Last Updated: March 25, 2026
Breathe Better: The Best Herbal Tinctures for Lung Health and Natural Respiratory Support
Notice the dense, velvety trichomes on this living mullein rosette. These physical structures house the mucilage and saponins critical for soothing bronchial membranes, a chemical complexity only achieved in biologically active, regenerative soil.
It is the saponins and mucilage that do the real work. When mullein leaf releases its mucilaginous compounds into a properly extracted tincture, it coats irritated bronchial membranes with a soothing film while simultaneously loosening the stuck phlegm that makes every breath feel heavy. When elecampane root delivers its sesquiterpene lactones, alantolactone and isoalantolactone, those compounds relax constricted airways and signal the body to expel what does not belong. These are not vague "wellness" promises. These are measurable chemical actions, and they depend entirely on whether the plant actually produced those compounds in meaningful concentrations.
Here is the part most tincture companies skip: these respiratory compounds are not automatic. Saponins, volatile oils, and sesquiterpene lactones are stress metabolites, defense chemicals the plant creates when challenged by microbial interactions in living soil. A plant grown in sterile, depleted ground simply does not need to produce them. At Sacred Plant Co, we understand this connection because we have documented it. Our regenerative methods at I·M·POSSIBLE Farm have achieved measurable results, including a Haney Score of 25.4, a number that surpasses pristine forest soil. When the soil biology is alive and diverse, the plants respond by producing the chemistry that makes herbal medicine actually work. Chemistry created by struggle, not comfort.
What You'll Learn
- The six most effective herbal tinctures for supporting lung health and respiratory function
- How specific phytochemicals like saponins, mucilage, and phthalides work to clear airways and soothe inflamed tissue
- Precise dosage guidelines for each tincture, including when to use them for acute vs. daily maintenance
- How to identify premium quality respiratory herbs through sight, smell, and texture
- Five practical recipes for incorporating lung-supporting tinctures into teas, steams, and syrups
- Safety considerations, contraindications, and herb-drug interactions to be aware of
- Why regenerative soil biology directly determines the potency of the medicinal compounds in your tincture
- The difference between Western contraindications and Traditional Chinese Medicine energetic classifications for each herb
What Are Herbal Tinctures and Why Use Them for Lung Health?
Alcohol maceration pulls stress metabolites—like the volatile oils and resinous compounds essential for respiratory relief—directly from the plant cell walls, delivering them to the bloodstream far faster than traditional digestion.
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made by macerating plant material in a solvent, typically alcohol or vegetable glycerin, to draw out and preserve the active medicinal compounds. For respiratory support, tinctures offer distinct advantages over teas or capsules. The liquid form allows rapid absorption through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, delivering active compounds to the bloodstream within minutes rather than the 30 to 60 minutes required for capsule digestion.1
The extraction process itself matters. Alcohol-based tinctures excel at pulling volatile oils and resinous compounds, the very constituents most responsible for respiratory effects. Glycerin-based extracts offer an alcohol-free alternative and are better suited for individuals sensitive to alcohol or for administering to children under practitioner guidance. At Sacred Plant Co, we offer both extraction methods so you can choose the format that fits your needs.
When it comes to respiratory health, tinctures serve three primary roles: they may support the body's natural inflammatory response in airway tissue, they may help thin and mobilize mucus for easier expectoration, and they may provide antimicrobial support during seasonal challenges. The six herbs we cover in this guide each fulfill at least one of these roles, and many address all three.
How to Identify Premium Respiratory Herbs: The Sensory Quality Check
The quality of your tincture begins with the quality of the starting plant material, and your senses are your first line of quality control. Before you ever open a tincture bottle, knowing what premium dried herbs look and smell like helps you evaluate any product.
Mullein Leaf: Premium dried mullein should be a soft, silvery green, not brown or grey. The leaves should feel velvety with intact trichomes (fine hairs). Crush a leaf between your fingers: it should release a faintly sweet, hay-like aroma. Brown, brittle mullein with no scent has lost its mucilage and is unlikely to deliver meaningful respiratory support.
