Mullein is a common herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties that make it useful for treating respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Mullein is most often taken as a tea, tincture, or supplement.
Like any natural product, mullein leaves and flowers don’t last forever. So does mullein expire, and if so, when? Here’s what you need to know about the shelf life and expiration of mullein.
Does mullein expire?
Yes, mullein does eventually expire and degrade in potency and quality. How long mullein lasts depends on several factors:
- Storage method – Dried, whole mullein generally lasts the longest. Extracts and opened teas/capsules expire faster.
- Preparation – Raw mullein lasts longer than teas, tinctures, or processed supplements.
- Moisture exposure – Dampness encourages mold growth.
- Light exposure – Light degrades active compounds in mullein.
- Heat exposure – Heat also degrades medicinal compounds.
- Oxygen exposure – Oxidation contributes to degradation.
With optimal storage conditions, dried mullein leaves may last 1-2 years past their harvest date before noticeably declining in potency. Extracts and supplements generally expire faster, around 1-3 years after the production date. Signs that mullein has expired include faded color, off odors, poor flavor, and reduced medicinal effects.
How to store mullein properly
To get the longest shelf life out of your mullein and delay expiration, follow these storage tips:
- Store in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture.
- Keep mullein in an airtight container to limit oxygen exposure.
- Refrigerating or freezing mullein may extend freshness.
- When refrigerating, allow the product to come to room temperature before use to prevent moisture condensation issues.
- Freeze mullein in freezer bags, plastic wrap, or airtight containers.
With proper storage techniques, dried mullein leaves can last up to 2 years past harvest. Mullein extracts and tinctures may last 1-3 years unopened. Once opened, use mullein preparations within 6 months before quality declines. Discard any product with an off scent, appearance, or flavor.
How to tell if mullein is expired
Watch for these signs that your mullein may be past its prime:
- Change in color – Mullein leaves fade from vibrant green to dull, brownish green when old.
- Dry, brittle texture – Mullein leaves feel crispy rather than supple.
- Off odor – Expired mullein smells stale, musty, or rotten.
- Loss of flavor – Tea or tinctures seem weak or bland versus fresh mullein.
- Lack of therapeutic effect – The product doesn’t seem to work as well medically.
- Clumping – Mullein powder may become rock hard.
- Mold growth – Look for fuzzy mold on mullein.
Always inspect mullein before use. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the product and acquire fresh mullein.
Does mullein tea expire?
Yes, mullein tea bags and loose tea have a limited shelf life. Properly stored, unopened mullein tea bags last 12-24 months. Loose leaf mullein tea keeps 6-12 months. Once opened, use mullein tea within 3-6 months.
Look for expiry or best by dates on commercial tea bags. If there’s no date, go by the general guidelines above. Check for deterioration in odor, flavor, and therapeutic effects over time.
How long does brewed mullein tea last?
Freshly brewed mullein tea only lasts 1-3 days refrigerated. The delicate flavor and aroma of the tea fades quickly. Drink mullein tea soon after brewing for the best flavor and effects.
To extend the shelf life of brewed mullein tea:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Avoid introducing extra oxygen, light, moisture, or heat.
- Pour tea into smaller containers like bottles to minimize oxygen exposure.
- Consume within 24 hours for peak flavor and benefits.
If mullein tea smells off or tastes unpleasantly bitter, it’s time to discard the batch.
Can expired mullein make you sick?
Consuming spoiled mullein is not likely to make you seriously ill. However, expired mullein may cause some mild digestive upset like:
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Contaminated mullein could potentially cause more severe foodborne illness. But this is uncommon with dried herbs like mullein leaves. Discard mullein at the first signs of spoilage – don’t wait until it’s clearly rotten.
Being past its expiration date doesn’t necessarily make mullein unsafe. But it likely won’t provide the full benefits. Expired mullein also tends to taste and smell unpleasant. For the best results, use fresh mullein before it expires.
Does mullein powder expire?
Yes, mullein powder has a limited shelf life. Keep unopened mullein powder up to 1 year past the production date. Once opened, use within 6 months. Properly stored, mullein powder expires slower than mullein tea but faster than raw mullein leaves.
Look for an expiration or best by date on commercial mullein powder packaging. Check powder routinely for clumping, faded color, stale aroma, or impaired effects.
