All About Mullein

If you suffer from respiratory allergies, add a little dried mullein [ Verbascum Thapsus ] to the coffee maker when brewing your morning coffee. Both the coffee and mullein will work to open a wheezy airway, and help clear your lungs and bronchial tubes of phlegm. You may notice a slightly bitter taste to the coffee, but you can remedy this with a little honey or a teaspoon of flavored coffee creamer. In about 30 minutes, you’ll be breathing a lot easier, so the bitter taste is well worth it.

The well known 19th century herbalist William Coles fed his livestock mullein to guard against respiratory aliments. Coles also used mullein to treat boils and sores on horses, cattle and sheep. A compress soaked in dried mullein and apple cider vinegar can be applied several times each day. Or simply make an infusion of one cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup dried mullein. Place the vinegar and mullein in a glass jar with a lid and let it infuse for seven days. Strain out the herb, add the liquid to a spray bottle and apply it a boils, wounds and sores. It is safe to use on livestock and chickens.

Native Americans harvested the mullein leaves and cured them just like tobacco. Once the leaves were cured, they were smoked in a pipe to cure respiratory illness, such as consumption. This is not recommended by modern herbalists. The Navajo used mullein to cure fever and infection from childbirth. The Hopi thought it cured insanity [ very doubtful ] and the Iroquois used it to cure hiccups.

Mullein grows to an impressive height of 6 feet and is topped with spiky yellow flowers. Grow mullein next to a fence for support or stake the plants to prevent them from toppling over. Leaves are at their best during the first year of growth. Grow the plants in full sun and dry soil.

The word mullein is derived from the Latin word “mollis” which means soft. Mullein is also known as Witch Taper, Candlestick, Jupiter’s staff, or Velvet dock. The golden flowers were often burned as torches, or tossed upon the bonfire at Midsummer’s Eve to ward away evil.

 

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always buy mullein from GNC or a reputable health food store.

– Blessed Be

~ Meadow Walker