Osha Root: Look for dark brown, heavily wrinkled roots. The defining test is aroma: break a piece and inhale. True osha produces an unmistakable sharp, celery-like scent with a warm, almost peppery undertone. If the root smells flat or musty, it was either poorly dried or is past its prime. This scent comes directly from the phthalides and volatile oils responsible for its respiratory effects.
Elecampane Root: Quality elecampane root pieces should be firm, grey-brown on the outside, and white to pale yellow on the inside when freshly cut. The aroma is distinctive: warm, slightly camphoraceous, with sweet undertones. The taste should be mildly bitter at first, followed by a warming sensation. Stale elecampane will smell like old cardboard.
Licorice Root: Premium licorice root sticks or cuts should be a warm yellow-brown color with a fibrous texture. The taste test is definitive: real, quality licorice root tastes powerfully sweet, 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar. If it tastes only faintly sweet or woody, the glycyrrhizin content is low. For a quality tincture, that sweetness should carry through.
In every case, if the herb does not engage your senses, it is telling you the medicine is missing. That intensity of aroma and flavor comes from the same secondary metabolites responsible for the therapeutic action. As we say at Sacred Plant Co, if it does not bite back, it is not working.
The Six Best Herbal Tinctures for Lung Health
The most effective herbal tinctures for respiratory support include mullein, osha root, licorice root, elecampane, thyme, and eucalyptus, each targeting different aspects of lung function from inflammation to mucus clearance to antimicrobial defense.
1. Mullein Tincture (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is the foundational respiratory herb, traditionally used for centuries to soothe inflamed airways, thin stubborn mucus, and support comfortable breathing. Its primary active constituents include mucilage, which coats and protects irritated mucous membranes, and saponins, which act as natural expectorants that help the body mobilize and expel phlegm.2 Flavonoids like quercetin and verbascoside contribute additional support for the body's natural inflammatory response.3
Mullein has been valued across cultures for respiratory support. Native American traditions included smoking the dried leaves or brewing tea for cough relief, and during the 1800s Eclectic medical movement, it was a primary recommendation for respiratory tract irritation.4 Modern laboratory research has confirmed antibacterial activity in mullein extracts against organisms associated with respiratory infections, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.2
How to Use: Add 20 to 30 drops (approximately 1 mL) of mullein tincture to warm water or tea. Take twice daily for ongoing respiratory maintenance, or up to three times daily during acute respiratory challenges. Many herbalists recommend combining mullein with thyme for enhanced expectorant effect.
Natural respiratory support and soothing relief. Concentrated Verbascum thapsus extract crafted for clear breathing and bronchial comfort.
Shop Mullein Tincture2. Osha Root Tincture (Ligusticum porteri)
Osha root is one of North America's most respected respiratory herbs, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions for coughs, bronchitis, sore throats, and seasonal illness. Known as "bear root" because bears were observed digging up and chewing the roots after hibernation, osha's respiratory benefits stem from its high volatile oil content, particularly phthalides like Z-ligustilide and butylidenephthalide.5
These aromatic compounds are believed to support comfortable breathing by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the bronchial passages and promoting healthy mucus flow. Osha root also contains monoterpenes, ferulic acid derivatives, and coumarins that demonstrate antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies.6 Traditional use describes osha as a warming herb that may help promote sweating at the onset of a cold, potentially helping the body's natural defense processes.
How to Use: Take 20 drops of osha root tincture twice daily during cold and flu season. At the first sign of respiratory discomfort, some herbalists recommend increasing to 20 drops three times daily for the first 48 hours. Osha is generally recommended for short-term, intermittent use rather than continuous daily supplementation.
Strengthen your respiratory system with wildcrafted Ligusticum porteri. A powerful seasonal ally for clear breathing and immune resilience.
Shop Osha Root Tincture3. Licorice Root Tincture (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, valued as a "harmonizer" herb that soothes respiratory tissue, supports the body's natural inflammatory response, and helps balance the effects of other herbs in formulations. Its primary active compound, glycyrrhizin, is approximately 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar and demonstrates significant demulcent and expectorant activity.
