs nothing and keeps the hairs out.
The downside of mullein worth knowing before you buy: those leaf hairs can scratch the throat if they end up in your tea, so straining properly isn't optional. And keep in mind which part of the plant this is: the European Medicines Agency's herbal committee (HMPC) has reviewed mullein flower, while this pouch contains leaf, sold as a tea herb. We sell it for its taste and make no claims about what it does for you.
Not for anyone under 18. There isn't enough data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so leave it out then. If you take medication or have a health condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mullein tea taste like?
Mullein tea tastes mild, earthy and slightly hay-like, with very little bitterness. It's a quiet flavour, which is why it blends well with stronger herbs such as peppermint or lemon balm.
How do you make mullein tea?
Steep one to two teaspoons of shredded leaf in about 250ml of just-boiled water for 5 minutes, then strain through paper or cloth. Drink it warm or cold, with honey if you like.
Why do you have to strain mullein tea through a filter?
Mullein leaves are covered in fine, branched hairs that slip through a metal sieve and can irritate the throat. A paper filter, coffee filter or cotton bag catches them.
How many cups of mullein tea can I drink a day?
The pack's directions say no more than two to three cups a day. Don't use it under 18, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Are mullein tea bags different from loose mullein leaf?
Tea bags are pre-portioned and already filter the leaf hairs. Loose leaf like this 50g pouch lets you choose the strength and blend it with other herbs, but you need your own paper filter or cotton bag.
Is this pack leaf or flower?
Leaf, dried and shredded. The yellow flowers on the packaging show what the plant looks like in bloom; they aren't in the pouch.
Last updated: November 2026
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Medical disclaimer. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use of any substance.