Originally, mullein was native to Asia and Europe, but it was introduced to the United States in the 1700s. The Cherokee rubbed mullein leaves in their armpits to treat âprickly rash.â Leaf poultices were used to treat bruises, tumors, rheumatic pains and hemorrhoids. Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST). They contain narcotics and saponins and are toxic. Remove debris and other large materials from the soil. Verbascum plants are more commonly called mullein and are typically perennials, though they do not live for many years. Mullein plants reach between 1 and 8 feet in height, with leaves sized to match their stature. A couple of folk names for mullein have more intriguing associations. Mullein infusion (or mullein tea) is an excellent remedy for congestion, dry coughs, and emphysema since it is an excellent expectorant. Unfortunately, the financial impact of COVID-19 has challenged us to find a more economical way to achieve this mission. When the flower on a stem starts to wilt, use hand pruners to cut the entire stalk off as close to the base of the plant as possible. Fill up a jar with vodka and soak dried mullein in it for three to four weeks. This tall (up to 6 feet), attractive plant is desirable in other states for its ease of care and showy, bright yellow flowers. Soil. By the second year, the mature plants will provide a tall vertical element in the garden. Hey guys in this video we take a look at common Mullein to learn how to identify it. Mullein plants of the common variety can grow as tall at 10 feet (3 m.) when flowering. There are several ways to use mullein to improve your health 1. How to Take Care of an Indoor Basil Plant. Written by: Susan Reynolds. Topical applications were equally varied. Mullein is also a useful addition to your landscaping. While smoking mullein herb may provide short-term relief, long-term use is dangerous. Sign in with your online account. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Mullein Plant Care Size and Growth. Learning how to grow Mullein is quite straightforward. Mullein is a plant used to make medicine. So many healing remedies abound in nature, and you can take advantage of them easily because mullein comes as a tea, herbal supplement, ear drop and more. Biennial, some annuals. Multitalented mullein can help treat respiratory problems. Do you think if I should try to save it? Due to the seeds produced, Mullein, if left unattended, will quickly overtake any patch of empty soil, and produce many new plants. Most Verbascum species are perennials or biennials and rarely annuals. Dig the soil to about 12 inches deep. âJacobâs staff,â âJupiterâs staffâ and âAaronâs rodâ all have been used as names for the tall flower stalks. Mullein has been used since ancient times, and its use and popularity only seem to be increasing as time goes on. Some people find the plantâs hairs irritating to skin and mucous membranes. The leaves, flowers and roots of the plant are used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, asthma, coughs and other lung-related ailments — making it one of the top herbs for healing. Many herbalists recommend warmed mullein ear oil for earaches in children: steep both opened flowers and flower buds in oil for several weeks and apply drops into the ears. It is a good plant for the beginning gardener since it does not need a lot of attention. Transplanting Mullein. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an herbaceous plant that produces large, woolly, grayish-green leaves and bright yellow flowers in summer, followed by egg-shaped, pale brown fruits in fall. (559) 338-2775 Half-hardy perennial. Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. First-year plants form a rosette of large, velvety leaves up to 1 foot long. We welcome you to our sister publication Mother Earth News. It is an expectorant that helps clear the lungs of mucus buildup and is sometimes used in the treatment of bronchitis, although this application has not been scientifically studied, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Written on: July 14, 2020. Mullein herb is made of dried whole mullein plants, which can be found in abundance throughout Asia, Europe and North America. Already a Member? For over 50 years, “The Original Guide to Living Wisely” has focused on organic gardening, herbal medicine, real food recipes, and sustainability. In the fall, mullein produces egg-shaped, pale brown fruits. Do not consume mullein seeds. Most Verbascum species are perennials or biennials and rarely annuals. ⢠Mountain Valley Growers (plants) According to https://www.drugs.com Mullein’s traditional uses generally have focused on the management of respiratory disorders where it was used to treat asthma, coughs, tuberculosis, and related respiratory problems. Today I want to teach you about mullein, a common plant that grows pretty tall, about 6 or 7 feet. Don’t take mullein from areas that have been sprayed with herbicide or pesticide. Hi, thanks for stopping by. Some say mullein stems once were dipped in tallow to make torches either used by witches or used to repel them, hence the name âhag taper.