In TCM, licorice root (Gan Cao) appears in more formulas than virtually any other herb because of its ability to moderate and harmonize other botanical ingredients. For respiratory applications, it coats sore, irritated throat tissue and may help reduce the urge to cough while supporting the body's ability to manage bronchial inflammation. Modern research has also explored glycyrrhizin's potential antiviral properties, though human clinical trials remain limited.
How to Use: Take 15 to 20 drops of licorice root tincture before meals to calm coughs and ease discomfort. Licorice root is often most effective when combined with other respiratory herbs like mullein or elecampane. Due to the effects of glycyrrhizin on aldosterone metabolism, limit continuous daily use to 4 to 6 weeks unless under practitioner guidance.
4. Elecampane Tincture (Inula helenium)
Elecampane is one of the most powerful lung tonics in the Western herbal tradition, historically recommended for deep, productive coughs where thick mucus is stuck in the lower airways and conventional coughing cannot reach it. Ancient Roman herbalists called it the "herb of nine healing powers," and it has been used continuously for respiratory conditions from the time of Dioscorides through modern European phytotherapy.7
The root contains sesquiterpene lactones, primarily alantolactone and isoalantolactone, which demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in laboratory studies, including activity against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.8 The high inulin content (up to 44% of the root) acts as a prebiotic and provides a soothing coating to irritated bronchial passages.9 Traditional herbalists describe elecampane as the remedy for when "the cough cannot descend deep enough to bring forth the mucus," making it particularly valuable for lingering post-infection coughs and chronic bronchial congestion.
How to Use: Take 15 drops of elecampane tincture in water three times daily to relieve congestion. Many practitioners combine it with mullein for a comprehensive upper and lower airway formula. Elecampane is warming and slightly bitter, so adding honey to the water helps with taste.
5. Thyme Tincture (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a potent antimicrobial and antispasmodic herb, recognized in Germany's Commission E monographs as an approved treatment for symptoms of bronchitis, whooping cough, and upper respiratory catarrh. Its primary active compound, thymol, has been extensively studied for its ability to inhibit a wide range of bacteria and fungi relevant to respiratory infections.
During the Middle Ages, thyme was believed to inspire courage and was used in teas and tinctures to fortify the body during illness. Modern science has validated this traditional confidence: thymol and carvacrol, two phenolic compounds concentrated in thyme's essential oil, demonstrate strong antimicrobial properties while also helping to relax smooth bronchial muscle tissue. This dual action, killing pathogens while relaxing airways, makes thyme particularly valuable during acute respiratory infections.
How to Use: Mix 10 to 15 drops of thyme tincture into warm water or tea and take daily. During active respiratory infections, increase to three times daily. Thyme pairs exceptionally well with mullein (for expectorant support) and licorice root (for throat soothing).
6. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus is nature's most powerful decongestant, prized for its high 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) content, which opens airways, supports sinus health, and provides antimicrobial protection against respiratory pathogens. During the 19th century, eucalyptus trees were planted near hospitals specifically because their leaves released volatile oils believed to purify the air and support patients with respiratory conditions.
Eucalyptol works by stimulating cold receptors in the nasal passages and airways, creating the sensation of easier breathing even before congestion fully clears. Research has also shown it may support healthy inflammatory pathways in respiratory tissue. While eucalyptus tinctures can be taken orally in small doses, the most traditional and effective respiratory application is steam inhalation, which delivers the volatile oils directly to the airways where they are needed most.
How to Use: For steam inhalation, add 10 drops of eucalyptus tincture to a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. For oral use, add 5 to 10 drops to warm water, up to twice daily. Do not exceed recommended doses, as concentrated eucalyptol can irritate mucous membranes.
Why Soil Health Determines the Potency of Your Lung Tincture
The concentration of medicinal compounds in any respiratory herb, from mullein's saponins to osha's phthalides, is directly influenced by the biological activity of the soil in which it grows or is evaluated against as a quality standard. This is the soil-to-potency connection that defines our approach at Sacred Plant Co.
Secondary metabolites like flavonoids, volatile oils, and sesquiterpene lactones are not produced for human benefit. They are the plant's immune system, its chemical defense against microbial challenge, herbivore pressure, and environmental stress. A plant growing in biologically active soil encounters a diverse community of soil microorganisms that constantly signal the plant to produce these defense compounds. In sterile, chemically-managed soil, those signals are absent, and the plant has no reason to invest metabolic energy in producing them.
