by Judith C Evans

Created on: November 28, 2009

In centuries past, mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) enjoyed its status as a prime healer of chest ailments, bruises, and swellings. Today, it is not among the most popularly recognized medicinal herbs, but we will take the time to become acquainted with this readily available weed. Introduced to the New World by European settlers, mullein is found in vacant lots and along roadsides all over the United States. This biennial plant grows into a rosette of large, grayish-green leaves its first year, and sends up a tall stalk its second year. The stalk is covered with small leaves; throughout the summer, small yellow flowers bloom sporadically all over the upper part of the stalk. The entire plant is covered with fine hairs, which help it to retain moisture. Both leaves and flowers are used medicinally; harvest the leaves only until the flowery spike forms.

Traditional common names for mullein include Velvet Plant and Saint Peter's Staff. The first name obviously refers to the plant's appearance. The second name refers to the traditional lighting of the plant's spike as a protective torch.

Mullein's medicinal properties include: anodyne, antispasmodic, astringent, bacteriostatic, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, and vulnerary. The herb is best known as a remedy for chest conditions, from bronchitis to asthma. The ancient Greeks used a leaf and flower infusion for congested lungs. It was the herb of choice for colonists in America when bronchitis or asthma was present. Native Americans referred to mullein as "big tobacco," and would smoke the dried leaves to soothe coughs; they would also prepare a cough syrup by infusing molasses with mullein leaves. Today, mullein flower tea is used in the Ozarks, and leaf tea is used in South Carolina for colds, coughs, and fevers. It is an ingredient in homeopathic chest remedies.

Since ancient times, mashed or boiled mullein leaves have provided an effective poultice for sprains, swellings, and bruises; the Greeks prepared a wash from the entire plant for this purpose. Today, Ozark herbalists prepare a poultice from leaves and vinegar, while in South Carolina, the leaves are combined with fat for a poultice to treat boils.

Other ailments can be treated with mullein's astringent, anodyne, and bacteriostatic properties. Physicians prescribed it for headache and diarrhea until the early twentieth century. For earache, administer one or two drops of flower-infused oil into the affected ear.

To prepare mullein flower tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon of mullein flowers. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey. Mullein flowers can also be brewed in milk for a soothing remedy for coughs or intestinal distress. Combine 2 tablespoons flowers or chopped fresh mullein leaves with 1 pint milk. Heat until milk is scalded, and allow mixture to cool just until warm. Strain and sweeten with honey. It is best to strain any mullein preparations through a coffee filter, to remove irritating plant hairs.

Although mullein's finest years as an esteemed remedy seem to be in the past, we should become familiar with this easy-to-grow plant. Gather seeds from wild mullein and grow the herb in a corner of your garden. When cold and flu season arrive, you may be glad you adopted this humble yet valuable plant.

Sources:

Edwards, Gail Faith, "Opening Our Wild hearts to the Healing Herbs", Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 2000.

Lust, John," The Herb Book", New York, NY: Benedict Lust Publications, 2001 (originally 1974).

Silverman, Maida. "A City Herbal: Lore, Legends, and Uses of Common Weeds, Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing, 1997 (orig. 1977).

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