The common name “Mullein” refers to the genus of plants called Verbascum (Verbascum thapsus, V. spp.), which is made up of around 360 species., native to Europe and Asia.
The Common Mullein, (or “Great” Mullein, or “Nature’s Toilet Paper”) Verbascum thapsus, is the species usually referred to when referencing medicinal uses.
It is a biennial and grows to about 6 feet tall, with dense hairs covering the plant and with a basal rosette of leaves and tall spike of small yellow flowers.
It grows well in a number of different conditions and has become invasive in many areas of the temperate world.
Mullein has been rumored to have been used as torches by dipping the flowering stalks in grease, and the leaves have been used to line shoes to keep out the cold.
The seeds contain several compounds that are known toxins to fish, and have been used for fishing as a piscicide.
The flowers have also been used for producing dyes with colors of bright yellow or green and also as a hair dye.
Mullein has also been used as an ornamental plant.
A calming beverage tea has been used by infusing the fresh or dried flowers. Mullein is considered GRAS in the US as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages.
Mullein has a long history of traditional medicinal uses, and continues to be popular today in herbal medicine, for respiratory health, as an expectorant and antimicrobial, as well as for soothing earaches.
Mullein was listed in the National Formulary in the US and UK, and the German Commission E lists its use for respiratory infection.
Topical preparations are also used for a number of skin conditions, including rashes, boils, sores, hemorrhoids and athlete’s foot.
A flower essence is used from the Mullein flowers for promoting the development of a person’s inner voice, truth or conscience, and for those with patterns of imbalance with indecisiveness or deception.
Homeopathic remedies of Mullein are indicated for nervous conditions, cough, the respiratory tract and bladder.
Through scientific investigation, Mullein has been found to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound healing, apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, analgesic and anticarcinogenic activities.
The phytochemistry of Mullein includes a variety of flavonoids, iridoid, phenylethanoid and phenylpropanoid glycosides, saponins, as well as vitamin C and minerals.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
The Earache Weed
