Overview of Great Mullein
Mullein manifests in the shape of a spine, and in accordance with this doctrine of signature, the root is distinguished for its ability to improve spinal complaints. But primarily Mullein is a lung herb, having a relaxing, soothing, coating, and expectorant action on trapped mucous within the lungs and throat. Mullein’s ability to hydrate waste deposits and expel them from the body (mucous), makes this plant of utmost importance in any herbal dispensary. It does not suppress, it hydrates and expels. For this ability it is helpful in all complaints of the lungs, from a mild cough, to more severe cases of mucous congestion and inflammation of the lungs and throat. Markedly Dioscorides recommended this plant for tonsilitis –and as the tonsils are the lymphatic organ of the throat— Mullein likely aids not only the expulsion of wastes from the lungs and throat, but also the lymphatic networks.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Parts used: Leaf, Flower, Root (seeds are mildly toxic)
Phytochemistry
Mucilage (leaf)
Volatile Oil (flower)
Resin (flower)
Resin (flower)
Flavonoides (inc. hesperidin, verbascoside)
Glycosides (inc. aucubin)
Glycosides (inc. aucubin)
Tannins
Bitters
Description
In the first year of growth, only a rosette of 6-15 inch-long leaves appears. In the second, a stout and solitary stem emerges from the velvety rosette. Mullein has soft, hairy, pale-green leaves, simple and alternate. Great Mullein leaves are decurrent, meaning that the midrib, from a quarter to half way up the blade, is attached to the stem (this distinguishes Great Mullein from other Mullein species). The smaller leaves at the top of the plant allow water to drop onto the lower, larger leaves, giving the roots access to the precious water in the often arid regions Mullein grows within. Mullein can grow up to 8 feet tall, and a second-year growth will produce a flower-spike a foot long. The flower-spike contains a multitude of 5-petalled, yellow flowers. If the tip of the spike is touched while under the influence of entheogens, a vibrational phenomenon can be observed.
Medicinal Actions
Leaf/Flower: Expectorant, demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, anti-catarrhal, mildly antispasmodic and relaxing
Root: Anti-inflammatory, musculoskeletal (spinal)
Uses for Mullein
In most complaints of the throat or lungs, for either dry or wet coughs, mullein is a good remedy. The leaf has expectorant, demulcent, and relaxing qualities which will ease discomfort and expel the cause of the condition (catarrh).
Infused in olive oil, Mullein flowers make excellent ear drops for infections, and can be rubbed on rheumatic joints as an analgesic.
Infused in olive oil, Mullein flowers make excellent ear drops for infections, and can be rubbed on rheumatic joints as an analgesic.
Useful in a digestive blend for its demulcent, soothing properties.
According to some sources the root can aid in realignment of the spine, increases cerebrospinal fluid production, and acts as a general anti-inflammatory.
The crushed seeds can be used for catching fish in the wild (in dire straits only, as the method is generally considered an environmental hazard)
Torches, lanterns, kindle, toilet paper
According to some sources the root can aid in realignment of the spine, increases cerebrospinal fluid production, and acts as a general anti-inflammatory.
The crushed seeds can be used for catching fish in the wild (in dire straits only, as the method is generally considered an environmental hazard)
Torches, lanterns, kindle, toilet paper
To use:
Tea: Take the dried leaves and/or flowers in an infusion (steeped in boiled water for 20 minutes). Ideally strain the finished tea through a fine-mesh cloth to remove the fine hairs. Take up to 3 cups/day.
Tincture: Leaf: Make/buy a tincture of 1:3 tincture (dried), or 1:2 fresh (ideally), 50% alcohol.
Root: 1:2 fresh, 1:4 dried, 60% alcohol.
Oil: Macerate flowers in olive oil for 2 weeks+.
(Always ask a trained herbalist about proper dosages for you.)
Historical
One of the oldest pectorals (respiratory system herbs) for soothing coughs and loosening mucous/catarrh (catarrh is a build-up of mucous in airways/tissue).
Has historically been used as an excellent tinder source before the introduction of cotton.
Mullein stalks were dipped in suet (animal fat), lit aflame, and used as torches at funerals.
“Husbandmen of Kent do give it their cattle against the cough of the lungs, and I, therefore, mention it because cattle are alo in some sort to be provided for in their diseases.” –Coles
In Europe, India, and Asia, Mullein was attributed to driving off evil.
From Homer’s epic, The Oddysey, Mullein was the plant Odysseus carried to protect against the wiles of Circe, according to some scholars.
“In most parts of Ireland, besides growing wild, it is carefully cultivated in gardens, because of a steady demand for the plant by sufferers from pulmonary consumption.” –Grieve (tuberculosis)
Dioscorides recommended it for coughs, tonsilitis, eye complaints, toothache, and scorpion stings.
An infused oil from the flowers was used as an ear drop in ear infection and for haemorrhoids.
The seeds, which are toxic, were used by traditional hunting groups as a poison for fish. Mullein seeds can be crushed and added to a small body of water to kill and/or disorient the fish within.
Cautions & Contraindications
There are fine hairs upon the leaves which can irritate the throat. This effect can be alleviated by straining the Mullein tea through a fine-mesh cloth.
Cultivation
It is relatively easy to grow, preferring full sun but tolerating some shade. Sow in ordinary soil and keep free from weeds.
This Post was all about Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein)
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Justin McArthur
Herbalist