Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) // Meet your Herbal Ally

Mullein (Verbascum thaspus)

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) Family

See her towering spike dotted with little yellow flowers. Touch her soft, long, grey-green leaves, artfully arranged in a downy-soft rosette. You can find her in disturbed soils – roadsides, parking lots , abandoned lots, river banks, lakesides. Open your eyes – she is there. She is Mullein.

A nourishing herb, mullein strengthens, restores, and protects our respiratory system. Lauded in  herbal lore as an excellent lung herb, turn to her when you need a safe protector for your precious breath.

Nasty cough? Use Mullein.

Upper Respiratory infection? Use Mullein.

Difficulty breathing due to asthmatic tendencies, pneumonia, croup, or bronchitis? Use Mullein.

Exposure to smoke or other environmental pollutants? Use Mullein.

Bleeding in the gums, nose, lungs, bowels? Use Mullein.

Endlessly congested from allergies or hay fever? Use Mullein.

Have a child with diarrhea? Use Mullein.

Ear infection? Use Mullein.

Body experiencing stress and dryness from altitude? Use Mullein.

Outdoors and need a natural toilet paper? Use Mullein. (Seriously!)

Her uses are endless. Effective as a tea, a tincture, poultice, or emergency band-aid. One day while working on the farm, I sliced my finger with a harvest knife. I chewed some yarrow, applied it to the wound to stop the bleeding, wrapped the whole thing in mullein and tied it in place with a string. Pure magic. Put her flowers in oil for an ear infections or diaper rash. Simmer fresh mullein leaves in milk to try an Irish folk remedy that will deeply soothe your body on a chilly, cold night. I spent a freezing winter in the mountains of Colorado, and we did this often. We felt less afraid of the winter, less stressed by the elements, and our breath came easier. Two winters ago I got a horrible flu at high altitude that had me gasping and overwhelmed with the mucus load. Copious amounts of mullein tincture helped me get through the night.

She is gentle, use her on children or the elderly. She is not anti-infective, but is an excellent restorative companion for anyone using anti-biotic drugs for pneumonia or related upper respiratory infections. If you have been exposed to wildfire smoke – use her everyday to strengthen and help your lungs cope with the stress. Place her in your home to remind you how to stand tall and strong and breathe long and deep. When you see her, stop for a few minutes and just breathe with her. What will she say to you?  

In love,

Susan Marie

Like this article? Subscribe below!

.....

This article is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided here should not replace the advice of a licensed medical professional of your choice. Any effects of herbs or foods used by the reader are their responsibility entirely. Use your own discretion and do your research.