Mullein Uses

Mullein is a genus of the figwort family Scrophulariaceae, that includes about 250 distinct plant species. Native to Europe and Asia, mulleins are now found in many parts of the world. It can easily adapt to various environmental conditions and grows on barren lands or waste grounds, more likely on gravel and sand. Verbascum thapsus, is the most popular species of genus mullein and is used by humans for a variety of purposes.

Medicinal Uses of Mullein
The common mullein plant is found as weeds in open areas such as neglected pastures, industrial areas and roadsides. This plant is characterized by silver gray leaves and tall flower spikes. The entire plant is covered with fine hair, that give it a soft velvety texture. Mullein has been used as an alternative medicine for a number of health conditions, throughout the world. Coumarin and hesperidin are the two main constituents of mullein that have healing abilities.

• This herb is effective in treating disorders of the respiratory tract such as bronchitis and tracheitis.
• It has been used for centuries to treat coughs and congestions. The leaf extract is used as an expectorant for promoting the discharge of mucus and as demulcent to sooth the irritated mucous membranes.
• Mullein has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation and stimulating fluid production in the mucus cells. It serves as a perfect remedy for dry coughs in conditions like asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough and tuberculosis.
• It is used to treat several urinary tract and bladder irritations and infections.
• The entire plant possesses sedative and narcotic properties.
• Mullein tea made from the flowers and leaf extract is a strong and soothing sedative and is effective against several conditions such as migraines, sore throat, chest pain, colds, coughs and kidney infections.
• Consuming fresh leaves boiled in milk, works great for tuberculosis. This mixture of leaves and milk can also be applied as a poultice to cure boils, hemorrhoids, carbuncles, chilblains and skin ulcers.
• Mullein leaf extract helps in treating problems like painful urination and constipation.
• The oil obtained from the plant is very effective against several harmful infections and diseases.
• An infusion of mullein flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, gum and mouth ulcers, piles and other mucous membrane inflammations, because of its anti-bacterial properties.
• A decoction made from the roots of the plant is used to alleviate toothaches and also to relieve cramps and convulsions.
• An infusion of the mullein herb, if taken internally, helps in the treatment of chest pains, diarrhea and bleeding of the lungs and bowels.
• A poultice made from leaves is used for treating minor burns, rashes, swellings and sunburns.

Other Uses of Mullein

• Mullein leaves contain a compound called rotenone, which is commonly used as an insecticide.
• Dried leaves are highly flammable and can be used to make wicks of candles.
• Mullein flowers are boiled in water to make a yellow dye. A permanent green dye is produced when dilute sulfuric acid is used.
• The seeds of the plants are used as piscicides (substances that are poisonous for fish).

Mullein is considered safe for use, however, it may have some minor side effects, especially when taken in large doses.