Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus)
flannel mullein, great mullein

Description: A tall, stout, biennial, 1-8 feet tall with an attractive spike of yellow, sessile, cylindrical flowers, which appear in the 2nd year. The 1st year produces a rosette of large, fuzzy, gray-green leaves which are large, broadly oval, very hairy (felt-like). Stems are winged by decurrent bases. Found throughout the U.S. in clearings, fields, pastures, waste places.

Medicinal: It is a anodyne, antispasmodic, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, and vulnerary. A tea, from the leaves and flowers, is used for an astringent and as a sedative in relief for coughs, respiratory problems, and pain. The oil helps in earaches, sun burns, rashes, hemorrhoids, inflammations and bruises. The roots, boiled for a decoction and taken cold,is an aid for digestion and nervous problems. For foot pain, soften a large leaf on a hot stone, fold and bind it to the foot. It can also be used as an insole. The soft, dry leaf is good substitute for toilet paper, diapers etc. When
making an oil from the blossoms, and it is not close by, cut the plant just above the ground, keep in a large bucket of water. The flowers will continue to bloom for many weeks, a few at a time. Place them, as they appear in an oil or tincture for future use. See instructions in the additional cards with this series.