Mullein as an Herb

(Verbascum spp.)

The Great Mullein is a widely distributed plant, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas, as well as in North America as a naturalized weed in the eastern States.

'Torches' is another name for the plant. The name 'Clown's Lung Wort refers to its use as a homely remedy. 'Ag-Leaf' and 'Ag-Paper' are other names for it. 'Wild Ice Leaf' perhaps refers to the white look of the leaves. Few English plants have so many local names.

The down on the leaves and stem makes excellent tinder when quite dry, readily igniting on the slightest spark, and was, before the introduction of cotton, used for lamp wicks, hence another of the old names: 'Candlewick Plant.' An old superstition existed that witches in their incantations used lamps and candles provided with wicks of this sort, and another of the plant's many names, 'Hag's Taper', refers to this.

Medicinal Uses for Mullein

In ancient times, a decoction of its roots was used for toothaches, and also good for cramps and convulsions, and an early morning draught of the distilled water of the flowers was said to be good for gout.

Mullein juice and powder made from the dried roots rubbed on rough warts was said to quickly remove them, though it was not recommended for smooth warts. A poultice made of the seeds and leaves, boiled in hot wine, was also considered an excellent means to 'draw forth speedily thorns or splinters gotten into the flesh.' We also hear of the woolly leaves being worn in the stockings to promote circulation and keep the feet warm.

Mullein is a terrific narcotic herb that is not addictive or poisonous. It is used as a pain killer and to bring on sleep. It loosens mucous, making it useful for treating all lung ailments. It also strengthens the lymphatic system.

Mullein is given in the form of an infusion: 1 ounce of dried, or the corresponding quantity of fresh leaves being boiled for 10 minutes in a pint of milk, and when strained and given warm, three times daily, with or without sugar. The taste of the decoction is bland and cordial, and creates a pleasant emollient and nutritious medicine for a cough, or for removing the pain and irritation of hemorrhoids. A plain infusion of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water can also be made and taken in wineglassful doses frequently.

An infusion has been used as eyewash and as gargle.

Mullein is said to be of much help for diarrhea, from its combination of demulcent with astringent properties, with this combination strengthening the bowels at the same time. In diarrhea the ordinary infusion is generally given, but when any bleeding of the bowels is present, the decoction prepared with milk is recommended.

In most parts of Ireland, besides growing wild, Mullein is carefully cultivated in gardens, because of a steady demand for the plant by sufferers from pulmonary consumption.

Fresh Mullein leaves are used for the purpose of making a homoeopathic tincture. The leaves are nearly free of odor and have a bitterish taste.

The dried leaves are sometimes smoked in an ordinary tobacco pipe to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and will completely control, it is said, the hacking cough of consumption. They can be employed with equal benefit when made into cigarettes for asthma and spasmodic coughs in general.

Cautions

Leaf hairs are irritating; always strain well through fine muslin before using.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.