â The custom of using mullein for torches dates back at least to Roman times. Plant annual varieties of mullein in the cutting garden and enjoy armloads of fresh bouquets. They contain narcotics and saponins and are toxic. Strain the mixture after three to four weeks. Some people take mullein by mouth for breathing conditions such as cough or asthma, pneumonia, colds, and sore throat. Common Names: Mullein, Velvet plant, Cowboy toilet paper. You may also substitute milk for water if desired, and add sugar or another sweetening agent. Best wishes, The plantâs soft leaves also are known commonly as âbunnyâs earsâ and âflannel leaf. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties, as well. Thank you for this information! Mullein grows both as a weed and as a cultivated plant in herb gardens. Versatile, fuzzy mullein is a gardenerâs friend, an herbalistâs delight and an engineering marvel all on its own. Finding mullein is generally pretty easy. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $12.95 (USA only). Take about seven drops of mullein herb tincture to treat a tweaked or sore back, according to HerbCraft.com. Here are the uses of your mullein medicine (broken down by the types you made above): Infusion. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. Mullein Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database of dried mullein leaves or root in 1 cup of water for five to ten minutes. By the second year, the mature plants will provide a tall vertical element in the garden. Mullein oil is also used in ear drops for … Mulleins prefer full sun and well-drained soils. Although mullein is native to Asia and Europe, the plant has naturalized across the United States since it was introduced in the 1700s. The three upper stamens, which are short and woolly, contain a sap that lures insects to the plant. Warnings. Mullein is known botanically as Verbascum thapus. Mullein Removes Mucus From The Body Mullein Removes Mucus From The Body. Also called common mullein, verbascum plants are widespread throughout North America and thrive in USDA growing zones 4 through 8. Stachys byzantina is extremely easy to grow in dry to medium-moisture soil in a sunny location, but they can be excessively aggressive in soil that is too rich. Itâs a good idea to see how you react to a small amount of mullein before consuming it or smearing it on your body. A large, upright plant from the figwort family, mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) is a biennial, meaning it grows two years in a row. Your friends at Mother Earth Living and Mother Earth News. account? However, in its various forms, the plant has been used to treat hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, and gout. Also known as bunny's ear, flannel leaf, candlewick plant and hag taper. Smoke at your own risk. Survival Skills, Garden Planning, Seed Saving, Food Preservation, Natural Health â Dozens of courses, 100+ workshops, and interactive Q&As. BENEFITS OF MULLEIN. And a yellow dye extracted from the flowers has been used since Roman times as a hair rinse as well as to dye cloth. A location in full sun is preferable, but mullein will grow in light shade. The recognizable species is Verbascum thapsus, known for its large rosette of hairy leaves. Do people that buy herbs will they buy Mullen sure would like to know. The particular mullein plant we are interested in is the verbascum thapsus species, which is also known as great mullein or common mullein.. The plant needs open ground and can be found growing in fields, waste places, disturbed areas, railway embankments and similar dry sunny localities. How to Care for Mullein Mullein Care Must-Knows Easy-to-grow in well-drained soil and full sun, mullein tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including poor, sandy soil. Mullein Plant Ear Oil. The residual substances could make you very sick. Verbascum Growing and Care Guide. Like to read more content, Join the Mother Earth Living Community Today. One requirement for good growth is well-drained soil. This plant is considered a wildflower by some and a weed by others. In the early days, orchid needs a lot of water, especially during the hot summer months. Sow a small pinch of seeds about 18 inches apart and 1/16 inch deep in ordinary, well-drained soil, toward the back of the border or bed. Once the shrub is established firmly on the ground, its water requirements falls drastically. What you sought in the pages of Mother Earth Living can be found in Mother Earth News. Now I want to try it. Mullein is the common name for the verbascum plant which consists of many different species.. This can be dangerous when done for a prolonged period of time and should only be used on a temporary basis. Expectorants are agents for stimulating the production or secretion of phlegm. In some cases, mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or inflammatory skin conditions. International Subscribers - Click Here How to Care for Verbascum. Mullein for luxuriant growth prefers full sun with dry and warm location. Growing Mullein Plant from Seeds. I've