This is why we practice Korean Natural Farming (KNF) at I·M·POSSIBLE Farm. Our documented results, including a 400% increase in soil biology verified by Regen Ag Lab, represent exactly the type of microbial ecosystem that pushes plants to produce concentrated medicinal chemistry. We view every herb through this regenerative lens, whether grown on our farm or carefully sourced from partners who share our commitment to ecological integrity.
Preparation Methods and Recipes
The most effective way to use respiratory tinctures is to incorporate them into warming beverages, steams, and simple syrups that allow the aromatic compounds to reach your airways while the liquid soothes irritated tissue. Below are five practitioner-informed recipes you can prepare at home.
Ritual and Intention
At Sacred Plant Co, we believe the act of preparing herbal medicine is itself a form of healing. Before you steep your tea or mix your tincture, take a single deep breath. Set an intention for clear, easy breathing. This is not mysticism for its own sake, it is the simple practice of connecting your attention to your breath before asking a plant to support it. Many traditional healing systems, from Ayurveda to Indigenous American herbalism, emphasize that the mindfulness brought to preparation directly shapes the experience of the remedy.
1. Soothing Mullein and Thyme Tea
Best for: Daily respiratory maintenance, lingering coughs, post-cold recovery
Ingredients: 1 cup hot water, 20 drops Mullein Tincture, 10 drops Thyme Tincture, 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
Instructions: Add both tinctures to a cup of hot (not boiling) water. Stir well and sweeten with honey if desired. Sip slowly, allowing the steam to reach your nasal passages as you drink. The mullein soothes and coats while the thyme provides antimicrobial support.
2. Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation
Best for: Acute sinus congestion, blocked nasal passages, seasonal colds
Ingredients: 3 cups boiling water, 10 drops Eucalyptus Tincture, 1 large towel
Instructions: Pour boiling water into a heat-safe bowl. Add eucalyptus tincture and stir briefly. Drape a towel over your head, lean over the bowl at a comfortable distance, and breathe deeply through your nose for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep eyes closed to avoid irritation from the volatile oils.
3. Licorice and Ginger Cough Soother
Best for: Sore, scratchy throat, dry cough, throat irritation
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water, 20 drops Licorice Root Tincture, 10 drops Ginger Extract, 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions: Combine the tinctures in warm water. Stir in honey until dissolved. Sip slowly, letting each swallow coat the back of the throat. The glycyrrhizin in the licorice creates a soothing film while ginger adds warming circulatory support.
4. Elecampane and Honey Cough Relief Syrup
Best for: Deep, productive cough, chest congestion, post-bronchitis recovery
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water, 20 drops Elecampane Tincture, 1 teaspoon raw honey, 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions: Mix elecampane tincture into warm water. Stir in honey and lemon juice until blended. Sip slowly. The elecampane helps the body mobilize deep chest mucus, while honey and lemon soothe the irritated passages it travels through on its way out.
5. Osha Root and Cinnamon Immune-Boosting Tea
Best for: First signs of cold or flu, seasonal immune support, altitude acclimatization
Ingredients: 1 cup boiling water, 20 drops Osha Root Tincture, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions: Add osha root tincture and cinnamon stick to boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and sweeten with maple syrup if desired. Drink warm. The warming qualities of both osha and cinnamon may support the body's natural diaphoretic (sweating) response at the onset of illness.
Safety Considerations: Contraindications vs. Energetics
Each respiratory herb carries both Western medical contraindications and traditional energetic classifications that influence how and when it should be used safely. Understanding both perspectives gives you a more complete picture than either system provides alone.
Western Medical Contraindications
Mullein: Generally considered very safe with no known significant side effects or drug interactions. The primary caution is to strain mullein tea thoroughly, as the fine leaf hairs can irritate the throat if consumed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety data is limited.1
Osha Root: Not recommended during pregnancy, as it has traditional use as an emmenagogue (menstruation promoter) and may stimulate uterine contractions. Avoid if you have kidney or liver disease. Osha can be confused with deadly poison hemlock, so always source from reputable suppliers rather than attempting wild harvest.5
Licorice Root: Extended use (more than 4 to 6 weeks continuously) may affect aldosterone metabolism, potentially causing water retention, elevated blood pressure, and potassium depletion. Avoid if you have hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, or are taking diuretics, corticosteroids, or cardiac medications. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) removes this concern but also removes the respiratory benefits.
