The medicinal properties of mullein

Mullein is probably the most various herb there is. There are many ways to intake this herb. It can be inhaled, smoked, drunk and applied topically. Its usage will treat plenty ailments and the good thing is that it is easily available.

The medicinal name for mullein is Verbascum thapsus and it is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family. Some of the other names include Adam's Flannel, Beggar's blanket, Bonhomme, Pano and Velvet plant among others. Its versatility is the main reason why this herb is so popular. There are plenty of ways this herb has been used. Some of its uses are as an anodyne, demulcent, expectorant, diuretic and as an anti-spasmodic drug. A person can even use the leaves and the stem of the herb as tinder. Before cotton this very herb has been used for lamp wicks.

Mullein can be found in India, Haiti, Turkey, Spain and South America. Empty areas, fields and even roadsides are the places in the United States where a person can see this plant. People use this plant for cough, ear and general pain and urinary irritation. Mullein is consumed the most when the flu hits the hardest. People have even used it in the Middle Ages for skin and lung disorders in both humans and cattle. Average mullein plant can be as tall as seven feet.

Mythology

Apart from the medical uses, this plant is also known in mythology for its powers to drive away evil spirits. It was Ulysses who used it to fight off the wiles of Circe.

Medical usage

Certain commissions have approved this plant to be a pain reliever and an expectorant. Some people smoke dried leaves to ease the irritation of the respiratory mucus membrane. Tea made from this plant is a well known sedative. Migraines are treated with the usage of mullein flowers. These flowers are also used as a local antibiotic. Wound, ulcers, tumors and piles are being treated with a poultice made from the leaves of this plant. Mullein juice is used for the removal of rough warts.

Other usage of mullein

Mullein is not only used in medicine. It is not uncommon that people use it as an ornament in their gardens. However, this can be troublesome because this plant attracts bees, flies and butterflies. Its flowers are used for the making of products people use to dye their hair and clothes.

Even though its benefits are many a person should talk to a doctor before using mullein.