Mullein is one of my favorite wayside weeds. It is a stately plant, sending its flowering stalk sometimes several feet into the sky. That stalk is full of beautiful, fragrant yellow flowers that make absolutely the best oil for ear infections.                                 Rosemary Gladstar, Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality

 

Common Name:      mullein, torches, velvet plant, shepherd's staff, old man's flannel

Botanical  Name:     Verbascum thapsus 

Parts Used:               leaves and flowers

 

Like many of the herbs on this 20 Herbs to Love list, mullein has a multitude of strengths. In addition to its nervine and gentle astringent qualities, which make it an excellent treatment for any type of ear complaint (simply put a few drops of mullein oil directly in the ear overnight), it's probably the number one herb for supporting lung function, and relieving infections and irritations in the respiratory system. An infusion combining mullein with yerba santa, wild cherry bark, licorice and comfrey will clear lung congestion or infection, and even the hard cough and pain associated with bronchitis.

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Mullein is a demulcent, which means that it will soothe and relieve irritated respiratory passages, and help to strengthen the mucosal layers that keep the respiratory system healthy. This makes it very helpful for smokers or recovering smokers. It can be smoked, alone or with yerba santa and coltsfoot, as a tobacco substitute, as it gives the calming effects of nicotine without the addictive qualities, and can be a great help in quitting smoking. It has even been helpful in treating asthma, though some asthma patients receive relief and some do not, and it is a mystery as to why. The more often-prescribed herb for asthma is nettles.

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Amazingly, mullein is also helpful to the stomach and eliminatory organs, and makes a great treatment for stomach upsets, diarrhea, and even yeast infections (see below). For stomach ailments of any kind, make an infusion by pouring one cup of boiling water on to 1-2 teaspoons of the dried leaves or flowers, and let steep 10-15 minutes. Drink three times per day.

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Mullein is also an anodyne and vulnerary, so it may be combined with olive oil and used externally to soothe and heal any inflamed surface.

       

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

Mullein makes a great addition to this anti-yeast tea that you may take for a natural treatment for any yeast  overgrowth, including vaginal yeast infections (along with dietary changes, of course).

       

Anti-Yeast Tea (from Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal)

       

This tea is quite bitter so you might wish to mix it with a small amount of local raw honey.

     

 2 parts mullein

 2 parts raspberry leaf 

 2 parts sage

 1/4 part pau d'arco root

       

Combine all ingredients. Use 4-6 T of the herb mixture per quart of water Add the herbs to cold water and bring to simmer keeping the pot covered. Remove from heat immediately and let steep 20 minutes. Strain. Each day, drink 3 cups of tea between meals or 30 minutes before eating.

       

Contraindications, if any: None known.