Elecampane: May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Use with caution during pregnancy. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, or vomiting. Start with lower doses and increase gradually.
Thyme: Generally safe at standard dosages. High doses of thymol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy as thyme has mild emmenagogue properties. Those on blood thinning medications should consult their provider, as thyme may interact with anticoagulants.
Eucalyptus: Do not apply undiluted essential oil near the face of infants or young children, as eucalyptol can cause respiratory spasm. Oral tincture doses should be conservative. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May interact with medications metabolized by the liver.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Energetic Classifications
In TCM, herbs are classified by their thermal nature and the organ systems they affect. This framework helps practitioners match herbs to the specific pattern of imbalance present in the individual:
Mullein is considered cooling and moistening, making it most appropriate for dry, hot lung conditions with irritation and inflammation. It is less suited for cold, damp patterns with profuse watery mucus.
Osha Root is warm and pungent, making it ideal for cold, damp lung patterns characterized by chills, clear or white mucus, and fatigue. It may be too warming for individuals with hot, dry lung patterns or yin deficiency.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao) is considered neutral to slightly warm and sweet. TCM classifies it as a qi tonic and harmonizer. It enters the Lung, Spleen, and Heart meridians, making it one of the most versatile herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia for respiratory patterns of all types.
Elecampane is warm and bitter, making it specifically indicated for cold, damp lung patterns with copious, sticky mucus. It is less appropriate for dry, unproductive coughs or heat patterns.
Understanding these energetic distinctions helps you select the right herb for your specific respiratory pattern rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Dosage Guidelines Summary
Standard adult dosages for respiratory tinctures vary by herb and by whether you are using them for daily maintenance or acute support during illness.
Daily Maintenance (ongoing respiratory support): Mullein, 20 to 30 drops twice daily. Licorice root, 15 to 20 drops once daily before meals (limit to 4 to 6 week cycles). Thyme, 10 to 15 drops once daily.
Acute Use (during colds, flu, or respiratory infections): Osha root, 20 drops two to three times daily for up to 2 weeks. Elecampane, 15 drops three times daily. Eucalyptus, 10 drops in steam inhalation two to three times daily, or 5 to 10 drops orally twice daily.
Important: Always follow the specific dosage instructions on your product label, as tincture concentrations vary by manufacturer. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before combining multiple tinctures, beginning use during pregnancy, or if you take prescription medications. These guidelines are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Lab-Tested Quality You Can Verify
Every batch of Sacred Plant Co tinctures is tested for identity, purity, and potency. We believe transparency is not optional, it is the baseline.
Request a Certificate of Analysis by Lot #Not sure how to read a lab report? Our guide walks you through every line: How to Read a Certificate of Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best herbal tincture for lung health?
Mullein tincture (Verbascum thapsus) is widely considered the most versatile and well-tolerated herbal tincture for general lung health. Its mucilage soothes inflamed airways while its saponins help thin and expel mucus. For acute infections, osha root or thyme may be more appropriate due to their stronger antimicrobial properties. For deep, stuck mucus, elecampane is the traditional first choice.
Can I combine multiple lung tinctures together?
Yes, many herbalists specifically recommend combining complementary respiratory tinctures for a more comprehensive effect. Classic combinations include mullein with thyme (expectorant plus antimicrobial), elecampane with licorice root (deep expectoration plus throat soothing), and osha root with eucalyptus (immune support plus decongestant). Start with two herbs before adding more, and consult a practitioner if you take medications.
How long does it take for herbal tinctures to support respiratory health?
Most people notice the effects of respiratory tinctures within 15 to 30 minutes for acute relief, while broader support for chronic respiratory concerns typically develops over 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use. Eucalyptus steam inhalation often provides the most immediate sensation of clearer breathing. Tinctures like mullein and elecampane offer more gradual, cumulative support for chronic bronchial conditions.
