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Herbs > Mullein (verbascum thapsus)
Other names: Aaron’s rod, Our Lady’s flannel, velvet dock, wild ice leaf, blanket herb.
Mullein is a very distinctive
plant, with large leaves growing mainly close to the
ground and a tall spike, which can reach heights of
six feet or more, on which its flowers grow. Romans
would dry the spike and dip it in tallow to use as a
torch. Mullein is traditionally attributed with
warding off evil spirits and in classical history,
Ulysses took mullein to protect himself against
Circe.
Mullein is most useful for clearing the
lungs of excess mucus. A mullein tea is easy to make
and quite effective for this purpose. Simply add a
handful of dried leaves and flowers to 1 litre of
boiling water and allow to steep for 10 minutes. This
can be sweetened with honey according to taste. This
tea is also said to control asthma when taken on a
daily basis.
Mullein syrup is a bit more
difficult to make, but is more effective for
congested lungs. Chop 1/2 cup of leaves and flowers
into small pieces and place into a pot with 2 1/2
cups of water. Cover and bring to the boil, then
allow to simmer for ten minutes. Strain, then return
the liquid to the heat and simmer gently until it is
reduced to 1 1/2 cups. Add 2 cups of brown sugar and
stir until the mixture is well blended, being careful
not to let the mixture burn or boil. Store in glass
bottles. This should be taken in 2 teaspoon doses for
adults and 1 teaspoon doses for children up to 4
times a day.
Eardrops of infused mullein oil
will heal earache and soothe itchy ears. Bruise 1/4
cup of mullein leaves and flowers and cover with 1
cup sweet almond oil. Place this mixture in a jar and
leave in a sunny or warm position. Shake thoroughly 3
times a day for 10 days, then strain and bottle.
Store in the refrigerator. After placing a few drops
of the oil into the ear, cover the ear with a warm
facecloth for best results. This oil is an effective
dressing for skin problems such as ulcers, sunburn
and wounds, also.
The emollient and astringent
qualities of mullein make it an effective treatment
for haemorrhoids. Make a poultice by steeping 10
grams of leaves in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 20
minutes and apply to the affected area.
Other uses:
Because of its healing effect on the lungs,
mullein is often a key ingredient in herbal tobacco.
A good herbal tobacco can be made by combining one
part mullein with one part a mixture of aromatic
herbs such as mint, rosemary, thyme or chamomile. The
herbs should be mixed together, chopped into tiny
pieces, then rubbed between the hands until they are
well-blended. A little honey mixed with water can be
added to the herbal mixture to add flavour and make a
more mellow smoke. Spread the mixture onto a tray and
leave to dry for a day or two until it is dry enough
to burn evenly.
Growing mullein:
Mullein can be grown either from seed sown
in Autumn or Spring, or from root cuttings sown in
late winter. It prefers well-drained or even dry soil
in the sun. As it will freely self-seed, it is
considered a weed in some parts of the world, and is
subject to restrictions in Australia. The whole plant
is gathered when flowering and dried for medicinal
use. Alternatively, the flowers can be gathered
separately and used fresh or frozen. |
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