Verbascum thapsus
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is one of nature’s most versatile and widely available herbs. This unassuming plant, often labeled a weed, has long been cherished for its medicinal properties. If you’ve walked through a sunny meadow or past an overgrown roadside, chances are you’ve seen mullein standing tall with its velvety leaves and spike of yellow flowers. During 2020, this resilient plant popped up in multiple places in our gardens, as a gentle reminder that God will never leave us nor forsake us.
Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. During its first year, it produces a rosette of soft, fuzzy leaves that hug the ground. In its second year, a tall flowering stalk emerges, which can grow 4–6 feet high. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and dry, rocky soil, making it a common sight in untended areas.
Medicinal Benefits of Mullein
Respiratory Health:
Acts as a demulcent (soothing inflamed tissues).
Acts as an expectorant (loosens and expels mucus).
Relieves coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and croup.
Promotes lung healing when used as a tea, tincture, or smoked.
Topical Healing:
Relieves pain, swelling, and stimulates lymphatic flow.
Infused flowers in oil are a trusted remedy for ear infections.
Can be applied as a poultice to soothe back pain and joint discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Reduces inflammation in the respiratory system, digestive tract, and muscles.
Calms irritated mucous membranes and supports gut health.
Lymphatic Support and Detoxification:
Stimulates lymphatic flow, aiding detoxification.
Acts as a mild diuretic to support kidney health.
Additional Benefits:
Soothes sore throats when prepared as a tea.
Supports the immune system with antimicrobial properties.
May help with hemorrhoids and minor skin irritations.
Warnings and Precautions
The tiny hairs on mullein leaves can irritate the throat if not properly strained when making teas or tinctures. Always double-strain your preparations.
Individuals with allergies to plants in the figwort family should proceed with caution.
While generally safe, consult with a healthcare professional before using mullein during pregnancy or for prolonged use.
Mullein is not only hardy and easy to grow, but it also requires minimal maintenance. Its towering stalk and soft leaves add character to any garden while offering a natural pharmacy right at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to ease a stubborn cough, soothe a sore back, or support overall health, mullein is a plant that keeps on giving.
Keep in mind you can buy mullein leaves, just make sure to seek out a high-quality supplier. However, if you find the plant, harvesting is simple! The leaves are best collected in the spring and fall, either before the flowering stalk develops or after it has finished blooming. These soft, woolly leaves hold the key to many of mullein's medicinal benefits, including its powerful respiratory and anti-inflammatory properties.
The flowers, often used in oil infusions for ear infections, are typically harvested during the plant's second year from the flowering stalk. While collecting the flowers can be a painstaking process, it gives you a new appreciation for every bottle of mullein flower eardrops!
So, next time you see this towering plant, don’t dismiss it as a weed. Instead, take a moment to appreciate its incredible healing potential and consider how mullein can find a place in your herbal practice.
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