Organic Mullein Flowers - Whole (Verbascum thapsus)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Mullein Flowers (Verbascum thapsus)

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Common Names: Great Mullein, Common Mullein, Velvet Plant, Aaron's Rod

Botanical Description: Mullein is a biennial herb that can grow up to 6-10 feet tall. In its first year, the plant forms a basal rosette of large, soft, woolly leaves. In the second year, it sends up a tall, erect flowering stalk covered with densely packed yellow flowers. The flowers are small, with five petals, and are typically about 1 inch in diameter. The entire plant is covered in fine, velvety hairs, giving it a soft, fuzzy texture.

Habitat and Cultivation: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, mullein is now found throughout temperate regions worldwide. It thrives in poor, dry soils and is commonly seen in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Mullein prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is often considered a weed in some regions due to its ability to spread quickly.

Parts Used: Flowers, leaves (occasionally the root)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Mullein has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially for respiratory issues. The leaves and flowers were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a remedy for coughs, colds, and lung conditions. Mullein was also valued in Europe for its ability to soothe and protect the skin. In folklore, mullein was often associated with protection and was believed to ward off evil spirits. The tall, straight stalks were sometimes used as makeshift torches by dipping them in tallow or wax, which led to the plant being nicknamed "candlewick plant."

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Warming, moistening
• Taste: Mild, slightly sweet, mucilaginous

Medicinal Actions:

• Expectorant: Helps to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Demulcent: Soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes, particularly in the respiratory system.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, especially in the lungs and throat.
• Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle spasms, particularly in the respiratory and digestive systems.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacterial and viral infections, particularly in the respiratory system.
• Analgesic: Provides mild pain relief, especially for earaches and sore throats.

System Affinities:

• Respiratory System: Mullein is most commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Its expectorant and demulcent properties help to soothe the lungs, reduce inflammation, and expel mucus.
• Skin: Mullein flowers are sometimes used in topical preparations to treat skin conditions like wounds, burns, and rashes. The flowers' anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make them effective in reducing irritation and promoting healing.
• Ears: Mullein flowers are traditionally used to make mullein oil, which is applied to the ears to relieve pain and treat ear infections. The oil helps to reduce inflammation and fight infection in the ear.

Active Compounds:

• Saponins: Compounds with expectorant properties that help to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
• Mucilage: A gel-like substance that soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes, contributing to the demulcent properties of mullein.
• Iridoids: Anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory and digestive systems.
• Volatile Oils: These contribute to mullein’s antimicrobial properties, making it effective in fighting infections.

Uses:

1. Respiratory Health: Mullein flowers are commonly used in teas, tinctures, and syrups to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. They help to soothe the lungs, reduce inflammation, and expel mucus.
2. Earaches and Ear Infections: Mullein flower oil is a traditional remedy for earaches and ear infections. The oil is warmed and applied to the affected ear to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Skin Care: The flowers can be used in poultices, infused oils, or creams to treat skin conditions like wounds, burns, and rashes. Mullein's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties help to reduce irritation and promote healing.
4. Sore Throats: Mullein flower tea or tincture is often used to soothe sore throats and reduce throat inflammation. Its demulcent properties help to coat and protect the mucous membranes.
5. Digestive Support: Mullein’s mild anti-inflammatory and demulcent effects can also be used to soothe the digestive tract, particularly in cases of irritation or mild inflammation.

Cautions:

• Allergies: Individuals with allergies to plants in the Scrophulariaceae family (such as foxglove) should use mullein with caution, as allergic reactions are possible.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Mullein is generally considered safe, but it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, particularly in medicinal amounts.
• Potential Skin Irritation: The tiny hairs on mullein leaves can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially when handling the fresh plant. It is recommended to strain mullein tea or tinctures well to remove any residual hairs.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects of mullein flowers, supporting their traditional use in treating respiratory conditions .
2. Research in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of mullein, particularly against respiratory pathogens, validating its use in treating infections .
3. Another study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies explored the effectiveness of mullein flower oil in treating ear infections, confirming its traditional use as an earache remedy.