Mullein herb plants, which can reach heights of 6 feet (2 m.) are considered noxious weeds by some people, while others consider them to be valuable herbs. Read on to learn about mullein herbal uses in the garden.
Mullein as Herbal Treatments
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an herbaceous plant that produces large, woolly, grayish-green leaves and bright yellow flowers in summer, followed by egg-shaped, pale brown fruits in fall. Although mullein is native to Asia and Europe, the plant has naturalized across the United States since it was introduced in the 1700s. You may know this common plant as big taper, velvet dock, flannel-leaf, lungwort, or velvet plant. The plant has been utilized throughout history for its herbal properties. Medicinal uses for mullein can include:
- Earaches, middle ear infections
- Coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory problems
- Sore throat, sinus infection
- Migraine
- Menstrual cramps
- Arthritis and rheumatism
- Urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, bedwetting
- Skin diseases, bruises, frostbite
- Toothache
How to use Mullein from the Garden
To make mullein tea, pour a cup of boiling water over a small amount of dried mullein flowers or leaves. Allow the tea to steep for five to 10 minutes. Sweeten the tea with honey if you don’t like the bitter flavor. Make a poultice by grinding dried flowers and/or leaves to a fine powder. Mix the powder with water to make a thick paste. Spread the poultice evenly on the affected area, then cover it with gauze or muslin. To avoid making a mess, cover the poultice with plastic wrap. (Native Americans simply heated mullein leaves and applied them directly to the skin.) Create a simple infusion by filling a glass jar with dried mullein leaves. Cover the leaves with oil (such as olive or sunflower oil) and place the jar in a cool place for three to six weeks. Strain the oil through a cloth-lined strainer and store it at room temperature. Note: There are several effective ways to make an herbal infusion. An online search or a good herbal manual will provide more complete information about herbal infusions. Disclaimer: The contents of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician or a medical herbalist for advice.
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