Mullein grows in old fields, roadsides, and disturbed habitats
throughout the United States It does well in dry, sandy
conditions, especially in alkaline soil, so itís especially
common near the seashore. Archeologists sometimes look for
Indian sites where thereís lots of mullein, because the lime
from the Indian shell piles increases soil alkalinity,
encouraging this plant to proliferate. Mullein tea provides
vitamins B-2, B-5, B-12, and D, choline, hesperidin, PABA,
sulfur, magnesium, mucilage, saponins, and other active
substances. People use the tea as a beverage, but it's best
known as one of the safest, most effective herbal cough
remedies. Mullein is an expectorant, and a tonic for the lungs,
mucus membranes, and glands. An infusion is good for colds,
emphysema, asthma, hay fever, and whooping cough. Strain the
infusion through a cloth, or the hairs may get stuck in your
throat and make you cough even more. Laboratory tests have shown
that itís anti-inflammatory, with antibiotic activity, and that
it i