Magnificent Mullein
By Jennifer S. Hensley
Q: What natural remedy can I use to help with mucous?
~Charlotte
The leaves and flowers of Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) have
traditionally been used to rid the body of excess mucous, especially so with the respiratory system. Mullein is also reputed to have anti-spasmotic, anti-tussive, astringent, expectorant, and diuretic actions. Mullein is also known as Bunny Ears, Jacob’s-staff, Flannel Flower, and Velvet Leaf. This is one of those herbs that I keep on the kitchen herb shelf and use often for allergies, mucous production and wheezing, so it may be one you want to try.
One of the beneficial "side effects" of using Mullein is that it may also pull excess fluid out of joints and because it has diuretic actins, will cause the fluid to flow and thus reduce swelling. See the list below for other "side effects."
Mullein also has narcotic properties so it quiets inflamed and irritated nerves, relieves pain and is soothing to any inflammation, however, it is not going to induce euphoria like its pharmaceutical counterparts (sorry!).
Historically used for earache (in oil form), emphysema, various lung problems, lymphatic congestion and swollen mucous membranes, Mullein may also help clear the lungs and relieves lung spasms (asthma). It is also good for lymphatic congestion. One interesting bit of trivia is that during the civil war, mullein was used for respiratory problems in the field hospitals when medical supplies ran out.
Mullein may also help with the following:
~Soothing to any inflammation and relieves pain
~Soothes inflamed tissues and increases the flow of urine
~Strengthens sinuses and allows for free breathing
~Very effective in relieving swollen joints
~Removes excess mucous from the body
~Inhibits the absorption of allergens through mucous membranes
~As a demulcent and bacteriostatic has been used to treat tuberculosis for centuries.
~Also: Respiratory Allergies, Bleeding of the bowels and lungs, bronchitis, coughs, croup, diarrhea, dysentery, earaches, emphysema, swollen glands, hemorrhage, insomnia, swollen joints, nervousness, pain relief, pleurisy, pulmonary diseases, sinus problems, sores .
Mullein grows in well-drained and even poor soil areas such as banks and roadsides. Watch for Mullein as you are traveling the back roads as well as the steep banks along the interstate. You will find it on the sunny side of the bank and will recognize the 2-year old plant by the spike of yellow flowers topping off the tall stalk. The leaves are large and are covered with tiny "hairs" much like our respiratory system. In fact, if you rub your hand along the surface of a sun-warmed Mullein leaf, it will feel very similar to rubbing your arm. After the second year and the blooming, the Mullein plant will die, spill many seeds and therefore you will find a new crop of one-year plants in the same area next year. However, you may not recognize them as the first year plant lays upon the ground in rosette form. It may be as big around as the mouth of a bushel basket and slightly mounded in the center (like cabbage getting ready to head). Its gray-green leaves shimmer after a summer rain when the sunlight strikes the "furry" covering. Many herbalist consider this first year plant to be more effective for the respiratory system and the oil from the flowers of the second year plant to be best for ear aches.
If you are going to gather Mullein, don't do it along the road (dangerous and plants are full of toxins) or from a field ripe with pesticides, insecticides, etc.
Try to find a natural area away from traffic and farm production. If you want to order it, email me (jennifer@trayfoot.com) and I will tell you where to find it.
There are many other uses for mullein, but time and space demand that we stop here. Just know that in Nature, very few plants, if any, have only one use. In that vein, I would like to share this with you: Dry Mullein leaves make excellent tinder and will ignite at the slightest spark. Gather the leaves and stalk after blooming, dry and then store in a plastic bag until you want to build a fire. It also smells good while burning!
Note: The information in Wholistically Speaking is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. If you have a health problem, I highly recommend you consult a competent health practitioner and also educate yourself before embarking on any course of treatment.
Copyright 2010, Jennifer S. Hensley, Wholistically Speaking
Jennifer S. Hensley is the owner and chief instructor of Trayfoot Mountain Studio offering Taiji & Qigong, a Certified Herbalist, Natural Health Consultant, a Personal Feng Shui Consultant, Certified TFH Applied Kinesiology Practitioner, and a professional writer for 25 years. She served on the BRCC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Advisory Board and serves on the VOWA Board of Directors. For issues or questions you would like to see covered in future columns, please email her at jennifer@trayfoot.com.
