This week, wildfire smoke has been settling into our mountain valley again. With evacuations happening nearby and that familiar haze hanging over the mountains, I’ve been especially grateful for the herbs I’ve gathered and preserved throughout the season. Mullein is one of them.

It grows abundantly around my mountain home, especially along roadsides, dry slopes and other disturbed areas. Once you recognize those big, soft, fuzzy leaves and tall flower stalks, you start noticing it everywhere.

I’ve been gathering mullein throughout the summer and making different preparations with it. One of the simplest is a traditional mullein leaf tincture.

And tinctures really are simpler to make than they sound.

A BIT ABOUT MULLEIN
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has a long history of traditional herbal use, particularly for the respiratory system. The leaves have traditionally been prepared as teas, infusions and tinctures for coughs and respiratory discomfort.
That traditional use feels particularly relevant during wildfire season, when the smoke is causing sore throats, coughing and nasal congestion. It’s important to make the distinction: mullein is not a treatment for smoke inhalation or the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Reducing smoke exposure, following local air-quality guidance and seeking medical care when needed are far more important.

For me, this is simply one of the traditional herbs I like having in my home apothecary.

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SIMPLE MULLEIN TINCTURE
You only need a few things:
– 1 ounce dried mullein leaves
– 5–6 fl oz (150–180 mL) 80-proof vodka (40% alcohol)
– Clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

– Cheesecloth
– Amber glass dropper bottle
– Clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Loosely fill your clean jar with the dried mullein leaves.
2. Pour the vodka over the leaves until they are completely submerged. Make sure there is enough liquid to keep the plant material covered
3. Seal the jar and place it somewhere cool and dark for about 4–8 weeks, giving it a gentle shake regularly
4. When it’s ready, strain it extremely well.

DON’T SKIP THE FINE STRAINING
Mullein leaves are covered in tiny hairs that give the plant its beautiful velvety texture—but those same hairs can be irritating to the throat.
I like to strain mullein preparations through several layers of cheesecloth and then through an unbleached coffee filter or another very fine filter to remove as much fine plant material as possible.

Transfer the finished tincture into a clean amber dropper bottle, label it with the herb and date, and store it somewhere cool and dark.

A LITTLE JAR OF SOMETHING FOR LATER
One of my favourite parts of working with herbs is knowing that what is growing abundantly around me right now can be preserved for another season.
Harvesting, drying and making tinctures isn’t complicated. It’s one of those old skills that can sound intimidating until you actually do it: Herb. Jar. Alcohol. Time. That’s really the foundation of it.

I’ll be sharing more of the ways I preserve and use mullein this month… from its beautiful yellow flowers to those unmistakable fuzzy leaves.

This post is for educational purposes and discusses traditional herbal use. Herbal preparations are not a substitute for medical care. Wildfire smoke can be hazardous; follow local public-health and air-quality guidance and seek medical attention for concerning respiratory symptoms.

DIY Disclaimer: This content is shared for informational, inspirational and educational purposes only. Please use appropriate safety precautions and your own judgment when attempting any project. We are not liable for any injury, damage, or loss resulting from use of this information. This guide reflects the methods I personally use in my own home.