Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is a biennial herb that produces large, broad leaves the first year and a tall yellow flower spike the second year. The second-year leaves are more potent than the first. Like gumweed, it favors disturbed soils of roadsides, trail sides, and field edges. It proliferates following fires.
Time to harvest. For maximum potency, harvest mullein leaves in the first year or early in the second year. The taproot is best harvested in the first year. Flowers should be harvested fresh.
Medicinal uses. Mullein is of greatest benefit in helping the respiratory and urinary tracts. It is used as a mild diuretic, and for urinary tract infections, including bladder infections and chronic cystitis, and prostate inflammation. It is an effective bronchodilator and expectorant with some efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, and as such is an excellent adjunct for pharmaceutical antibiotic regimens for upper respiratory infections. It also combines well with lomatium. And it is a good drawing herb for bites, including snakebites.
Preparation. Mullein root, leaf, and flower are prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the purpose.
Root. This is best for urinary tract infections.
Leaf. This is also for UTIs, but it's not as effective as the root. A leaf infusion or syrup soothes inflamed membranes of bronchi and trachea well and is especially effective for dry coughs. In a poultice, it is a good drawing herb for skin infections and abscesses.
Flower. The tincture or oil combined with garlic is the time-honored remedy for ear infections, as long as the eardrum has not ruptured. It is a better bronchodilator than the leaf, as well as a better expectorant. While it is also good for asthma, mullein is not as effective as gumweed. The flowers in a salve, tea, or tincture are very effective against herpes cold sores.
Tincture.
Dried leaf or root. In a 1:5 ratio (1 part herb by weight to 5 parts alcohol by volume), soak in 50% alcohol for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily. Strain. Dosage is 30-60 drops, 2-3 times per day.
Fresh flower stalk. In a 1:2 ratio (1 part herb by weight to 2 parts alcohol by volume), soak in 50% alcohol for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily. Strain. Dosage is 20-40 drops, 2 times per day
Infused oil. Place fresh flowers in a small canning jar and cover with olive oil. Let sit on a sunny windowsill for 7-10 days. Strain, and pour into a dark glass bottle. For ear infections, use one drop in children under ten years of age, two drops in older individuals, three to four times per day.
A hot method of preparation produces the mullein oil much more quickly. Simply put one cup of mullein flowers in a double boiler and add one-half cup of olive oil. Heat on low for three hours. Cool, strain, and store in a dark glass bottle. Dosage is the same as above.
Infusion. Pour one cup boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves and/or flowers, cover, and steep for 10-15 minutes. Use 1-4 times per day for sore throat and upper respiratory infections.
Poultice. For skin infections and abscesses, powder mullein flowers and leaves, and then mix with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the affected area and cover with gauze or plastic wrap. If the paste/poultice can be heated, so much the better.
