Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Lavender vs Great Mullein
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Lavender and Great Mullein: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lavender | Great Mullein | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Lavender |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Flower essential oil dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, the principal compounds behind the calming, anxiolytic and antimicrobial activity.
Antioxidant constituents of the flower.
Anti-inflammatory iridoids contributing to the plant's traditional respiratory and anti-inflammatory use.
Mucilage gives the soothing demulcent action; saponins contribute to the traditional expectorant effect.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts. Rarely, contact dermatitis may occur. May potentiate the effect of sedative medications. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates lavender as ++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for carminative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervous stomach disorders and functional abdominal complaints. Additional experimental activities include anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic effects. The essential oil demonstrates COX-2 inhibitory and Alzheimer's-relevant properties at the experimental level. Dose: 1–2 teaspoons (4–8 g) dried flowers as tea; 1–3 drops essential oil in a carrier for topical or aromatherapy use. Duke notes that oral lavender oil (Silexan) has clinical evidence for generalized anxiety disorder (Duke, 2002).
Generally considered safe for short-term use. The tiny hairs on the leaves can cause irritation if tea is not properly filtered. No significant drug interactions documented. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of safety data.
Duke (2002) rates mullein as ++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for its expectorant activity, consistent with Commission E approval for catarrh and inflammation of the respiratory tract. It functions as a demulcent and emollient for mucous membranes. Traditionally used for bronchitis, asthma, and earaches (oil infusion). Dose: 1.5–2 g dried flower or leaf as tea, three to four times daily. Duke notes an antiviral (antiherpetic) activity at the experimental level. The plant is generally well-tolerated with no known significant contraindications at therapeutic doses (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub with narrow, grey-green, felted leaves. Slender flowering spikes carrying whorls of small, tubular, two-lipped violet-blue flowers rise well above the foliage on long, unbranched stalks.[4]
Tall, stately biennial herb forming a low first-year rosette of large, soft, thick, densely woolly grey-green leaves; in the second year it sends up a single, tall, unbranched flowering spike densely packed with bright yellow, five-petalled flowers that open a few at a time.[1]
Habitat
Native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean (southern France, Spain, Italy); widely cultivated in sunny, well-drained, often calcareous sites across temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[4]
Grows on dry, sunny waste ground, roadsides, disturbed soil and rocky slopes; native to Europe, North Africa and Asia and widely naturalised in North America and elsewhere.[1]
Harvesting
The flower spikes are cut as the flowers open, in mid- to late summer, when essential oil content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place or distilled fresh for essential oil.[4]
The flowers are picked individually as they open through summer (since they open only a few at a time and quickly fade once picked); leaves are gathered from the first-year rosette or second-year plant and dried, with care to filter out the fine leaf hairs, which can irritate the throat if not strained from tea.[1]
Traditional Uses
Lavender flower has a long Mediterranean and European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, anxiety and insomnia, and as a mild digestive carminative and antiseptic for minor wounds and skin irritation; the essential oil in particular has an extensive modern clinical evidence base for anxiety and sleep support.[4]
Great mullein has a long European and Native American tradition as a soothing demulcent and expectorant remedy for cough, bronchitis and irritated airways, and the flower has also been infused in oil as a traditional remedy for earache; the soft, woolly leaf gave rise to old names like 'flannel leaf' and 'velvet plant'.[1, 2]
Preparations
Dried flower or leaf infused in hot water and carefully strained (to remove fine irritant hairs) as a traditional demulcent cough and respiratory tea.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three times daily, in adolescents, adults and elderly; a tincture at 2-4 mL three times daily is also listed. The monograph notes that lavender may impair the ability to drive or use machines. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three to four times daily (daily dose 4.5-8 g), in adolescents, adults and elderly; the infusion should be carefully strained to remove the irritant hairs. The monograph covers the FLOWER (Verbasci flos) only — it gives no posology for the leaf. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Lavender and valerian are both calming herbs used to aid relaxation and sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 23]
