How long do you steep mullein for tea? The Complete Guide

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to herbalists, dried mullein tea can be steeped anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for a hot infusion, and even longer for a potent cold brew. Knowing how long do you steep mullein for tea is key to mastering the flavor profile and extracting the maximum benefits from this powerful herb. This guide breaks down the timing for different brewing methods.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the optimal steeping durations for mullein tea using various methods, including hot and cold infusions. It details the necessity of proper straining to prevent irritation from the plant's fine hairs. The content offers brewing tips and explains how steeping time affects the tea's flavor and potency.

Key Points

Standard Hot Brew: For a mild, earthy flavor, steep dried mullein for 10–15 minutes.
Stronger Decoction: To create a more potent tea, steep dried mullein for 15–30 minutes or even longer.
Cold Infusion: For a smoother, less bitter tea, steep mullein in cold water for 8–12 hours overnight.
Crucial Straining: Always strain mullein tea through a fine mesh filter or coffee filter to remove irritating hairs.
Flavor Customization: Add ingredients like honey, lemon, or peppermint to enhance the taste.
Fresh vs. Dried: Dried mullein is more potent and requires less steeping time than fresh leaves.

Mastering the Art of Mullein Tea

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a revered herb, cherished for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly for respiratory health. While its potential benefits are compelling, the key to a great cup of mullein tea lies in the brewing process. Unlike many teas with a standardized steeping time, mullein's fuzzy leaves and flowers require more careful consideration. The length of time you steep the tea directly impacts its potency, flavor, and texture. This guide will walk you through the specifics of steeping mullein to help you brew the perfect cup, every time.

Hot vs. Cold Brew Steeping Times

The most common method for preparing mullein is a hot infusion, but a cold brew is an excellent alternative for a smoother, less bitter taste. The optimal steeping time varies significantly between these two methods due to the different temperature ranges.

Standard Hot Infusion (10–15 minutes)

For a balanced, mild, and earthy cup of mullein tea, a standard hot infusion of 10 to 15 minutes is recommended. This duration allows for the extraction of a good amount of the herb's compounds without over-extracting the more bitter elements. To prepare:

Bring water to a rolling boil.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried mullein leaves per 8 ounces of water.
Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain thoroughly before serving.

Stronger Decoction (15–30+ minutes)

If you prefer a more potent brew, you can extend the steeping time. Some sources suggest up to 30 minutes for dried leaves. For a more powerful decoction, some herbalists even recommend steeping for several hours or overnight at room temperature. Longer steeping times extract more of the active compounds, resulting in a stronger, more concentrated tea. Be aware that the flavor may become more robust or even slightly bitter.

Cold Infusion (8–12 hours)

The cold brew method is perfect for those who want a less astringent, smoother cup of mullein tea. This process involves steeping the leaves in cold water over a longer period, typically overnight. The low temperature gently draws out the beneficial properties without releasing bitter tannins. To make a cold brew:

Combine dried mullein leaves with cold, filtered water in a clean jar.
Use approximately 1-2 teaspoons of leaves per cup of water.
Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.
Strain well before serving.

A Crucial Step: Always Strain Carefully

Regardless of your chosen brewing method, proper straining is the most important step when preparing mullein tea. The leaves are covered in fine, hair-like fibers that can irritate the throat if ingested. To prevent this, strain your tea using one of the following methods:

A fine mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or muslin cloth.
A dedicated mullein tea strainer with a very fine filter.
Multiple layers of cheesecloth.

Failing to strain correctly can make the tea uncomfortable to drink, so this step should never be skipped. A coffee filter will catch even the tiniest particles, ensuring a smooth, pleasant beverage.

Steeping Method Comparison


Feature	Standard Hot Brew	Stronger Decoction	Cold Infusion
Steeping Time	10–15 minutes	15–30+ minutes	8–12 hours (overnight)
Water Temperature	Boiling water	Boiling water	Cold, filtered water
Flavor Profile	Mild, earthy	Stronger, more robust, potentially bitter	Smoother, less bitter, earthy
Potency	Moderate	High	Moderate (specific compounds)
Best For	Daily wellness, general consumption	Maximize benefits, concentrated effect	Soothing flavor, summer beverage
Preparation	Fast, simple	Longer process	Requires advance planning

Factors Influencing Your Brew

Mullein Part: Dried leaves are standard, but the flowers can also be used and often produce a sweeter tea. The specific plant part can affect flavor and potency.
Form: Loose dried mullein leaves or flowers are most common. Pre-packaged tea bags are also available, but may not be as potent.
Fresh vs. Dried: While dried mullein is most common, fresh leaves can be used. Note that fresh leaves may require a longer steeping time (around 20-30 minutes) to reach comparable strength.
Added Ingredients: Incorporating honey, lemon, or other herbs like peppermint can alter the flavor profile.

Conclusion

The question of how long do you steep mullein for tea has several answers, all depending on your desired strength and preparation method. For a quick, mild tea, a 10-15 minute hot infusion is ideal. If you're seeking a more concentrated herbal effect, extend that time up to 30 minutes or more. For a smooth, mellow experience, a cold overnight infusion is the perfect solution. In every case, remember to use a fine strainer to remove the plant's fine hairs and enjoy your perfectly brewed, soothing mullein tea. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking medication, as noted by sources like WebMD.

Steps for Brewing the Perfect Mullein Tea

Measure: Use 1-2 tablespoons of dried mullein per 8oz of water.
Boil: Bring fresh water to a boil.
Steep: Pour hot water over the mullein leaves, cover, and let steep for 10-30 minutes.
Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove all leaf hairs.
Enjoy: Add honey or lemon to taste and serve warm.

WebMD offers additional insights into the benefits and side effects of mullein tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can oversteep mullein tea, especially with hot water. Longer steeping times will produce a stronger tea with higher potency but may also lead to a more robust, sometimes bitter flavor.

Mullein leaves are covered in very fine, hair-like fibers that can be irritating to the throat and mucous membranes if consumed. Using a fine mesh filter, coffee filter, or several layers of cheesecloth is essential to strain these hairs out completely.

For maximum potency, use the 'stronger decoction' method by steeping dried mullein leaves in boiling water for 15 to 30 minutes or more. Another option is a cold infusion steeped overnight for maximum extraction of specific compounds.

Mullein tea has a mild, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. The taste can be altered by steeping time; a longer steep can introduce more bitterness, while a cold brew results in a smoother flavor profile.

Yes, you can use fresh mullein leaves, but the flavor will not be as strong as dried leaves. You will also need to steep for a longer duration, typically 20 to 30 minutes, to extract the beneficial compounds.

For added flavor, you can sweeten mullein tea with honey or add lemon, cinnamon, or fresh ginger. Combining it with other herbs like peppermint is also common and enhances both flavor and therapeutic properties.

The best method depends on your preference. A hot infusion is faster and provides a stronger, more concentrated effect. A cold infusion takes longer but results in a smoother, less bitter, and milder-tasting tea.

A common ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried mullein leaves for every 8 ounces of boiling water. Adjust the quantity to your taste, using more leaves for a stronger tea and fewer for a milder one.