Mullein Plant

Mullein plant is the common name for around 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the genus Verbascum in the family Scrophulariaceae. These plants are natives to Europe and some Asian regions and are often found as weeds in barren lands and roadsides. The common mullein plant or Verbascum thapsus is the most popular among them. This plant has been used by humans for a very long time, especially, as a herbal remedy for a host of ailments. It is the leaves and flowers of this plants, that are mainly used for therapeutic purposes.

More About Mullein

As mentioned above, the common mullein plant or Verbascum thapsus is found as weeds in open areas like roadsides and barren fields. It is a pioneer plant, as it is one among the first plants to grow in places, which are burned or disturbed otherwise. Being biennial, this plant lives for two years and dies after the flowering season. During the first year of its life, the plant consists of a rosette of large, soft and hairy leaves, that are bluish-green in color. The leaves will be around 12 inches in length and five inches in width.

During the second year, the plant develops a tall flower stalk, which in turn develops yellow flowers with five petals. The flowering season is between June to September. Each plant produces seeds in large numbers and it will be around 100,000 seeds in a year. It is said that the seeds of mullein plant can survive adverse conditions and can wait for a long time before germination. As the plant does not grow in shady areas, the seeds will not germinate, until the plants that grow around them die or get removed.

Medicinal Uses

Mullein plant is one of those herbs, that have been used by humans throughout the centuries, for its medicinal properties. It is said that the ancient Greeks were the ones, who have the credit of recognizing some of the medicinal properties of the mullein plant, especially, its effectiveness in curing some lung diseases. The leaves and flowers of the plant are most valued for therapeutic uses. Mullein tea and infusions are said to be good for getting relief from dry cough, bronchitis, other respiratory problems and sore throat. It is also said to be effective in treating diarrhea and even hemorrhoids.

Native Americans used to smoke the dried leaves of mullein plant, as a herbal remedy for diseases of the respiratory system. Mullein leaf poultices were used for treating minor rashes, burns and swelling. An infusion of mullein leaves and flowers (made in oil) was used for relief from earache. These leaves are said to be a good immune system booster and also as a remedy for fluid retention. In some regions, mullein plant is used to treat cystitis and irritable bladder. Even today, this plant is used as a herbal remedy in many places and it is one of the active ingredients in some commercial preparations meant for treating asthma and other chest complaints.

Apart from the above mentioned ones, mullein plant is used for various other purposes. The flowers are used for dye-making, seeds are used as piscicides (substances that are poisonous for fish), candlewicks are made from dried leaves and the dried stems are used as torches. This plant was also believed to be beneficial in warding off evil spirits. Even though, it is a safe herb, it may cause some side effects like inflammation, hives or rashes on the skin, breathing problems, chest pain or tightness in the chest and tiredness. So, it is always better to seek the opinion of a qualified herbal practitioner, before using this herb. It is also recommended that small kids and pregnant and nursing women must avoid this herb.