Can you use expired mullein?
It’s not recommended to use mullein that’s clearly expired. While it likely won’t make you sick, heavily degraded mullein won’t provide the expected medicinal benefits. Expired mullein also tends to taste and smell unappealing.
However, mullein that’s recently expired may still retain some potency. If stored well, whole dried mullein leaves 1-2 years past their harvest date may still be usable. Likewise, unopened mullein extracts and teas can sometimes be safely consumed up to a year past their expiration date if the product still appears and smells normal.
To err on the side of caution, it’s generally best to discard mullein that’s exceeded the expiration timeframe. Relying on expired mullein risks disappointing results.
Does mullein tincture expire?
Yes, mullein tinctures have a limited shelf life. Unopened mullein tincture stays fresh for about 2-3 years past the production date if stored properly. Once opened, use mullein tinctures within 12-18 months before quality declines.
The alcohol content of tinctures helps preserve them longer than mullein tea. But over time, the potency, taste, and smell of mullein tinctures diminishes. Discard opened tinctures after 18 months or if you note changes in the product.
Can expired mullein make you sick?
Consuming spoiled mullein is not likely to make you seriously ill. However, expired mullein may cause some mild digestive upset like:
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Contaminated mullein could potentially cause more severe foodborne illness. But this is uncommon with dried herbs like mullein leaves. Discard mullein at the first signs of spoilage – don’t wait until it’s clearly rotten.
Being past its expiration date doesn’t necessarily make mullein unsafe. But it likely won’t provide the full benefits. Expired mullein also tends to taste and smell unpleasant. For the best results, use fresh mullein before it expires.
Does mullein supplement expire?
Yes, mullein supplements like capsules eventually expire. Unopened mullein capsules typically last about 2 years from the production date if stored properly. After opening, use within 6-12 months for optimal quality.
Mullein supplements tend to expire quicker than the raw herb but slower than teas. Discard opened bottles after 1 year. Throw away any damaged, discolored, foul-smelling, or ineffectual supplements.
The shelf life of mullein: A summary
Here’s a quick overview of how long different mullein preparations typically last:
- Dried mullein leaves – 1 to 2 years
- Mullein tea bags – 1 to 2 years unopened, 6 months opened
- Loose leaf mullein tea – 6 to 12 months
- Brewed mullein tea – 1 to 3 days
- Mullein powder – 1 year unopened, 6 months opened
- Mullein tinctures – 2 to 3 years unopened, 1 year opened
- Mullein capsules – 2 years unopened, 6 to 12 months opened
Proper storage maximizes the shelf life of mullein. Keep products in a cool, dark place in airtight packaging. Refrigeration can also help prolong freshness. Date and monitor your mullein, discarding any that shows signs of spoilage.
Other FAQs about mullein expiration
What happens if you drink expired mullein tea?
Expired mullein tea may cause mild stomach upset if heavily degraded. But it likely won’t make you seriously ill. However, old tea won’t provide the full medicinal value and usually tastes unpleasant. It’s best to discard old mullein tea and brew a fresh batch.
Can you freeze mullein tea?
Freezing can help prolong the shelf life of mullein tea. Freeze individual servings in ice cube trays or small containers to limit air exposure. Thaw cubes overnight in the fridge before using. Frozen mullein tea keeps up to 6 months.
How do you store dried mullein leaves?
Store dried mullein leaves whole in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place. Glass jars, plastic containers, sealed bags, or dark bottles all help block light and oxygen. Refrigerate or freeze mullein for prolonged freshness.
What happens if you take expired mullein supplements?
Expired mullein capsules or tablets may lose some efficacy but aren’t likely to be toxic. However, degraded mullein supplements won’t provide their full medicinal value. Stick to unexpired products within their listed shelf life for optimal effects.
Can you use expired mullein oil?
It’s not recommended. While toxic mold growth is rare in extracted oils, degradation can make expired mullein oil less effective. Opened mullein oil also oxidizes faster. Discard old mullein oil for best potency.
The bottom line
Mullein is a beneficial medicinal herb when used before its key compounds deteriorate. Properly stored, dried mullein leaves may last up to 2 years, while prepared products like teas, tinctures, and supplements expire faster. Refrigerate or freeze mullein to prolong freshness. Discard outdated mullein for optimal health benefits and flavor.