No, mullein leaf extract is not scientifically shown to cure lung-related ailments

Context

Posts on Facebook claim that mullein leaf extract can treat asthma, removing the need for inhalers.

In one post, a user writes, "I harvested the leaves, dried them out and stopped taking my inhaler, then when I got into breathing difficulties (only 24hrs from stopping my inhaler) I took the leaf remedy and my breathing came back to normal in seconds. I am now Inhaler free for a full year."

Multiple Facebook posts link to websites selling mullein extract. These websites claim it can be used to treat severe ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia; however, little evidence supports this. Its soothing effects can be used with medically approved and prescribed medication, for example, to promote the discharge of heavy mucus from the body.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of mullein as a reliable treatment for lung issues.

In fact

Mullein is a plant commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and its leaves, flowers, and roots have been used to treat various ailments, primarily respiratory conditions. Lab studies have shown its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; however, no clinical studies support this as a treatment with therapeutic effects for medical conditions since most of the testing has been performed in test tubes within laboratories, not in humans.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Effective treatment usually involves medications like inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. While mullein has traditionally been used to manage asthma symptoms, no robust clinical evidence suggests that it can replace conventional asthma treatments. Relying on mullein alone could lead to poorly controlled asthma, which can be life-threatening. 

Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, is typically treated with rest, fluids, and, in some cases, bronchodilators or antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection. Mullein is often used in folk remedies as an expectorant and is believed to help clear mucus. However, scientific studies have not confirmed its effectiveness in treating bronchitis.

Without proper medical treatment, bronchitis can progress to more severe conditions like pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection requiring prompt medical treatment, often involving antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungal medications, depending on the cause. Mullein has no proven ability to cure pneumonia.

One of the Facebook posts uses AI-manipulated footage of discredited naturopath Barbara O’Neill, to falsely advertise the product and market its success, claiming that she and her husband use it.

 The actual YouTube video in which Dr. Barbara O'Neill discusses an alternate topic (left) is compared to the clip used for this claim (right).

The verdict

There is no scientific evidence to support mullein leaf extract aiding in the healing or treatment of severe health issues like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Therefore, we have marked this claim as false.