Are herbal tinctures safe to use with asthma or COPD medications?
You should always consult your healthcare provider before using herbal tinctures alongside prescription respiratory medications. While herbs like mullein are generally considered safe and unlikely to interfere with most medications, herbs with stronger pharmacological activity like licorice root, thyme, and eucalyptus may interact with certain drug classes. Never use herbal tinctures as a replacement for prescribed asthma or COPD medications.
What is the difference between an alcohol-based and glycerin-based tincture?
Alcohol-based tinctures are generally more potent because alcohol is a superior solvent for extracting volatile oils, resins, and alkaloids, which are critical for respiratory herb efficacy. Glycerin-based (alcohol-free) tinctures are gentler, sweeter-tasting, and appropriate for individuals avoiding alcohol, including children under practitioner guidance. For respiratory herbs rich in volatile oils like osha root and thyme, alcohol extraction typically captures more of the active compounds.
Can children use herbal tinctures for respiratory support?
Some herbal tinctures, particularly mullein and licorice root in glycerin-based formulations, may be appropriate for children over age 6 at reduced doses under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or pediatrician. Osha root and elecampane are generally reserved for adults. Never administer eucalyptus tincture orally to young children, and avoid applying concentrated eucalyptus preparations near an infant's face.
How should I store my tinctures to maintain potency?
Store tinctures in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Alcohol-based tinctures have an exceptionally long shelf life, often 3 to 5 years or more when properly stored. Glycerin-based tinctures have a shorter shelf life, typically 1 to 2 years. Always check for changes in color, smell, or clarity that might indicate degradation.
Continue Your Respiratory Wellness Journey
These related guides from Sacred Plant Co can help you build a complete respiratory support strategy tailored to your needs.
Breathe Easier with the Power of Herbal Tinctures
Supporting lung health with herbal tinctures is not about finding a single miracle remedy, it is about matching the right botanical chemistry to your specific respiratory needs. Mullein for gentle, daily airway soothing. Osha root for that first cold-weather chill that settles into your chest. Elecampane for the stubborn, deep congestion that will not clear. Thyme for antimicrobial defense during active infection. Licorice root to harmonize and soothe. Eucalyptus to open everything up when you simply cannot breathe through your nose.
At Sacred Plant Co, we believe that the potency of these herbs begins long before they reach your dropper bottle. It begins in the soil. When the microbiology is alive and challenging the plant, the plant responds by concentrating the very compounds your lungs need. That is the regenerative promise we bring to every product we offer: medicine that works because the ecosystem that made it was working too.
We invite you to explore these tinctures, experiment with the recipes above, and discover which respiratory allies resonate most with your body. And as always, we are here to answer questions, share lab results, and help you breathe a little easier.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. "4 Ways Mullein Benefits Your Lungs." Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Reviewed by Sobia Khan, MD. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mullein-benefits
- Turker, A.U. and Camper, N.D. "Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 82(2-3):117-125, 2002. PMID: 16222647.
- Jimenez-Lopez, C. et al. "Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae)." Plants, 10(8):1512, 2021. PMC8301161.
- Masocco, N. "Assessing the Effectiveness of Mullein on Respiratory Conditions Such as Asthma." ResearchGate, 2016.
- EBSCO Research Starters. "Osha's Therapeutic Uses." Health and Medicine Reference. Citing: Moore, M. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1979.
- Wilson, M.F. "Medicinal Plant Fact Sheet: Ligusticum porteri / Osha." IUCN Medicinal Plant Specialist Group, 2007.
- O'Shea, S. et al. "In vitro activity of Inula helenium against clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains including MRSA." British Journal of Biomedical Science, 66(4):186-92, 2009.
- Deriu, A. et al. "From Monographs to Chromatograms: The Antimicrobial Potential of Inula helenium L. Naturalised in Ireland." Molecules, 27(4):1406, 2022. PMC8874828.
- PeaceHealth. "Elecampane Monograph." PeaceHealth Medical Topics. Citing: Blumenthal, M. et al. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998.
- Gierlikowska, B. et al. "Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249:112311, 2020.
