Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a fascinating herb that has been valued for centuries for its numerous medicinal and practical uses. Mullein is a versatile and valuable plant with a rich history and a wide array of uses. Used for its medicinal properties it continues to capture the interest and admiration of people around the world.
Mullein is a biennial plant. It produces leaves only in it’s first year of life. The second year is when the stock grows, producing flowers. One of the most distinctive features of Mullein is its tall and imposing stature. Often this plant can reach heights of up to six feet or more. Its woolly, gray-green leaves and vibrant yellow flowers make it a visually striking plant, especially when it blooms during the summer months. For a bit of humor, mullein is also called “cowboy toilet paper” due to it’s soft leaves! Not only is Mullein aesthetically pleasing, but it also possesses a wealth of beneficial properties.
Throughout history, Mullein has been utilized for its medicinal qualities. Its leaves and flowers are commonly used in herbal remedies to treat respiratory conditions, such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The plant’s expectorant properties help to loosen congestion and clear the airways. This alone makes it an effective natural remedy for respiratory ailments. Mullein has also been employed to alleviate earaches and soothe irritated skin.
Mullein can be used in a varieties of ways. We mostly consume mullein in a tea with other lung helping herbs when we have upper respiratory concerns. Other ways it can be used incudes tinctures, smoking it or in a salve.
This herb has to be one of our favorites! We make sure we have an abundance ready for use every year!