Mullein Herb

There are a number of herbs which are used to treat health disorders in an effective manner. One such medicinal plant is the mullein herb, whose botanical name is Verbascum thapsus. This herbal plant is also known by its other names like candlewick plant, lungwort, Aaron's rod and flannel plant. Originally from the continent of Europe, where it grows in abundance, mullein is also found in other parts of the world. Though bitter in taste, mullein is used because of its innumerable medicinal properties. The leaves and flower petals of the mullein plant are used in smoked or dried form.

A Brief Overview on Mullein Herb

Mullein herb is a biennial plant which grows up to 1.5 to 2 meters. Though it mistaken for a weed, the plant is of medicinal value and used as a herbal remedy. The leaves of this plant are grayish green in color and large that approximately measure up to 50 cm. A single stem of the plant produces yellow colored flowers. There is a layer of star shaped trichomes on the leaves and stem of the plant, due to which the plant appears to be glossy. The mullein leaves and flowers are dried and used as an alternative medicine to treat a number of infections and diseases. This herbal remedy is available in the form of capsules, liquid extract, dried leaf powder and flower oil. This herb is considered to be one of the best medicinal remedy to treat a number of infancy and childhood maladies.

Mullein Herb Uses

There are a number of uses of this herb, when it comes to treating health disorders, owing to its therapeutic nature. Children can also be given this remedy for cold, cough and other common childhood illnesses.

• Mullein herb is mainly used to treat coughs, sore throat, ailments of the lungs and other infections of the respiratory system. Since it is antibiotic in nature, it fights against bacterial growth and stimulates the mucous membrane to produce more mucus.
• An infusion made out of dried roots or leaves acts as an expectorant to relieve dry cough and whooping cough etc. It triggers the production of mucilage along the inner lining of the respiratory tract.
• The oil extracted from mullein leaf is applied topically to treat skin infections, burns, frostbite and wounds etc. It also soothes the burning sensation caused due to inflammation of the skin.
• Drinking herbal tea made out of this herb concoction helps in treating diarrhea, bleeding bowels and other ailments of the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare this tea, simmer two tablespoons of dried leaves and flowers in boiling water. Once the tea has infused, mix a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for flavor.
• Mullein leaf extract is instrumental in treating asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. It also relieves the signs of constipation and painful urination.
• Earaches, toothaches, oral ulcers, inflammation of the mucous membrane etc. are effectively treated using mullein and its extracts. The flowers are infused in olive oil and this mixtures is used as a remedy for pain.
• Mullein herb and its extracts is also popular as a painkiller because of its narcotic and sedative properties. Chest pain, kidney infections, hemorrhoids are a few other disorders that are treated with the help of this medicinal plant.

In spite of no known side effects, diabetics, pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid taking any form of this herb. However, before taking any herbal medicine, consult a herbalist or a health care provider to avoid any unnecessary allergic reactions or complications.