Mullein: An Herbal Panacae

Note: This article first appeared in The Future of Health Now in 2013

    Mullein is a roadside weed most notable for its stature. 6-8ft stalks adorned with yellow flowers dot the summer landscape along roadsides and mountains. Although it may be mistaken for foxglove, a poisonous flower, mullein is actually related to spinach. Sometimes called Torchflower (when in bloom, it looks like a torch, and it was also reportedly used in the making of torches before the use of electricity), mullein has a wide variety of uses.

    Besides its height, the first thing you'll notice about mullein is the bounty soft, hairy leaves. If ever you find yourself hiking in uncomfortable shoes, mullein leaves make excellent insoles which soothe and comfort the feet. The leaves also contain saponins and mucilage, which work synergistically to expel phlegm from the lungs as well as soothe and heal damaged tissue. Mullein is so effective in healing the lungs, in fact, that is is approved for use in German medicine. For this reason, mullein is a smoker's best friend, and is valuable for any lung disorder: bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, asthma, pneumonia, and the 'flu among them. This marvelous plant also has a similar, soothing effect on the whole digestive system and is therefore useful to help diarrhea and hemorrhoids. To use, make an infusion of the tea and strain well - the tiny hairs may irritate the throat.

    The flowers are used in healing a number of ills, including ear aches and infections, as well as minor wounds and burns. This is due to the mucilage and astringent tannins which constrict, soothe, and heal damaged tissue. To use, air dry as many flowers as you can collect (you may also use the leaf if you can confidently strain it well). Pack them into a small jar and cover with olive oil, tapping the bottom to release air bubbles. Allow to sit, covered, for at least two weeks. In a pinch, the fresh flowers may be mashed with olive oil and strained. A couple drops of the oil may then be placed in the ears, or smoothed over scrapes or mild burns.

    Mullein root may be used as a tea or tincture to treat urinary incontinence, as it tones and strengthens the bladder. This is especially useful for women after childbirth still facing incontinence despite physical therapy. It also has the same lung-healing properties as the leaf, only stronger. The root has also been reported to help with spinal injuries, though more study is needed.

    While it may be tempting to utilize the seeds as a food source due to their overwhelming abundance, note that mullein seeds are toxic. Instead, if Mullein is not an invasive in your area, collect the stalks in the autumn when the seeds begin to fall and hang them out for the birds in winter, much as you might do with sunflowers. The birds enjoy hanging on to the soft stems and having a welcome meal. Or, shake the seeds into a bucket and mix with clay powder and soil, forming little balls. You now have "seed bombs" which may be tossed along roadsides or bare patches of land.
I like to harvest the whole plant (leaves and root) when it is a small rosette, chop into pieces, and cover with water in the pressure cooker. Then I do a high pressure for 4 minutes, quick release, and let the brew cool. One cool, I pour into ice cube trays, freeze, and transfer to a bag kept in the freezer. These cubes can be added to tea or melted any time someone in the house is struck with a lung infection or cough.

*Please always consult a healthcare professional of your choosing if you are on medication or have a health condition before beginning any herbal regime*

Resources:
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: 2nd Edition - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
- The New Age Herbalist - Richard Mabey