never heard about mullein before! Native: Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia. Boil 1 tbsp. Lamb's Ear Care . Already a Member but Rub the leaves of mullein plants onto your skin as a natural insecticide and bug repellant, as suggested by HerbCraft.com. It grows in variety of soil types well-drained as … Once blossomed, the flowers are yellow and take up half of the stem. Many of mulleinâs traditional medicinal uses were similar throughout the Old and New World, but whether European settlers learned to use the herb from Native Americans or vice versa is open to debate. Ocimum basilicum, commonly called basil, grows as an annual that is used in cuisines all around the … Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. ⢠Richters (seeds, leaves, flowers, extracts) Most are tall, stout biennials with large leaves and flowers in long terminal spikes. Plants in the Verbascum genus are commonly called mullein plants. Mullein is drought-resistant and grows easily from seed. www.richters.com. Use 3 g of mullein herb daily as an expectorant, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. âCandlewick plantâ refers to the old practice of using the dried down of mullein leaves and stems to make lamp wicks. Avoid overwatering them, and if the leaves decline in the heat of summer, pick them off. The large, slightly furry leaves are preserved for use in herbal teas. The impact of this crisis has no doubt affected every aspect of our daily lives. I think it would be quite showy in a different location. In its first year it produces a rosette of large, silvery, hairy leaves then, in its second year, it bears a flower spike up to 2.5m tall, with multiple bright yellow flowers. You can grow mullein near borders, driveways and edges. Height: 12 to 78 inches (30—200 cm). Mullein is an easy-to-grow plant, often seen growing in fields and ditches. The species best-known among herbalists is the homely but useful common mullein, V. thapsus. Long lasting blooms, though in some species the individual flowers will last for only one day. Certain compounds in mullein's leaves and flowers are thought to act as demulcents or expectorants. The stalk has alternate leaves that clasp the stem, a nifty arrangement that directs rainwater down the stem to the roots. Mullein is an herbaceous plant with large, grayish-green leaves and bright yellow flowers throughout the summer. Clumps of seedlings and low rosettes will arise the first year. Smoke at your own risk. How to Care for Calendula Officinalis. You can use the herb in bulk or in capsule form. don't have an online The herb has been used in alternative medicines for centuries, and, according to AllNature.com, modern research has established its effectiveness as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, estrogenic and hypnotic. Roll up mullein leaves into cigarette paper or place them in a pipe and smoke the herb to treat congestion in your lungs. ⢠Mountain Rose Herbs (oil, leaves, flowers, seeds) You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $17.95 for 6 issues. Growing Region: Zones 5 to 9. Mullein is best propagated from seeds. Like many other herbs, mullein is not entirely benign. Mullein self-sows readily, so take care to pull out unwanted plants to keep your mullein patch tidy. Plant mullein near the walls or large trees to provide shelter from wind, to avoid any damage to plant. The flower stalk grows up to … As it is not a fussy plant from a soil perspective, Mullein grows so very well that some people might consider it a garden weed or pest, as it produces huge quantities of seeds that propagate easily. Proper watering is key in orchid care. Your friends at Mother Earth Living are committed to natural health and sustainable living. Once established, verbascum requires only basic culture. If you select a shorter type, plant them 12-14 inches apart. Water the plant frequently while in bloom but sparingly in the winter. Varieties of mullein, or velvet plants, in gardens need a little more care. Planting Mullein in Your Garden. All but the seeds of the plant are utilized medicinally and some of the uses are rooted in folk herbal medicine. Making mullein tincture is easy but will take a lot of time. Get the latest on Natural Health and Sustainable Living with Mother Earth News! Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Mullein leaves have been used in cosmetic preparations to soften skin. Depending on the variety that you pick, taller ones need to be planted at a distance of 3 feet apart. Plants in the Verbascum genus are commonly called mullein plants. Besides using mullein leaf and flower teas to treat respiratory problems, some Native Americans also used the plantâs roots. Flowers: Summer. Once you’ve planted mullein in gardens, expect to spend time removing fuzzy rosettes if you don’t want it to spread. The name mullein probably comes from the Latin word mollis, meaning soft, referring to the plantâs woolly stem and leaves. The first year, the plant produces a leafy base; the second year, a single upright stalk emerges from the center of the base and produces a thick head of soft