Mullein -Verbascum thapsus
COMMON NAMES: Bunny's Ears, Flannelleaf, Jacob's-staff
PARTS USED: Leaves, flowers
The herb is woolly in appearance and belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family of plants. During the first year of its existence, the large and
Hairy leaves of the common mullein form a rosette or a rose-shaped decoration just above the ground. In the spring of the second year, the plant gives rise to a tall stem from the leaves and it grows to a height of approximately four feet. The apex of the stem is covered by a barb of yellow colored flowers. Even though it is found in dry, barren areas, mullein will also thrive in moist soil. It is easy to grow and thrives in gardens.
Mullein can be used in many forms for many different problems. I think of it as a sponge. I use it to suck
Poison out of
Bites and
Stings and to pull
Mucus out of
Colds.
External Uses:
Mullein has
Anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Make a poultice by crushing dried leaves and mixing it with tincture or vinegar. I like to add some myrrh to speed the healing. Wrap it up and let it work for about 30 minutes. This works wonders on
Skin irritations, such as
Rashes, and
Boils,
Bruises,
Bites and
Stings. It also relieves arthritic and
Rheumatic conditions. The herb's
Anti-inflammatory and anti-
Bacterial properties make mullein compresses an ideal treatment for
Hemorrhoids and
Cold Sores. I always have some close by for spider
Bites. Mullein works especially well with yellow dock tincture and myrrh. A friend got a spider bite and it started to show the 'bulls-eye' pattern of a brown recluse. We applied this combination as a poultice several times. It didn't even leave a scar.
Mullein can also be used applied externally as an oil infusion for dressing
Skin Ulcers,
Wounds, sun
Burns, common
Burns as well as
Hemorrhoids. To prepare, drench two handfuls of cut dehydrated or fresh mullein flowers and leaves in two cups of olive oil or sweet almond for eight days at a stretch. Then filter the liquid and store it in bottle for later use. It is important to store the liquid in a cool and dry place to retain its properties. This oil is beneficial for dressing different
Skin conditions. Faintly warm a few drops of this medicated oil and place it inside the ear canal to alleviate ear ache. Remember to cover the ear with a warm cloth after applying the oil.
Mullein year one.
Internally:
Mullein tea is very effective for
Respiratory problems such as
Asthma,
Bronchitis, and
Allergies. It is also effective in treating
Sore throats and
Coughs. It's anti-
Bacterial properties make it effective in treating
Infections. It has even been used to treat
Tuberculosis as it inhibits mycobacterium, the
Bacteria which causes the disease. Mullein relieves
Digestive disorders, such as
Diarrhea and
Stomach Pains. Its anti-spasmodic properties relieve
Stomach Cramps.
The tea is simple to make. Just steep the leaves in hot water. For a sweeter taste, the flowers can be added. You can drink the tea, hot or cold. Any excess tea can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
Mullein is an : anodyne,
Antispasmodic,
Demulcent,
Diuretic,
Expectorant,
Vulnerary. Mullein tea makes a good remedy for
Cough, whooping
Cough,
Tuberculosis,
Bronchitis,
Hoarseness,
Pneumonia,
Earaches,
Colds, chills, flu, swine flu,
Fever,
Allergies, tonsillitis, and
Sore throat. The flower tea will help relieve
Pain and induce
Sleep. For nasal
Congestion or other
Respiratory problems, breathe the vapor from hot water with a handful of flowers added. Other uses include
Asthma,
Diarrhea,
Colic,
Gastrointestinal
Bleeding,
Migraines, joint
Pain, and
Gout. It is also used as a
Sedative and as a
Diuretic to increase urine output.
Mullein year two
Naturalist Grieve described the common mullein as a tremendous valuable herb for treating an assortment of ailments. Grieve eulogized the herb to such an extent that he said that it could even put the latest 'wonder medicine' appear to be ineffective in contrast. Physicians believe that the common mullein has
Demulcent (a calming substance),
Emollient (soothing to the
Skin) and
Astringent and hence it is beneficial in curing
Bleeding of the
Lungs or
Tuberculosis and also of the
Bowels.
It may be noted here that the common mullein is one of the best herbs to treat most of the ailments associated with infancy or childhood. Hence, it is considered to be effective in healing tonsillitis (
Inflammation of the tonsils),
Chicken Pox,
Measles and
Mumps. In the later case, the use of mullein is more beneficial when it is blended with another herb called catnip.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS: Studies as well as experience have shown that mullein is a safe herb and does not have any adverse side affects. Although, there have been infrequent reports of
Skin irritation after the use of mullein. Mullein is believed to be safe to use during
Pregnancy or
Lactation.
I use mullein and find it to be wonderful for
Skin problems and
Colds and
Congestion. Some of what is recorded here is from online research. Take time to research it for yourself. It works, there's no side effects, its free, and there is probably some close to your home. I am not a doctor and I'm just passing on the information so I am not responsible if it should fail to work for you. If you can't find it growing, I have plenty. Let me know if you want some. 785-342-4293. Dianna Padgett.