|
|
| (Verbascum
thapsus) |
| Common names: Aaron's
Rod, Blanket Leaf, Bunny's Ears, Candlewick, Clot, Cow's Lungwort,
Doffle, Feltwort, Flannel Flower, Flannelleaf, Graveyard Dust, Great
Mullein, Hag's Tapers, Hedge-taper, Jacob's Staff, Jupiter's Staff,
Lady's Foxglove, Moth Mullein, Mullein Dock, Old Man's Flannel, Old
Man Fennel, Shepherd's Club, Torches, Velvetback, Velvet Dock, Velvet
Leaf, Velvet Plant, Verbascum Flowers, White Mullein, Woolen Blanket. |
|
| Parts
Used: Leaves, Flowers, Root. |
Methods
Used: Water extraction, inhalation, smoke, poultice |
|
Spiritual
Uses: In Europe, this plant is believed to drive away evil
spirits. Folklore relates that a torch of Mullein (stripped of its
leaves and dipped in tallow) could repel witches (or the devil)
while a leaf stuffed into a shoe could insure conception.
|
Physical
Uses: Mullein is native to Europe and Asia and is naturalized
in North America from the Atlantic to Kansas.
The leaf tea is used
as a remedy for hoarseness, coughs, and bronchitis.
The flower tea can relieve
pain and encourage sleep. Historically, if it is applied externally,
it can help to resolve painful skin conditions and hemorrhoids..
Add a handful of dried
flowers to recently boiled water and inhale the vapors to treat
nasal and sinus congestion.
Dried leaves were smoked
by Native Americans to relieve lung congestion and asthma. Mullein
cigarettes have been used to help a person stop smoking tobacco.
This herb is also used
to relieve gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea.
A poultice of leaves
(or powdered leaves) can help to heal stubborn wounds and sores.
Oil from the flowers
is reputed to ease earaches. |
| |
|
|
|
