Herbal Treatments – Mullein Information & Recipes

Photo from Sew 18th Century

Like everyone else I have seen mullein (Verbascum thapsus) otherwise known as the candle flower growing along side the roadways and simply assumed it was a rather pretty but worthless weed. I was wrong! I am amazed by the uses for this plant!

Mullein is best known among herbal practitioners for its healing effects on the respiratory system. But it is also ingested for treatment of flu symptoms, whooping cough,  hoarseness,  staph infections, asthma, allergies, tonsillitis, coughs, sore throats. and cold symptoms . Made into a topical solution its used to treat hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, frostbite, and gout and when infused into an oil for ear infections Very useful information  if or when a time comes when traditional medical care may not be available.

Use caution when harvesting mullein plants growing along side parking lots etc.. the plant can absorb the toxins emitted by vehicles. Always look for plants with the straighter stems. Mullein stems tend to lean or be misshapen when in contaminated soil. Especially when ingesting insure you strain well to remove any of the fuzz found on the leaves because these little hairs cause throat irritation.  Leaves are at their best when on a young plant, after the flower stock develops or the plant grows to over a foot tall they loose a great deal of their benefit.

Native American mullein tea

• 4-5 young mullein leaves
• Enough water for the leaves to remain covered while boiling
• 1/8 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

Place leaves and water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Take off the heat and let sit and steep while it cools. Strain well through a very fine cloth or even a coffee filter to remove those fuzzy hairs from the liquid. Stir in the milk and add the sweetener. Sip slowly while warm to sooth the throat.

Mixed herb tea expectorant

• 1 1/2 ounces mullein leaves
• 1/2 ounce licorice root
• 1 ounce calendula flowers
• 3/4 ounce marsh-mallow root or leaves

Place ingredients and water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Take off the heat and let sit and steep while it cools.  Strain well through a very fine cloth or even a coffee filter to remove those fuzzy hairs from the liquid, Sip slowly while warm.

Medicinal Mullein tea

• 1 1/2 ounces mullein leaves
• 1 ounce elderberries
• 1 ounce plantain

Place ingredients and water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Take off the heat and let sit and steep while it cools. Strain well through a very fine cloth or even a coffee filter to remove those fuzzy hairs from the liquid, Sip slowly while warm.

Mullein tincture

• 1 ounce mullein leaves
• 4 ounces of vodka or other clear alcohol

Break up the leaves in a jar or other clear sealable container. Cover with the alcohol and place in a cupboard for at least 2 weeks shaking the jar every couple of days but insuring that the alcohol continues to cover the leaves. After 2 weeks strain well and transfer to a small bottle or jar preferably one with an eye dropper lid. Add a few drops to juice or other flavored beverage to drink a couple of times a day. Not recommended for children.

Mullein ear oil

• a little over a 1/4 cup mullein flowers – crushed
• 2-3 good sized garlic cloves – minced
• olive oil

Combine crushed mullein flowers with the minced garlic in a clear jar or other clear sealable container. cover with olive oil  but don’t seal jar,,,cover with a cheese cloth. Let the jar sit in a sunny window for at least 72 hours. Remove the cheese cloth and use it to strain the oil. Seal the oil in the jar and keep chilled until needed. To use, heat the oil to just above room temp. you can use the wrist test to insure it is not hot enough to burn the ear cannel. Put 2 to 3 drops in the effected ear(s) a couple of times a day. Do not use if their is any evidence of a punctured ear drum.

 Mullein bath

• 1 quart water
• 4 tablespoons crushed dried mullein flowers (double if using fresh)

Heat leaves in water until boiling. Allow to steep and cool. When cool strain well and poor the liquid into an appropriate container to soak afflicted body part or to use as a stiz bath.

Mullein compress

• 1 -2 cups water
• 1-2 tablespoons crushed and dried mullein flowers or 1/2 cup fresh torn flowers

Heat flowers in water until boiling. Allow to steep and strain. Soak a clean dry towel or cloth in the tea. Wring out the excess liquid from the cloth and cover the afflicted area. Recover the wet cloth with a water proof cover like plastic wrap and leave until completely cooled.

As of this time there are no indications of any toxicities or adverse side effects associated with its use. However, it is never ever a good idea to take any herbal remedy while pregnant or breast feeding. There just are not enough studies to verify its safety in infants. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve it is advised you seek professional medical care and we always recommend you speak with your doctor prior to using any natural treatment or remedy.

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