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Mullein
Leaf
Verbascum Thapsus
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Mullein
General Information
Mullein has thick, soft leaves, and is a common wildflower
that can grow almost anywhere. It is a biennial, and in the
spring of the second year, a tall stem develops from the
leaves to a height of four feet or more and is topped by a
spike of yellow flowers. Both the leaves and flowers of this
and other closely related Verbascum species have been used in
folk medicine. At one time, it was used medicinally to treat
respiratory diseases, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea. It was also
smoked to cast out evil spirits. Mullein contains some of the
B vitamins, vitamin D, choline, hesperidin, PABA, sulfur, and
magnesium and has demulcent, emollient, sedative, narcotic,
and astringent properties.
Mullein Uses & Scientific Evidence For
Today herbalists recommend hot Mullein tea for asthma, colds,
coughs, sore throats, and bleeding of the lungs (tuberculosis)
and of the bowels, though it is used more for its soothing
effects rather than its ability to heal. This herb works well
as an expectorant when combined with coltsfoot and thyme. It
also helps give relief to those with emphysema, hay fever, and
whooping cough. Breathing the steam of boiling Mullein tea can
loosen congestion and mucus. When taken with catnip, this tea
works well in treating tonsillitis, chickenpox, measles and
mumps. Mullein made into a syrup can be given for
palpitations, irregular heartbeat, angina, and other coronary
conditions. The oil of this herb can be used to soothe the
pain of ear infections. Externally, Mullein can be used to
treat hemorrhoids, bruises, frostbite, diarrhea, erysipelas
(streptococcus infections) and migraine. |
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