Mullein, Verbascum thapsus

Motherwort Tincture: Motherwort leaves, stems, and flowers, roughly chopped, 80 proof vodka or similar drinking alcohol. Glass jar, Sterilize a glass jar and tight-fitting lid. Fill the jar with chopped leaves, stems, and flowers to about 1/2 full. Fill the jar to within 1/4 (0.6cm) inch of the top, completely covering the herbs. Cap the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar once a day for six weeks. Check the alcohol levels regularly and add more alcohol as necessary to keep the jar full. Strain out the herbs and store the tincture in a sterile jar in a cool, dark place.

Mullein belongs to the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort/Snapdragon) family. It is most commonly known as great mullein or common mullein. Its other names include Flannel Plant, Aaron's rod, Hag Taper, Torches, and Velvet Plant. Mullein is a widely distributed plant in North America and is exceedingly abundant as a naturalized weed in the eastern States. It grows in meadows, by roadsides, and on waste ground, especially on gravel, sand or chalky soil. This plant grows in a vast range of habitats but prefers disturbed ground. Mullein is widely used for herbal remedies, with wellestablished emollient and astringent properties. This plant has also been used to make dyes and torches and is a lovely bush toilet paper. Identification: Mullein is a velvety, soft, biennial plant. When in its second year, Mullein has an erect tall flowering spike that can reach nearly 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height. Its basal rosette, tall flowering stem, and velvety leaves make it easily recognizable. Each mullein flower is about 3/4 inch (1.875 cm) across and consists of five pale petals, 5 hairy-green sepals, five stamens, and one pistil. In its first growth year, mullein leaves form a basal rosette. They have, very large, long, oval velvety, gray-green leaves that can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length. In their second year, they send up a single tall flowering spike with alternately arranged leaves. This plant produces small, ovoid capsules approximately 1/4 inch (0.625 cm) in length that contain many minute, brown seeds that are less than 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) in size. Edible Use: The leaves and flowers are edible, although most people prefer them as a tea.

Medicinal Use: The leaves and the flowers of mullein are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, anodyne (pain-killing) and vulnerary (woundhealing). I make an effective bronchitis tincture using Mullein, Lungwort Lichen and Yerba Santa for both symptomatic treatment and as a curative.

Bronchitis, Emphysema, Laryngitis, Tra-

cheitis, Asthma, and Tuberculosis: Mullein is a commonly used herbal remedy. I value it for its efficacy in the treatment of chest complaints such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, and asthma. It reduces the

formation of mucus and stimulates the expulsion of phlegm. It is a specific treatment for tracheitis and bronchitis. For emphysema, try mullein infusion with some coltsfoot. The mixture of herbs acts well as an expectorant for emphysema patients and helps them breathe easier. It also relieves the coughing spasms and wheezing. People improve with long term use. For asthma, mullein can also be inhaled. Mullein can be rolled into a rolling paper and smoked or, for children, the leaves can be burned and the smoke inhaled so as not to introduce them to smoking.

Skin Wounds, Snake Bite, Ulcers, Tumors,

and Hemorrhoids: Externally, use a poultice prepared from mullein leaves to heal wounds, ulcers, tumors, and hemorrhoids. Mash the leaves, apply them directly to the skin, and cover them with a clean cloth. Mullein Infused Oil (recipe below) also works well on hemorrhoids. Mullein in a poultice form is drawing and may help draw out snake bite toxins if Plantain (Plantago) is not available – I would couple it with internal use. It also works to draw out splinters and the like. Earaches and Ear Infections: I use an infusion prepared from its flowers infused in olive oil as earache drops. The flowers are strongly bactericidal. I usually mix mullein with garlic and yarrow infused in olive oil for ear infections. I put a few drops into the ear canal with a dropper and plug the ear with a cotton plug. I prefer to treat both ears, even if only one is affected, since the sinuses are connected. Do not use mullein (or any other oil in the ears) for punctured eardrums.

Sunburn, and Inflammatory Skin Condi-

tions: Mullein is anti-inflammatory, which helps it to calm inflammatory skin conditions, especially those of the mucus membranes. For this purpose, I use a few drops of Mullein Infused Oil applied directly to the affected area. The oil also is anti-bacterial which helps prevent infection and speed healing. I often pair St. John’s Wort with mullein for sunburns. Warts: Powdered mullein roots rubbed onto warts helps to kill the virus to the roots and remove the wart. Rub it in several times a day until the wart is completely gone and the skin is healed. The juice of the plant can also be used. Cramps and Muscle Spasms: For cramping and muscle spasms, try an internal Mullein Infusion. For muscle spasms, Mullein Infused Oil can also be rubbed into the affected muscle. Gastrointestinal Issues: Mullein Infusion made from the roots is very good for getting rid of intestinal worms and other gastrointestinal issues. Harvesting: Mullein leaves are best harvested during the second year when the plant is growing a stalk. Harvest when the flowers are in bloom, usually between July and September. The flowers can be used either fresh or dried, although I prefer using them fresh when I can. To dry, bundle the leaves and hang them upside-down to dry. Warning: Do not use mullein if you are pregnant or breast feeding. In some people, it can cause skin irritations, stomach pain, and breathing difficulties. These are allergic reactions, so discontinue use if these symptoms occur. Recipes. Mullein Infusion. Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon powdered mullein root, and 1 cup water. Bring the water and powdered mullein root to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes. Mullein Infused Oil: Take 2 cups sweet almond oil or organic olive oil and 1 1/2 cups of mullein flowers, fresh or dried. Place 1 ½ cups of mullein flowers into a pint (500ml) jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the oil over the flowers and allow them to infuse for 3-4 weeks. Filter the oil and store it in a dark bottle in a cool, dry place.

Mullein Flowers, Forest & Kim Starr, CC by 3.0