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| Verbascum thapsus Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Common names: Torches, Aaron's
Rod, Shepard's Staff, Begger's Stalk, Bullocks Lungwort, Flannel
Leaf, Bunny's Ears. Originally a native of Europe, Mullein can now be seen along the highways and byways in temperate areas around the world. It self sows easily and thrives in open sunny places. Mullein is a striking plant and, although not common in flower gardens, could be a welcome addition. During its first growing season, a rosette of large, pale green leaves forms close to the ground. In its second year, a tall stalk rises, measuring four to eight feet, with new leaves, smaller and smoother, forming on alternate sides up the stalk. The top foot of the stalk supports many small five-petaled yellow flowers which bloom between June and September. Mullein Flower Oil is a specific for earaches and swollen glands. Mullein is well-known as a medicinal herb which
has been used for centuries. The Greek physician, Dioscorides, mentioned
the benefits of Mullein for "old coughs." Since Mullein
has a special affinity for respiratory organs, it is valuable for
all pulmonary complaints. Many of the Indian tribes of the United
States smoked the dried leaves to relieve asthma, bronchial troubles,
and coughs. In Appalachia, the leaves are still smoked today. Mullein is usually administered as an infusion, either orally, as a wash for skin problems, or as a fomentation. It can also be made into a soothing, healing ointment. Dr. John Christopher (1909-1983), a famous Master Herbalist and Naturopathic doctor, considered Mullein extremely valuable and used it in many of his formulas. The Mighty Mullein, a most versatile plant, deserves its place in the herb garden. Cultivation and Harvest Mullein is easy to grow in the garden. The seeds, which are small and will germinate in approximately ten days, need to be sown on the surface of roughed up soil and then compacted. Seedlings can be thinned or transplanted. One foot should be left between plants. Occasional water may be needed when the plants are young. Otherwise they can tolerate poor soil and hot sun. Mullein is biennial and will flower and self sow during the second year. Harvesting herbs is a pleasant task. On a sunny morning after the dew has dried, pick the leaves. The usual rule of the harvest is to pick the leaves just before the plant flowers. However, since Mullein does not flower until the second year, the leaves can be picked anytime during the first year. To protect the plant, never pick more than one-third of the leaves. To dry Mullein leaves, spread them in a single layer on cookie racks or screens, which allow the air to circulate freely. If dust is a problem, cover with cheese cloth. Mullein leaves are large and hairy and will take several days to dry. When the leaves crumble easily, they should be placed loosely in an air-tight container and stored in a cool dry place. If using a glass bottle, store out of the light. For a growing guide and catalog, write to Horizon
Herbs, P.O. Box 69, Williams, Oregon 97544 or call (541) 846-6704
or e-mail: herbseed@chatlink.com Data, Etc. Mullein has a long folk history but not a great deal of scientific data has been collected. However, The Complete German Commision E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicine approves Mullein flower as a drug (Verbascum densiflorum Bertoloni and/or of V. phlomoides L. (syn. V. thapsus L.) (Fam. Scrophulariaceae). They contain saponins and mucopolysaccharides. This text provides information on the chemistry, pharmacology, safety, references, etc. for 100 herbs. What a powerhouse of nutrition! Statistical data compiled on 93 herbs shows that Mullein (leaf) is the third highest plant in the nutrient iron at 23.6 mg. (calculated on a zero moisture basis per 100 gm). It is also high in calcium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, silicon, sodium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Source: Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen. Therapeutic actions are many: demulcent, emollient, pectoral, nutritive, antiseptic, anodyne, anticatarrhal, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, and vulnerary, to name a few. For detailed information about the description, history, cultivation, medicinal uses and chemical constituents of herbs, A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve is a fascinating reference. Although it was published in 1931, it is still pertinent today. Bibliography Blumenthal, Mark, Senior Editor. The Complete German Commission & Monographs Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998. Cech, Richard A. Horizon Herbs: Growing Guide & Catalog. Williams, Oregon: 2000. Christopher, John R. School of Natural Healing. Springville, Utah: Christopher Publications, 1996. Gileadi, Cathy, David Christopher, and Dean Morris. The School of Natural Healing 100 Herb Syllabus. Springville, Utah: Christopher Publications, 1996 Gladstar, Rosemary. The Science and Art of Herbology. E. Barr, VT: Sage. Nuzzi St. Claire, Debra. Herbal Preparations and Natural Therapies. Boulder, Colorado: Morning Star Publications, 1994. Pedersen, Mark. Nutritional Herbology. Warsaw, IN: Wendall W. Whitman Co, 1987. Phillips, Roger, and Nicky Foy. The Random House Book of Herbs. New York: Random House, Inc. 1990. |
Mullein
