Great mullein (Verbascum thapsus Scophulariaceae)

Other Names: Common Mullein, Velvet Mullein, Indian Rag Weed, Cowboy Toilet Paper, Ice-Leaf

This herbaceous biennial plant is widely cultivated in Egypt and Central and Southern Europe. Covered with yellowish hairs once used for candle wicks, it produces densely packed inflorescences of bright yellow flowers from May to September, often exceeding one meter in height. Its greenish-gray leaves are slightly hairy.

Parts for Use

Flowers

1. Flowers should be picked in full bloom and dried quickly to preserve effectiveness.
2. They are used to make preparations, decoctions, liquid or dry extracts, and pharmaceutical products.

Ingredients

The flower of the great mullein contains sugar, mucilage, flavonoids, iridoids, saponins, and yellow pigments.

Use in Treatment

The mucilage in great mullein reduces irritability, while saponins and flavonoids soothe inflammation. Saponins stimulate expectoration, making great mullein syrup effective for coughs and throat infections. Various preparations from this plant are used to soothe respiratory infections, such as asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, and flu symptoms. In addition to the already mentioned, soothing and anti-inflammatory effect of this plant has long been recognized as very effective in treating digestive disorders such as diarrhea, gastritis, intestinal catarrh and colon catarrh, and also helps to soothe gout. For external use, great mullein helps to heal cuts and stings, for purulent ulcers, and soothes skin irritation. An extract of olive oil and dried great mullein flowers is sometimes used to relieve pain in the ear and in hemorrhoids. Research has proven that great mullein has antiviral properties, and that it can help prevent the spread of cancer.

Cultivation

Great mullein is easy to grow from seed. Transplant it to a sunny spot in almost any well-drained soil.

Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Laryngitis, Tracheitis, Bronchitis, Diarrhea, Gastritis, Intestinal Catarrh, Colon Catarrh)

1. Infusion: Steep 1.5 to 2 grams in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, strain, and drink three cups daily.
2. Liquid Extract: Take 50 drops in a glass of water three to four times daily.
3. Dry Extract: Take 300 mg three to six times daily.
4. Syrup for Children: Take one teaspoon three times daily.

For External Use (Cuts, Ulcers, Skin Irritations)

1. Compress: Soak three teaspoons of dried herbs in 300 ml of cold water for half an hour, heat to boiling, strain, soak a cloth in the solution, and apply three times daily.

Warnings

1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
2. Do not use great mullein during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
3. No toxic properties or side effects have been reported, but consult a doctor before use.