Mullein Used In Home Remedies

Mullein Used In Home Remedies A misunderstood weed might be free medicine for your family. Mullein, a hairy, herbaceous biennial, grows over 8 ft. tall. You’ll recognize it by its small yellow flowers along the tubular central stalk and the large, fuzzy leaves at the base. These are plants in their second year, since the stalk and flowers won’t appear before then. Mullein is native to Europe, North Africa and Asia, and it’s widespread across Australia and North America. The scientific community knows it as Verbascum thapsus, but it’s more commonly called velvet plant, candlewick, shepherd’s staff and beggar’s stalk. For centuries, mullein’s been a popular herbal remedy for tonsillitis, bronchitis, emphysema and tuberculosis, as well as stomach and intestinal infections. The leaves contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes. Dry the leaves to make a tea that helps suppress colds and coughs. Some mullein fans even find it helpful for slipped discs and bone problems. Compounds in mullein have cough-relieving and mucus-thinning properties. One of its compounds, ursolic acid, shows evidence of preventing and treating COVID-19. It’s typically consumed as an infusion or syrup, often combined with mint, rosemary, hawthorn flower or pine leaves. Apply it directly to the skin to treat burns and wounds. Mullein’s purpose can also be less medicinal. Dried, the leaves serve as an excellent fire starter, and history shows that ancient Romans used the flowers as a yellow hair dye. Only a few flowers bloom on each stalk daily, so leave the plant undisturbed while harvesting some. Contrary to popular belief, mullein is quite common. You can find it almost anywhere with disturbed soil, especially if it’s chalky, sandy or has a lot of gravel. This often includes pastures, fields and roadsides. Plants growing near roads are likely contaminated with chemicals and are not suitable for any medicinal purpose. To grow your own, plant mullein seeds in full sun after the last risk of frost. It’s intolerant of shade and will be quickly outgrown by other plants in that area. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, pressing them firmly into the ground. The young plants need at least an inch of water each week. Expect them to flower in the second year, then die soon after. The plants aren’t considered aggressive because they only spread in disturbed soil. Still, they’re known for taking over roadsides and construction sites due to their short lifespan. After that, the seeds go dormant in the ground, waiting for the next soil disturbance to germinate, sometimes decades later. Research from Michigan State University shows germination is possible after a hundred years. So, if you find a clump you can use, scatter the seeds in scuffed-up soil. That guarantees you’ll have plenty to harvest for years to come.

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.