Latin Name
Verbascum thapsus

General Description
Mullein, a common roadside wildflower that may reach 6 feet in height, has large, velvety leaves and small, dense, yellow flowers. Owing to its astringent or binding action on tissue, it is useful in treating diarrhea and hemorrhoids. As an expectorant, it helps the body remove excess mucus from the lungs and is used to treat bronchitis and coughs. The dried leaves, flowers, and roots all serve as remedies. Mullein is sometimes called the candlewick plant, because it burns easily when dried and was used to make candlewicks before the introduction of cotton.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, flu and asthma; gastrointestinal ailments such as stomach cramps and diarrhea.
  

Applied externally for:

• External ulcers, tumors and hemorrhoids.
  
• Ear problems.

Preparations
Over the counter:
Mullein is available as tinctures and as dried leaves, flowers or roots.

At home:
Tea: 1 to 2 tsp. dried leaves, flowers or roots per cup of boiling water steeped for 10 to 15 minutes.
Compress: A tea made of vinegar and allowed to cool; dry bandages soaked in the tea and applied to ulcers, tumors or hemorrhoids.
Inhalant: Fresh leaves boiled in water and inhaled the steam to relieve coughs and congestion.
Combinations: Used with elder and red clover to ease painful coughing. Mixed with gumweed for asthma. Used as an extract in olive oil to apply to external ulcers, hemorrhoids, and tumors, and for ear problems. It also combines well with white horehound, coltsfoot, and lobelia for treating bronchitis.

Special Information

• WARNING: If you have a history of cancer, consult your doctor before taking this herb internally, since the tannin found in mullein is thought to have cancer-causing actions.
  
• WARNING: Although the leaves, flowers and roots seem to cause no adverse effects, mullein seeds are toxic.
  
• WARNING: Do not take mullein if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.