Mullein is one of a few herbs with versatile applications. As such, it is unclear where it gets its name from. However, Mullein has been known as a medicinal plant from antiquity. One look at Mullein will suggest therapeutic potentials. It has been around a good while, and cuts across every race, hence its numerous aliases.
Dioscorides trusted Mullein in the treatment of tonsillitis, coughs, eye problems, toothaches, and stings. Early European settlers kept it handy as they sailed “The New World”. They introduced the herb to Native Americans who smoked it to treat asthma and other lung problems. During the American Civil War, Confederates depended on cough syrups made with Mullein to treat respiratory ailments when their medical supplies ran out.
Modern research has affirmed Mullein’s expectorant action, attributing it to the presence of triterpenoid saponins in the plant. It has been a popular natural remedy for asthma, colds, coughs, croup, emphysema, hoarseness, laryngitis, sinus congestion, tonsillitis, whopping cough, bronchitis, tracheaitis, and other respiratory ailments. It is highly recommended to provide soothing relief to the lungs and throat.
I know of no other herb so designed to heal in all of its qualities. Everything about Mullein is beneficial to the respiratory system and other ailments of the body. Mullein contains tannins which help shrink inflamed and swollen respiratory passages, thus allowing for easier breathing. Volatile oils and flavonoids are also active constituents in Mullein.
Mullein is also rich in mucilaginous substances, called polysaccharides, which protect mucous membranes and prevent them from absorbing toxins. This makes it very effective in providing soothing relief to the lungs and throat. The cooling, soothing properties of the mucilage lubricate tissues, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing.
As an antispasmodic, Mullein relaxes muscle spasms which help relieve chronic coughing and abdominal cramping. It also provides diuretic, analgesic (pain relieving), antiseptic, and antibacterial benefits. Such properties support Mullein’s use for treating allergies and hayfever, glandular swelling, hemorrhoids, inflammatory skin conditions, influenza, nephritis, ulcers, urinary tract infections, and even nervous tension and insomnia.
One popular property of Mullein is its narcotic property. It is termed a “natural wonder herb” because of this. What makes it wonderful as a narcotic is that it is not poisonous, habit forming and does not induce euphoria. However, it is its affinity and benefits to the respiratory organs that earned Mullein a permanent place in Herbology.
It has a calming effect on the nerves, making it effective in treating inflammatory conditions of the nervous and respiratory systems. That is why Mullein is so efficient in relieving coughs, cramps, spasms, and inducing sleep. It strengthens sinuses and allows for free breathing; it enables expectoration of excess mucus, and nourishes and strengthens the lungs.
Modern research concurs ancient historical uses of the herb to treat lymphatic congestion, and inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis-causing bacteria). It is also indicated as a sleep aid, a laxative, and to get rid of warts.
Mullein owes its medicinal power to the synergy of its saponins, mucilage, and tannins. For example, in improving respiratory health, its mucilage provides mucilaginous protection to mucous surfaces, the tannins inhibit absorption of allergens through mucous membranes; and saponins are responsible for expelling excess mucus produced to free up airways and enhance breathing.
Other uses of Mullein include external application to heal boils, burns, scalds, sores, wounds, itching, and rheumatic pains. In Germany, Mullein leaves and flowers are steeped in olive oil, and used for ear infections, earaches and to soothe hemorrhoids. Its fresh flowers are crushed and used to remove warts; tea from its leaves have been used for dropsy, sinusitis, and swollen joints. Hot Mullein tea is also applied to mumps, tumors, sore throat, and tonsillitis.
Mullein is very rich in iron, and is a good source of Vitamins A, B-complex, C, and D, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, silicon, and sulphur.
There are no known side effects of Mullein, but it is highly combustible. Native American tribes used it to make dyes and torches. I guess they noticed its dry leaves and stems make excellent tinder from smoking it! Or maybe it was the other way around: it ignited when exposed to the slightest spark, and so they decided it could be smoked for healing purposes! Whatever the case, the herb with the most aliases is also called “Great”.
Botanical name: Verbascum thapus
Description: A dicotyledonous plant growing up to 2 meters tall without branches. The tall pole-like stem is covered with filaments, and boasts a dense spike of bright yellow flowers. They become smaller higher up the stem, and less strongly decurrent toward the bottom. Flowers start at the bottom of the spike and progressing irregularly upward.
Properties: Analgesic, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, mucilant, vulnerary.
Origin: Native to Europe, Northern Africa and Asia.
Aliases: Bunny Ears, Jacob’s Staff, Flannel Flower, Velvet Leaf, Hig candlewick, Bullicks lungwort, Adams-rod, Feltwort, Hare’s-beard and Ice-leaf, Woolly, Velvet or Blanket Mullein, Beggar’s, Moses, Poor Man’s, Our Lady’s or Old Man’s Blanket, Shepherd’s Club or Staff, Aaron’s Rod.
Useful Parts: Leaves and flowers.
Uses: in the treatment of coughs, colds, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, lung disorders, tuberculosis, sinus congestion, ulcers, edema, eye and ear problems, pleurisy, emphysema, toothache, mumps, warts, wounds, etc.
Forms: Dried encapsulated leaves, poultice, extract.
Caution: Highly inflammable. Keep away from naked flame, and inflammable conditions.