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Mullein Herb (Leaf) - Uses And Side Effects
Mullein is also known as Verbascum thapsus. In the 19th century, people smoked mullein's roots or dried flowers to treat respiratory diseases and asthma symptoms-a practice borrowed from the Mohegan and Penobscot Indians. The unprocessed drug comes from the dried leaves and flowers of Verbascum thapsus, a tall biennial of the snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae). Native to Europe and Asia, the plant grows in the United States. You can spot it easily from its distinctive fuzzy leaves and yellow flower spikes.
Description
Probably everyone has seen Mullein. It is a pretty plant, particularly conspicuous along highways in the city. Mullein is quite tall. It generally grows to about four feet high, but plants of six feet and more are not uncommon.
Mullein is a biennial and in the first year produces a rosette of large, gray-green, feltlike leaves. The following year a tall, rigid stalk grows from the center of this rosette. This stalk (occasionally branched near the top) is clasped along its entire length by smaller leaves which actually merge with the stalk at their bases. The upper part of this stalk becomes the flower spike. As summer advances, it becomes covered with densely packed buds. In the Northeast, delicate yellow flowers open at random along this stalk from late June until September.
Mullein is an Old World plant. It was introduced from Europe, where it was for centuries an esteemed medicinal herb. The colonists planted it in their gardens; it has since escaped and become naturalized throughout the United States.
Common doses of mullein
Mullein comes as:
* dried leaf
* capsules (290 or 330 milligrams of leaf) . Flower oil (1 or 2 ounces)
* liquid extract (2 ounces).
Some experts recommend the following doses:
* As capsules, two 290-milligram capsules taken orally with two meals daily or as needed.
* As flower oil, 5 to 10 drops taken orally.
* As leaves, mix 1 cup of boiling water with 1 to 2 tea spoons of dried leaf. Let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink three times daily.
Uses of mullein
Mullein is a terrific narcotic herb that is not addictive or poisonous. It is used as a pain killer and to bring on sleep. It loosens mucous, making it useful for treating all lung ailments. It also strengthens the lymphatic system. Specifically, mullein may help to :-
* As an expectorant
* Asthma
* Bronchitis
* Cough
* Painful urination
* Skin inflammation
* To stimulate earwax production
Side effects of mullein
Call your health care practitioner if you experience these possible side effects of mullein:
* sedation
* skin inflammation
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.
Important points to remember
* Don't take this herb if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
* Don't give mullein to children.
What the research shows
Preliminary studies suggest certain mullein components may fight tumors and inflammation. However, more tests must be
done in people before medical experts will recommend the herb.
Other names for mullein : -
Other names for mullein include Aaron's rod, bunny's ears, candlewick, flannel-leaf, great mullein, and Jacob's-staff.
Products containing mullein are sold under such names as Mullein Flower Oil, Mullein Leaves, and Verbascum Complex.
Magical Herb. People who lack candles will burn its thick, dried flower stalks as an effective substitute. Some people keep a packet of MULLEIN LEAVES under the pillow to Prevent Nightmares. Others wear the leaves in their shoes or Bathe for 5 days in MULLEIN Tea to engender Courage and Drive Away Enemies and Wild Animals. MULLEIN LEAF Powder mixed with Graveyard Dirt also appears in a few old recipes for Goofer Dust. When burned with a mixture of Psychic Vision Incense and Commanding Incense and MULLEIN Smoke is said to be powerful in spells against Enemies. Some folks claim it will even assist in the summoning of Demonic Spirits.
Awesome, thanks for this! I love having mullein on hand during cold season. I make a tea out of mullein, thyme and licorice, and add some honey, when I have a sore throat or have a cold. Excellent stuff!
