Greg Patch: May 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013

Mullein

mulleinfrom http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+thapsus

"Verbascum thapsus - L.

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants.
Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Anodyne; Antiseptic; Astringent; Demulcent; Emollient; Expectorant; Homeopathy; Narcotic;
Odontalgic; Vulnerary.

Great mullein is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its efficacy in the treatment of pectoral complaints[4].
It acts by reducing the formation of mucus and stimulating the coughing up of phlegm, and is a specific treatment for
tracheitis and bronchitis[254]. The leaves and the flowers are anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary[4, 7, 13, 21, 46, 53, 165, 222]. An infusion is taken
e (Thymus vulgaris)[254]. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is a good healer of wounds and is also applied to ulcers,
tumours and piles[4, 222, 254]. Any preparation made from the leaves needs to be carefully strained in order to remove the
small hairs which can be an irritant[7]. The plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use[238]. An infusion of
the flowers in olive oil is used as earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of piles and other mucous
membrane inflammations[4, 222, 238].
This infusion is also strongly bactericidal[4]. A decoction of the roots is said to alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps
and convulsions[4]. The juice of the plant and powder made from the dried roots is said to quickly remove rough warts when
rubbed on them[4]. It is not thought to be so useful for smooth warts[4]. The seeds are slightly narcotic and also contain
saponins[4]. A poultice made from the seeds and leaves is used to draw out splinters[4]. A decoction of the seeds is used
to soothe chilblains and chapped skin[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves[4]. It is used in the treatment
of long-standing headaches accompanied with oppression of the ear[4].

Other Uses

Dye; Insecticide; Insulation; Lighting; Tinder; Wick.

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers by boiling them in water[4]. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather
permanent green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkalis[4, 13, 100, 168]. An infusion of the flowers is sometimes
used to dye the hair a golden colour[4, 200]. The flowering stems can be dipped in wax and used as torches[53, 106, 124]. The
down on the leaves and stems makes an excellent tinder when quite dry[4, 53, 115]. It is also used as an insulation in shoes to keep
the feet warm[4, 200] and to make wicks for candle[1, 4, 13, 100, 115, 124]. One report says that the leaves contain rotenone,
though it does not say in what quantity[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide[K]."