Mullein

 

Mullein flowers

Great Mullein, verbascum thapsus, is a multi-purpose, hardy, self-seeding biennial medicinal plant that is strikingly handsome in the garden. The tall stalks of yellow flowers are famous for treating ear infections; the broad, soft leaves can be dried and made into a tea for asthma and colds; it is sometimes called the 'Appalachian toilet paper plant' because of the frequent use of its leaves for that purpose.

1st year mullein in winter

It's a wonderfully common plant which has naturalized across America in disturbed areas (along highways and driveways, abandoned fields and in pastures).  It is becoming an increasingly popular gardening plant, thanks to its hardiness, ease of planting, striking appearance and medicinal uses. The whole plant, including the leaves and roots but especially the flowers, is astringent and antibacterial. Antimicrobial activity has been observed in some studies but not in others, so broader application against viruses is disputed, but antibacterial properties against gram-positive bacteria and yeasts have been confirmed.

Mullein flower stalks are remarkably tall and remain in bloom for weeks at a time.

Mullein is also very soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it a good, gentle choice for anyone with sensitive skin. To make an infused oil, gather the leaves, roots and/or flowers in summer and dry them well, then crumble them for infusion.  To make a tea for respiratory complaints, use just the leaves, dried and crumbled.  Be careful to strain the tea very well with a fine mesh; the tiny hairs on the surface of the leaves can be irritating if ingested.

For gardeners who struggle to keep plants alive thanks to the ravages of deer, mullein is a great deer-proof choice.  Even hungry goats do not bother the leaves of mullein much, making this a hardy garden favorite in deer-prone areas.

To order seed, email us at mosbysfarm@gmail.com

Safety Note

Be cautious when using any medicinal plants.  All plants are subject to variability in cultivar, age, growing location, soil, climate, stress, fertilization, etc.  Thus, dosage with any herb or medicinal plant is never precise, as it is with isolated chemicals, and caution is required with any supplementation or therapeutic use of plant-derived medicines.  Please consult with a trained professional if relying upon herbal remedies, and always remember to inform your primary care physician if you use plant-based supplements or medicines.  There can be interactions with prescribed medications, as well as allergic reactions.  When first using any medicinal plant, start small and observe caution; be alert for signs of negative reaction and discontinue if side effects arise, until you can discuss your concerns with a trained herbalist.  Natural remedies are still chemicals!  Use common sense and be safe.