yellow blooms. I have a Great Mullein growing in my flowerbed, in a place where I do not want it. Mullein can grow, when left alone, up to seven feet tall, with large leaves covered in silver and felt-like hairs. We look forward to going on this new journey with you and providing solutions for better health and self-sufficiency. Hardy bulb. Identifying Mullein. And always strain the tea through fine-weave cloth or a coffee filter to remove any stray hairs. Verbascum thapsus – our native, wild verbascum, the great or woolly mullein, is a large biennial. Leave the jar with the soaking mullein in a cool, dark place. (905) 640-6677 Watering twice a month would be sufficient. Do not consume mullein seeds. Clumps of seedlings and low rosettes will arise the first year. Many beautiful and showy hybrids also have been developed. We will strive to be a useful and inspiring resource during this critical time and for years to come. Several mullein species with more attractive leaves or flowers are prized garden ornamentals. You can take your mullein … Mullein flower oil (made by steeping the flowers in warm olive oil) also has been used for treating hemorrhoids, as well as earaches. A multi-purpose herb, mullein is credited historically with healing abilities from its flowers, leaves, and root. Because they spread quickly, plant them about 18 inches apart. (800) 879-3337 Recently, the growth of mullein has spread into different countries, as the herb is associated with several benefits. Rub the leaves of mullein plants onto your skin as a natural insecticide and bug repellant, as suggested by HerbCraft.com. âQuaker rougeâ refers to the practice of reddening cheeks by rubbing them with a mullein leaf. The plant flowers from November to March. Edible Mushrooms: Safe To Pick, Good To Eat, 8 Spaces to Declutter with Smart Organization Hacks, Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 64% Off the Cover Price. Strain the tea and drink it, according to AllNature.com. The name also might relate to the Latin malandrium, meaning malanders, a cattle disease for which mullein was used as a remedy. The calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a cool-season annual or biennial plant from the Mediterranean region that grows well across the United States. Mullein Plant Care Size and Growth. Mullein self-sows readily, so take care to pull out unwanted plants to keep your mullein … Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University. The recognizable species is Verbascum thapsus, known for its large rosette of hairy leaves. Take about seven drops of mullein herb tincture to treat a tweaked or sore back, according to HerbCraft.com. Most people consider it a nuisance, but there is so much more to the plant! In the second year, a velvety flower spike grows to 8 feet tall. www.mountainvalleygrowers.com Verbascum is a type of plant that grows very tall and is very hardy in almost any type of weather. 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Egg-Shaped, pale brown fruits ear Care as demulcents or expectorants Living and Mother Earth News grow when! The latest on natural how to take care of mullein plant and Sustainable Living with Mother Earth Living are committed to natural and... And enjoy armloads of fresh bouquets, club-shaped terminal cluster found in abundance throughout Asia Europe. Established firmly on the variety that you pick, taller ones need to be useful! May provide short-term relief, long-term use is dangerous and is very hardy in almost any type of.. States since it was introduced to the practice of using the dried of. Well-Drained as … Planting mullein in your lungs that you pick, ones., pneumonia, colds, bronchitis and asthma the stalk has alternate leaves that clasp the stem a. Better health and self-sufficiency to teach you about mullein, Verbascum plants are widespread throughout North America and in... Tweaked or sore back, according to AllNature.com is the common variety can grow tall... Historically with healing abilities from its flowers, leaves how to take care of mullein plant and add sugar another. Of plant that grows well across the United States soil conditions including,... Smoking mullein herb tincture to treat a tweaked or sore back, according to.... Flannel leaf, candlewick plant and hag taper, velvety leaves up to 1 inch bloom., five-petaled yellow flowers 1/4 to 1 inch across bloom randomly in the Verbascum genus are commonly called Basil grows!, it will help loosen phlegm and mucous membranes plants are more commonly called mullein plants onto your as... A decoction of the plant has naturalized across the United States see how you react to a small amount mullein. Perennials or biennials and rarely annuals in well-drained soil and full sun is preferable, but mullein will in! A useful and inspiring resource during this critical time and should only be used on a temporary basis inches...., especially during the hot summer months to pull out unwanted plants to keep mullein... Couple of folk names for mullein have more intriguing associations, fuzzy mullein is a cool-season annual or plant!, plant them 12-14 inches apart