Mullein Leaves\/Flowers – Verbascum thapsus (a herbal materia medica)

Parts used: Spike and leaves (harvest one whole spike and 1 basal leaf)

Mullein is a biennial plant that can grow upwards of 3 metres, with 2 being the average. In it’s first year of growth the leaves form a rosette of fuzzy leaves. While the leaves and stalks are actually green, the thick growth of fine hairs on both give the plant an almost grey/silver-like colour. The leaves are large and range from 6-8 inches in length. In it’s second year the plant will grow very tall stem grows from the centre of that rosette. On plants that are flowering the leaves are arranged in an alternating pattern up the stem with the leaves getting progressively smaller as they move up the stalk. The spike (or stem) is also home to densely packed yellow flowers with five petals. The flowers tend to take up about half the stalk. The flowers on the spike open in an irregular fashion, a “here or there” pattern. The five petals of the flower join together at the base forming a tube that attaches to the spike as the flowers themselves are stalkless. Each flowers has five stamens (in most cases) consisting of two types, the three upper are shorter and the two lower are much larger.

anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, expectorant (relaxing), febrifuge, nervine, peripheral vasodilator, relaxant, tranquilizer, vulnerary

There is no known contraindications and toxicity associated with the use of Verbascum thapsus. Due to how hairy the leaves are it is recommended that you strain with cheese cloth if you are making a tea. The use of the plant is not recommended for poultices for the same reason, instead it is best to use it in salve or compress form. Those who are pregnant. lactating or using mood-altering medications should use with caution and contact their natural health practitioner.