Great Mullein is a member of the figwort family that is native to Eurasia and naturalized in North America and Australia. Because the plant is noted for its velvety leaves, it is often called Velvet Dock or Velvet Plant.
The herb is also known as Candlestick because the ancient Romans made a torch by dipping the long, flower stems in tallow and lighting them. The dried leaf is used to make tea and, in combination with other herbs and spices, is also used to make incense.
Mullein is often used to infuse in oil for use in soaps, salves, ointments and liniments. Use in teas, alone or with other herbs. Include the dried herb in incense blends.
Active Compounds: saponins, flavonoids, and phenylethanoid glycosides, also Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Benefits: Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat used traditionally as a remedy for the respiratory tract, including bronchitis. It is also a demulcent. Studies show that demulcents create a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over mucous membranes
Suggested Uses: Mullein is used for cough, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Other uses include asthma, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding, migraines, joint pain, and gout.
Harvesting: Mullein leaves are best harvested during the second year when the plant is growing a stalk. Harvest when the flowers are in bloom, jsually between july and september. The flowers can be used either fresh or dried.
Recipes: Mullein infusion is always good. Use 1/2 teaspoon powdered mullein root, and 1 cup of water. Add the root to the boiling water, reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Warnings: Don’t take large amounts or use this herb long-term. Mullein contains glycyrrhizin compounds. Some species of mullein may cause contact dermatitis. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid mullein tea.
| NAME OF HERB | Mellein Leaf |
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| BOTANICAL NAME | Verbascum thapsus |
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| PLANT PART USED | Flowers, leaves |
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| PROCESSING | cut & sifted |
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| ORIGIN | Eastern Europe |
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| COMMON NAMES | Velvet Dock, Velvet Plant, Great Mullein, velvet plant, white mullein, bullock's lungwort shepherd's club, hare's beard, cow's lungwort, candlestick |
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