Great Mullein has been used since
ancient times as a remedy for skin, throat and breathing
ailments. It has long had a medicinal reputation,
especially as an astringent and emollient, as it
contains mucilage, several saponins, coumarin and
glycosides. Dioscorides recommended it for diseases of
the lung and it is now widely available in health and
herbal stores. Non-medical uses have included dyeing and
making torches.
Dioscorides
first recommended the plant 2000 years ago, against
pulmonary diseases, and this has remained one of its
primary uses, especially against cough. Leaf decoctions
or herbal teas were used for expectoration, consumption,
dry cough, bronchitis, sore throat and hemorrhoids.