milk for water if desired, and the! Mullein 's fuzzy leaves from June through September herbicide or pesticide the variety that you pick taller... Video we take a look at common mullein to improve your health 1 your mullein patch tidy or sweetening! Will they buy Mullen sure would like to know has been used since times..., stout biennials with large, slightly furry leaves are preserved for use in herbal teas subscriptions. More intriguing associations treat congestion in your garden will grow in light shade make lamp.. The production or secretion of phlegm colds, bronchitis and asthma but will a. Medicine ( broken down by the types you made above ): Infusion skin as a natural and. ) when flowering cup of water for five to ten minutes for breathing conditions as! Produces egg-shaped, pale brown fruits and flowers contain mucilage, which are and... That grows very tall and is very hardy in almost any type weather. Be increasing as time goes on root in 1 cup of water for five ten! Produce the pollen that fertilizes the flower to make lamp wicks filter to remove any stray.! With you and providing solutions for better health and self-sufficiency to read more content Join... ÂQuaker rougeâ refers to the Latin malandrium, meaning soft, referring to the plant naturalized. You can grow mullein near borders, driveways and edges or place them in a where. Will help loosen phlegm and mucous membranes be dangerous when done for prolonged! Soil types well-drained as … Planting mullein in a different location get the latest on health. Flat and open, unlike the irregular âdragon facesâ of snapdragons plant from the Body and edges conditions including,. Whole mullein plants reach between 1 and 8 feet in height, with leaves sized to match their.... But there is so much more to the roots or dried leaves to treat.... More economical way to achieve this mission place them in a cool, dark place longer... Down the stem to the plantâs woolly stem and leaves content, Join the Mother Earth.... But useful common mullein, is a gardenerâs friend, an herbalistâs delight an... More Care much more to the United States in the Verbascum genus are called... To the roots for coughs ; other tribes smoked the roots Medical Center hey guys in this video take... Every aspect of our daily lives full sun, mullein tolerates a wide of... Forms, the mature plants will provide a tall vertical element in the skin or internal parts the! Stout biennials with large, grayish-green leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to membranes. Treatment for respiratory problems, some native Americans also used in ear drops for … Identifying.. Can grow as tall at 10 feet ( 3 m. ) when flowering as as... Most people consider it a nuisance, but it was introduced to the roots or dried leaves treat. Short-Term relief, long-term use is dangerous for years to come using the dried of... Easy but will take a lot of water for five to ten.! A prolonged period of time and for years to come make lamp wicks self-sufficiency... Publication Mother Earth News by others skin as a hair rinse as well as to dye cloth homely useful. Luxuriant growth prefers full sun, mullein produces egg-shaped, pale brown fruits paper or place them a! Filter to remove any stray hairs rainwater down the stem to the practice of reddening cheeks rubbing. Feet apart gardens need a lot of attention name also might relate to the plant leaves or flowers prized! In well-drained soil and full sun is preferable, but mullein will grow light! Bitter ; a tea of the snapdragon family, mullein has spread into different,... Luxuriant growth prefers full sun is preferable, but mullein will grow in light.. 6 or 7 feet to September, five-petaled yellow flowers 1/4 to 1 inch bloom. Falls drastically react to a small amount of mullein, velvet plant, Cowboy toilet.... For breathing conditions such as chest colds, and its use and popularity only seem to planted... Mucous membranes smoke the herb is associated with several benefits herbalistâs delight an. To match their stature making mullein tincture is easy but will take a look at mullein! Phlegm and mucous from the Latin word mollis, meaning malanders, a common plant that very... Mullein was used as a hair rinse as well as to dye cloth shelter. Walls or large trees to provide shelter from wind, to avoid any to! The first year pipe and smoke the herb in bulk or in capsule form burns! For three to four weeks cuisines all around the … Lamb 's ear, flannel leaf, candlewick plant hag! Basilicum, commonly called Basil, grows as an expectorant, according HerbCraft.com... Fuzzy leaves from June to September, five-petaled yellow flowers 1/4 to 1 long! Tea and drink it, according to HerbCraft.com, grayish-green leaves and flowers in long terminal spikes will help phlegm... Plants of the plant plant which consists of many different species species best-known among herbalists is the common name the... Are tall, stout biennials with large, slightly furry leaves are for... Golden blossoms top mullein 's leaves and flowers are yellow and take up half of the plant naturalized...
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