Mullein

Mullein

Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus,
Family: Scrophulariaceae

Part used: Leaf, flower, root, seed
Energetics: Astringent, cooling, slightly sweet.
Iris: All types.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

None Known.

ACTIONS

  • Expectorant
  • Demulcent
  • Antitussive
  • Diuretic
  • Vulnerary
  • Antibacterial(E.coli, Klebsiella, Staph., Strep.)
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-viral (EBV, flu)
  • Lymphatic
  • Mild sedative,
  • Anti-neoplastic
  • Astringent
  • Mild laxative
  • Antihistamine.

Main Constituents

  • Rutin
  • Resin
  • Gum
  • Mucilage up to 3%
  • Saponin
  • Polysaccharides
  • Iridoid glycosides
  • Volatile oil
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Iron
  • Vitamins A, B complex, D

Main Uses

Digestive System: Diarrhoea, Gastro-intestinal haemorrhage
Respiratory System: Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Allergic rhinitis, Chest rub for respiratory disorders
Ears: Earache/ Otitis media
Immune System: Influenza
Skin: Bruises, Oil used as an emollient for wounds, ulcers, piles, itching anus
Eyes: Eye soreness
Circulatory: Haemorrhoids
Nervous system: Facial neuralgia
Musculo-Skeletal System: Rheumatism, Sprains
Endocrine: Mastitis
Urinary System: Cystitis

Infections:
Bacteria: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacteria phlei, Staphylococcus aureus/ epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes
Fungi: Microsporum species
Viruses: Herpes simplex type 1, HIV 1, EBV, Influenza A + B

More About Mullein

Mullein is used for intestinal infections with diarrhoea, as it has an astringent effect. The demulcent quality can be improved by combining with Marshmallow or Liquorice or even making this into a syrup.
It stimulates the immune system and has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is helpful in bronchitis, colds and flu.
Mullein prepared from the flowers treats painful, swollen, inflamed conditions, as well as earache, ear discharges and deafness.
Mullein can often be found within an oil for the treatment of children's earache and it works well when combined with Garlic.
Mullein flower is a better remedy than the leaf for treating asthmatic conditions, but the whole flower spike may be collected.
Mullein seed is a bronchodilator and anticonvulsant in children.
Mullein root has stronger astringent and diuretic properties than the leaf or flower.
Mullein has both a moist and dry, cooling quality, and has an excellent demulcent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action; primarily upon the respiratory and intestinal system.
Mullein oil can be used topically and is useful for all types of bleeding, discharges, wounds, swellings, sores and boils.
Mullein increases the elimination of toxins which is useful in arthritis and gout and the mucilage soothes the gut.

Recipes:


Mullein Infused Oil for Earache

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz organic olive oil
  • 5 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 tsp mullein flowers
  • 1 tsp St. John’s Wort flowers
  • 5 drops of lavender essential oil
  • Cheesecloth
  • Glass jar – boiled clean and dry

Directions:

  • Combine everything except lavender oil in a small steel, glass or ceramic pot with a lid. Heat to approximately 120 degrees F and simmer it at this temperature for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 30 minutes; using a cheesecloth, strain oil into a boiled clean glass bottle. Add lavender oil. Allow to cool to body temp before using. Store at room temp.
  • To warm before use: place bottle in a small bowl of hot water until it reaches body temp.
  • To use: put 4-5 drops as often as needed into the ear.

References


Anthelmintic, antispasmodic

Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum Thapsus Mullein.
Our results suggest that V. thapsus has anthelmintic and antispasmodic value.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22463730/

Antiviral

Antiviral Activity of Some Plants Used in Nepalese Traditional Medicine.
The extracts of Allium oreoprasum, Androsace strigilosa, Asparagus filicinus, Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata and Verbascum thapsus exhibited strong anti-influenza viral activity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781767/

Anti-influenza, anti-viral

Combined anti influenza virus activity of Flos verbasci infusion and amantadine derivatives.
The infusion prepared from flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad. (Scrophulariaceae) (FVI) reduced the infectious and haemagglutination yields of a range of influenza viruses in tissue cultures.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1099-1573%28200011%2914%3A7%3C571%3A%3AAID-PTR653%3E3.0.CO%3B2-A

Antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial

The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of Verbascum thapsus L
The antioxidant activities of synthesized antioxidant BHT at the concentration of 300 mg/l or higher were similar to the antioxidant activities of V. Thapsus L. ethanolic extract. Both the isolated and the standard Gram-negative bacterial strains were more tolerant to the V. Thapsus ethanolic extract, compared with the Gram Positive bacterial strains. Bacillus cereus was the most sensitive bacterial strain among the tested bacterial strains. The medicinal plant V. Thapsus L. can be used for the treatment of different diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31456524/

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