Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) also known as great mullein.
Mullein is known by many names reflecting the numerous medicinal and practical uses people have found for this very beneficial herb through the years.In Ireland mullein was widely cultivated as a remedy for tuberculosis.
The flowers,leaves,and root of mullein have been used as healing remedies for centuries. The plant contains mucilage,triterpene saponins,volatile oil,flavonoids,and bitter glycosides.
Researches have confirmed the antiinflammatory action. Mullein tea,made from the flowers and leaf, is a beneficial remedy for bronchitis, tonsillitis, dry coughs, and hoarseness. The flowers have bactericidal and sedative properties and are generally considered more medicinally potent than the leaves. Their bactericidal activity was confirmed by researchers at Clemson Uni,who reported in 2002 that mullein extracts are very effective against several species of disease bacteria,including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli,and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Cover flowers in olive oil in a glass container with a lid and set aside on a sunny windowsill to steep for seven to 10 days. Strain before storing in dark glass bottles. Infusion: Place 2 oz of finely cut fresh mullein leaf and blossom in a warmed glass container.
Bring 2.5 cups of fresh, nonchlorinated water to the boiling point, add it to the herbs. Cover Infuse the tea for about 10 minutes. Strain carefully, as mullein’s fine hairs are an irritant. The blossoms are sweeter to the taste than the leaf. The prepared tea will store for about two days in the refrigerator. Drink three cups a day.
Using fresh blossoms and leaves, prepare a strong infusion. Combine the infusion with a 50/50 mixture of honey and brown sugar. Use 24 oz of sweetener for each 2.5 cups of the herbal infusion. Heat mixture in a glass or enamel pot; stir frequently as the mixture thickens. Cool and pour into a clearly labeled glass bottles. Refrigerate for storage. Take 1 tsp of syrup three times a day, or every two hours if needed for chronic coughs.
The seeds of some species of this plant are considered toxic. They have been used to intoxicate fish to make them easier to catch. Even though mullein is safe to use by itself, it is sometimes mixed with such other herbs as comfrey, echinacea, Irish moss, yarrow, garlic, or ginseng in a variety of commercial herbal preparations.