Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus
Herb Class/Action: Demulcent, Expectorant, Astringent, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic
Parts Used: flowers and leaves
Flavors: Bitter, mucilaginous, sweet and pleasant earthy odor
Energetics: Cooling
Benefits: Respiratory, Circulatory, Digestive, Musculatory/Skeletal
Plant Medicine Mullein (Verbascum Thespis) is used for its flowers, and leaves. The flowers are used for the nervous system, the flowers & leaves are used for the kidney and respiratory system.
It can be used as an infusion, tincture or smoke.
It is indicated to support the lungs and cough in the respiratory system. Asthmatic individuals, bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, and other respiratory conditions would benefit from the phytochemicals allowing the herb to act as a demulcent/expectorant.
Nevertheless, these species can also be used in mouthwashes to treat teeth pain and gumboils, or as enemas for constipation, pediatric gut swelling, and indigestion. The topic application of poultices or leaves (boiled or raw) is also used to treat abdominal pain, commonly attributed to liver or gut inflammation or diarrhea.
Verbascum thapsus used to treat and relieve conditions affecting the musculature and skeleton, the healing properties attributed to common mullein could rely on its anti-inflammatory action, since most of the conditions treated share a strong inflammatory component (rheumatism, arthritis, swelling, contusions, and broken bones). The application would be topical for relieving musculature and skeletal conditions to work from the "inside-out". The topical application can help support various skin conditions that are treated with Verbascum spp., including eczema, exanthema, cysts and zits, insect bites, and nail infections, as well as different types of wounds.