Lavender and lemon balm are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 24]
Lavender and chamomile are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 25]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Tan, L., Liao, F.F., Long, L.Z., Ma, X.C. et al (2023) 'Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis', Frontiers in Public Health, 11, pp. 1144404. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 - Dos Reis Lucena, L., Dos Santos-Junior, J.G., Tufik, S. and Hachul, H (2021) 'Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, pp. 102726. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 - Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), pp. 15-38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903 - Denner, S.S (2009) 'Lavandula angustifolia Miller: English lavender', Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(1), pp. 57-64. doi:10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc - Basch, E., Foppa, I., Liebowitz, R., Nelson, J., Smith, M., Sollars, D. and Ulbricht, C (2004) 'Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 4(2), pp. 63-78. doi:10.1080/j157v04n02_07 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v04n02_07 - Betlej, I., Andres, B., Cebulak, T., Kapusta, I., Balawejder, M., Zurek, N., Jaworski, S., Lange, A., Kutwin, M., Pisulewska, E., Kidacka, A., Krochmal-Marczak, B., Boruszewski, P. and Borysiuk, P (2024) 'Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of new Lavandula angustifolia ecotypes', Molecules, 29(8), pp. 1740. doi:10.3390/molecules29081740 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081740 - Rahimian, Z., Sadrian, S., Shahisavandi, M., Aligholi, H., Zarshenas, M.M., Abyar, A., Zeraatpisheh, Z. and Asadi-Pooya, A.A (2023) 'Antiseizure effects of Lavandula angustifolia L', BioMed Research International, 2023, pp. 4121998. doi:10.1155/2023/4121998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4121998 - de Melo Alves Silva, L.C., de Oliveira Mendes, F.D.C., de Castro Teixeira, F., de Lima Fernandes, T.E., Barros Ribeiro, K.R., da Silva Leal, K.C., Dantas, D.V. and Neves Dantas, R.A (2023) 'Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: a scoping review', Heliyon, 9(5), pp. e15446. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 - Lejeune, V.B.P., Lopes, R.V., Baggio, D.F., Koren, L.D.O., Zanoveli, J.M. and Chichorro, J.G (2023) 'Antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on rat models of orofacial pain', Journal of Applied Oral Science, 30, pp. e20220304. doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 - Mykhailenko, O., Hurina, V., Ivanauskas, L., Marksa, M., Skybitska, M., Kovalenko, O., Lytkin, D., Vladymyrova, I. and Georgiyants, V (2024) 'Lavandula angustifolia herb from Ukraine: comparative chemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(9), pp. e202400640. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202400640 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202400640 - Shamabadi, A. and Akhondzadeh, S (2021) 'Efficacy and tolerability of Lavandula angustifolia in treating patients with the diagnosis of depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials', Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 20(1), pp. 81-91. doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 - Cardia, G.F.E., Silva-Filho, S.E., Silva, E.L., Uchida, N.S., Cavalcante, H.A.O., Cassarotti, L.L., Salvadego, V.E.C., Spironello, R.A., Bersani-Amado, C.A. and Cuman, R.K.N (2018) 'Effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil on acute inflammatory response', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, pp. 1413940. doi:10.1155/2018/1413940 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1413940 - Aboalhaija, N.H., Syaj, H., Afifi, F., Sunoqrot, S., Al-Shalabi, E. and Talib, W (2022) 'Chemical evaluation, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of Lavandula angustifolia grown in Jordan', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 5910. doi:10.3390/molecules27185910 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185910 - Caputo, L., Reguilon, M.D., Minarro, J., De Feo, V. and Rodriguez-Arias, M (2018) 'Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and linalool counteract social aversion induced by social defeat', Molecules, 23(10), pp. 2694. doi:10.3390/molecules23102694 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102694 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2012) 'Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, flos'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf - Cavanagh, H.M.A. and Wilkinson, J.M (2002) 'Biological activities of lavender essential oil', 16(4), pp. 301--308. doi:10.1002/ptr.1103 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1103 - Lis-Balchin, M (2002) 'Lavender: The Genus Lavandula'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Lavender%3A%20The%20Genus%20Lavandula - Schuwald, A.M. et al (2013) 'Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels', 8(4). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Dold, M., Bartova, L., Volz, H.P., Seifritz, E., Moller, H.J., Schlafke, S. and Kasper, S (2023) 'Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials', European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 273(7), pp. 1615-1628. doi:10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Haybar, H., Javid, A.Z., Haghighizadeh, M.H., Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, S.M. and Mohammadzadeh, A (2018) 'The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina', Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 26, pp. 47-52. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J.J. and Shults, J (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c
