Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Mullein Herbal Use

Great Mullein has been used as an alternative medicine for centuries. In many countries throughout the world, the value of Mullein as a proven medicinal herb is now backed by scientific evidence. Some valuable constituents contained in Mullein are Coumarin and Hesperidin, which exhibit many healing abilities. Research indicates some of the uses as an analgesic, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, bacteristatic, cardio-depressant, estrogenic, fungicide, hypnotic, sedative and pesticide are valid.

An infusion of Mullein leaf is taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of chest complaints and also to treat diarrhea and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. The leaves, root, and the flowers are anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, nervine, and vulnerary.

Mullein oil is a very medicinal and valuable destroyer of disease germs. An infusion of the flowers in olive oil is used for earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of piles and other mucous membrane inflammations. Mullein infusion is considered a strong antibacterial by herbalists. The oil being used to treat gum and mouth ulcers is very effective. A decoction of Mullein root is used to alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps and convulsions. It is also used in alternative medicine for the treatment of migraine headaches accompanied with oppression of the ear.

The whole Mullein plant possesses slightly sedative and narcotic properties. Mullein seeds are considered toxic. They have been historically used as a narcotic and also contain saponins.

The dried leaves are sometimes smoked to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and the hacking cough of consumption. They can be employed with equal benefit when made into cigarettes, for asthma and spasmodic coughs in general. Externally, a medicinal poultice of the leaves is applied to sunburn, ulcers, tumors and piles.

Other Names Adam’s Flannel, Beggar’s Blanket, Candlewick Plant, Common Mullein, Flannel Mullein, Flannel Plant, Hag’s Taper, Jupiter’s Staff, Molene, Mullein, Velvet Dock, Velvet Plant, Woolly Mullin

Mullein Habitat- Where to Find Mullein

Mullein is an alien, naturalized, biennial herb. It is now a widely distributed plant, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas, and in North America it is exceedingly abundant. Great Mullein is found growing on hedge-banks, by roadsides and on waste ground, most often on gravel, sand or chalk. It can also be found in sunny positions in uncultivated fields and especially on dry soils.

How to Identify Mullein Herb

Mullein forms a rosette of numerous, large leaves, 6 to 15 inches long and up to 5 inches broad, (first season) at the base of the stem but become smaller as they ascend the stem, on which they are arranged on alternate sides. They are whitish with a soft, dense mass of hairs on both sides, which make them feel very furry and thick. The root is a long taproot with a fibrous outer cover and fleshy inside. The flower-spike (second season) has been known to attain a height of 7 or 8 feet, covered with densely crowded, sulphur-yellow, flowers about an inch across with five rounded petals. Blooming during July and August.

How to Grow Mullein Herb

Great Mullein is an easily grown medicinal plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position. It dislikes shade and wet soils. Scatter Mullein seeds when ripe in late summer and fall.

How to Use Mullein

Harvest the entire Mullein plant when in bloom and dry for later herb use. Dry flowers and infuse in olive oil. You may want to strain herbal infusions of Mullein before drinking to remove the fine hairs.

Tea: An aromatic tea can be made by boiling 1 tbs. dried leaves or root, in 1 cup water for 5 - 10 min. A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers. For children and the elderly, use milk instead of water. Sweeten if desired.

Mullein oil: Use flowers or root. Place in blender or crush, fill jar, cover with olive oil, set in warm place for 2 weeks. Strain before use.

More uses for Mullein Plant

Mullein is also used for : Dye, Insecticide, Insulation, Lighting, Tinder, Wick. A yellow dye is made from Mullein flowers by boiling them in water. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather permanent green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkali. An infusion of Mullein flowers is sometimes used to dye the hair a golden color. The leaves contain rotenone, which is used as an insecticide. The dried leaves are highly flammable and can be used to ignite a fire quickly , or as wick for candles.

Mullein History and Folklore

An old superstition existed that witches used lamps and candles provided with wicks of Mullein in their incantations, and another of the plant’s many names, ’Hag’s Taper’, refers to this. Mullein was said to have the power of driving away evil spirits. Being a sure safeguard against evil spirits and magic, and from the ancient classics, it was Mullein which Ulysses took to protect himself against the wiles of Circe.

Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron



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