Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Bunny's Ears Flannelleaf Jacob's-staff Mullein Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions Applications German bactericidal oil

Verbascum thapsus L., the common mullein of the United States, is a woolly biennial herb belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. During the first year, its large, hairy leaves form a low-lying rosette. In the spring of the second year, a tall stem develops from the leaves to a height of four feet or more and is topped by a spike of yellow flowers. Both the leaves and flowers of this and of closely related Verbascum species have been used in folk medicine. The flowers are particularly popular in Europe and are usually obtained from V. phlomoides L. or V. thapsiforme Schrad., species native to that continent.
According to Grieve, mullein is valuable in the treatment of such a wide range of ailments as to make the newest "wonder medication" seem inactive in comparison. Mullein is believed to possess demulcent, emollient, and astringent properties and is useful in treating both bleeding of the lungs (tuberculosis) and of the bowels. Not only is it both a sedative and a narcotic, but it can also be useful in treating cases of asthma, coughs, and hemorrhoids. Burns and erysipelas (streptococcus infections) yield to its application, as do bruises, frostbite, diarrhea, ear infections, most disease germs, and migraine. As if this were not enough-it is also useful in driving away evil spirits. This "wonder" medication is taken internally, applied locally, and even smoked, to treat these various conditions. Some of the more practical but less medicinal applications of mullein include using the yellow flowers as a blond hair dye and wearing the fuzzy leaves in the stockings to keep the feet warm.

The French herbalist, Maurice Messegue, recommends mullein for palpitations, irregular heartbeat, angina and other coronary distress. Simmer two handfuls of coarsely cut leaves and flowers in 1-1/2 quarts of boiling water for an hour, covered, until about 1 pint remains. Strain and add,3 tbsps. blackstrap molasses and 1/2 tsp. glycerin to give it longer shelf life. Take 1 tbsp. of this syrup twice daily in between meals, once in the morning and again in the evening, or more if pressure builds up in the heart.

Mullein is one of the very best herbs that  treat a wide variety of childhood ailments, including tonsillitis, chickenpox, measles and mumps-especially when it's used in conjunction with catnip. Both herbs work well for pancreatitis, too. A relatively delicious tea that can be made for sick children to drink calls for 1/2 handful each of dried or cut fresh mullein leaves and flowers, and dried or cut fresh herb to be steeped in 1 qt. of boiling water, covered, and then set away from the heat for approximately 35 minutes or so. After this the solution is strained twice, once through a fine sieve and again through a piece of clean cloth. Then while still quite warm 2 tbsps. of dark honey, 1 tsp. of pure maple syrup and a couple of drops of pure vanilla should be mixed in to improve the flavor considerably. Give a sick child 1/2 cup of this warm throughout the day or every 3-4 hrs. NO dairy products, eggs, bread, meat, greasy foods, candy, soft drinks and so forth should be given to the child during his or her recuperation period.

A small enema may also be given as well at least once a day until the fever breaks and glandular inflammation begins to subside. In 1 pint of boiling water, steep 1/4 handful of dried or cut fresh mullein leaves, 1/4 handful of dried or cut catnip herb and 1 peeled, finely chopped garlic clove, covered, for 40 minutes or until lukewarm. Administer the enema to the child according to the previous instructions. Remember to tell the child to try to hold as much of the solution inside of the bowels as possible before seeking relief on the toilet. Be sure to give the enema in very short spurts so the child can better retain the solution for a couple of minutes.

Soak two handfuls of cut dried or fresh mullein flowers and leaves in 2 cups of olive oil or sweet almond oil for 8 days. Strain, bottle and store in cool place. Makes a very useful dressing for skin ulcers, wounds, sunburn, general burns and hemorrhoids. A few drops of this oil, slightly warmed and placed inside the ear canal, helps to relieve painful earache, when the ear is covered with a warm flannel afterwards. Another variation to this same theme is to use a mix of St. Johns wort oil and mullein oil together. Just a couple of drops of each put into a teaspoon and heated over a cigarette lighter or gas stove burner for about 45 seconds, or until lukewarm, is sufficient. Use an eyedropper to take up the liquid for inserting into the external ear canal. However, be sure there are no perforations of the eardrum before doing this. Then stuff the ear with cotton. Use a hot-water bottle or a cut half of an oven-roasted Bermuda onion to keep the ear warm. Unless there is intense pain and the drum itself is in danger of rupture, using these simple remedies is cheaper, safer and more practical than relying on antibiotics.

PARTS USED

Leaves, flowers.

USES

Mullein is a valuable herb for coughs and congestion, and is a specific treatment for tracheitis and bronchitis. The leaves and the flowers may be used as an infusion to reduce mucus formation and stimulate the coughing up of phlegm. Mullein combines well with other expectorants such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Applied externally, mullein is emollient and makes a good wound healer. In Germany, the flowers are steeped in olive oil, and the resulting fixed oil is used as a remedy for ear infections and hemorrhoids.
Other medical uses - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD ).

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Mullein is native to central and southern Europe and western Asia. Mullein is now also naturalized in many other temperate regions. Mullein grows on open uncultivated land and along roadsides. The leaves and flowers are collected during the summer.

CONSTITUENTS

Mullein contains mucilage, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, volatile oil, and tannins.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

A tea of mullein is made by pouring 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. The tea can be drunk three to four times per day. For the tincture, 1-4 ml is taken three to four times per day. As a dried product, 1-2 grams is used three times per day. As mentioned above, mullein is usually combined with other demulcent or expectorant herbs when used to treat coughs and bronchial irritation.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Mullein is generally safe, and there are no known contraindications to its use during pregnancy or lactation, except for rare reports of skin irritation.

APPLICATIONS

FLOWERS:

TINCTURE - Take up to 20 ml a day for chronic, dry coughs, and throat inflammations.

GARGLE - Use an infusion for throat inflammations.

SYRUP - Take a syrup made from the infusion for chronic, hard coughs.

INFUSED OIL - Make by the cold infusion method and use drops for earache (only if certain that the eardrum is not perforated). Use as a salve on wounds, hemorrhoids, eczema, or inflamed eyelids.

LEAVES:

INFUSION - Use a strong infusion of dried herb (50 g to 500 ml water) for chronic coughs and throat inflammations. Also promotes sweating, so can be useful for feverish chills with hard coughs.

TINCTURE - Use for chronic respiratory disorders; combine with stimulating expectorants if required, such as mulberry bark, cowslip root, elecampane, sweet violet, anise, or thyme.

GERMAN BACTERICIDAL OIL

• 1 cup (40 g) mullein flowers
• 2 cups (500 ml) olive oil
• 2 t (10 ml) benzoin or myrrh tincture
• 1 green glass jar

Quickly crush the flowers in a mortar. Combine all the ingredients and macerate in a green jar near a fire or in a window for 21 days. Strain using a fine cotton cloth. Place in the ear in case of otitis or an infected pinna, or apply in the case of eczema, ringworm or mycosis.