- Turker, A.U. and Gurel, E (2005) 'Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research', Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), pp. 733-739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1653 - Gupta, A., Atkinson, A.N., Pandey, A.K. and Bishayee, A (2022) 'Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review', Phytotherapy Research, 36(4), pp. 1507-1522. doi:10.1002/ptr.7393 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7393 - Ali, N., Ali Shah, S.W., Shah, I., Ahmed, G. and others (2012) 'Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12, pp. 29. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-29 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-29 - Mahdavi, S., Amiradalat, M., Babashpour, M., Sheikhlooei, H. and others (2020) 'The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L', Medicinal Chemistry, 16(7), pp. 991-995. doi:10.2174/1573406415666190828155951 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1573406415666190828155951 - Kashan, Z.F., Arbabi, M., Delavari, M., Hooshyar, H. and others (2015) 'Effect of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract on induction of apoptosis in Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro', Infectious Disorders Drug Targets, 15(2), pp. 125-130. doi:10.2174/1871526515666150724114924 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871526515666150724114924 - Chen, S., Liu, H., Wang, S., Jiang, H. and others (2022) 'The Neuroprotection of Verbascoside in Alzheimer's Disease Mediated through Mitigation of Neuroinflammation via Blocking NF-kappaB-p65 Signaling', Nutrients, 14(7), pp. 1417. doi:10.3390/nu14071417 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071417 - Bampidis, V., Azimonti, G., Bastos, M.L. and others (EFSA FEEDAP Panel) (2021) 'Safety of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from Verbascum thapsus L. (great mullein tincture) for use in all animal species (MANGHEBATI SAS)', EFSA Journal, 19(7), pp. e06711. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6711 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6711 - Blanco-Salas, J., Hortigon-Vinagre, M.P., Morales-Jadan, D. and Ruiz-Tellez, T (2021) 'Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae)', Biology, 10(7), pp. 618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10070618 - Taleb, S. and Saeedi, M (2021) 'The effect of Verbascum thapsus on episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21(1), pp. 166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6 - Soto, K.M., Luzardo-Ocampo, I., Lopez-Romero, J.M., Mendoza, S. and others (2022) 'Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) Ethanolic Extracts Displayed Antiproliferative Effects and Induced Caspase 3 Activity in Human HT29 and SW480 Cancer Cells', Pharmaceutics, 14(10), pp. 2069. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14102069 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14102069 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Verbascum thapsus L., V. densiflorum Bertol. and V. phlomoides L., flos (Verbasci flos)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/verbasci-flos Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/verbasci-flos - Oliff, H.S. and Blumenthal, M (2003) 'Great mullein', pp. 30--31. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Great%20mullein - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Turker, A.U. and Gurel, E (2005) 'Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research', 19(9), pp. 733--739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1653 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Lin, C.C. and Yang, C.C. and Phua, D.H. and Deng, J.F. and Lu, L.H (2010) 'An outbreak of foxglove leaf poisoning', Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, 73(2), pp. 97-100. doi:10.1016/S1726-4901(10)70009-5 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1726-4901(10)70009-5 - Janssen, R.M. and Berg, M. and Ovakim, D.H (2016) 'Two cases of cardiac glycoside poisoning from accidental foxglove ingestion', CMAJ, 188(10), pp. 747-750. doi:10.1503/cmaj.150676 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150676 - Woodland Trust (2024) 'Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)'. Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/foxglove/ Traditional / reference
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/foxglove/ - NC State Extension (2024) 'Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbascum-thapsus/ Traditional / reference
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbascum-thapsus/
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.