Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Mullein is known for its diuretic, purifying and expectorant properties, useful in case of asthma, bronchitis, colds, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. Let's find out better.
Property of Mullein
Mullein has expectorant, depurative, sedative and diuretic properties.
It is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, coughs and cold symptoms. Thanks to its soothing properties it is an excellent ingredient for cosmetic products for the face and body.
For external use the mullein helps to soothe skin and mouth irritations. It is also an excellent remedy for treating hemorrhoids .
The active ingredients of mullein are mainly mucilage, saponins and flavonoids . The officinal parts of the plant are the leaves and flowers that are dried when they are in full bloom.
The flowers are used to cure bronchitis, thanks to their bechic and sedative properties. The leaves have soothing, expectorant and healing properties, while the seeds are toxic.
Method of use
Leaves and flowers are used in mullein in herbal medicine . mullein is taken mainly as an infusion. The infusion is prepared by infusing a tablespoon of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. You can drink 3-4 cups a day.
The decoction is prepared by letting 5-10 g of dried flowers boil for 10 minutes. the liquid thus obtained can be used to make local frictions.
For colds : take 2 cups of herbal tea a day.
For hemorrhoids : apply a poultice of dried flowers on the part, 2-3 times a day until the disorder is improved.
For skin diseases : make herbal tea compresses on the affected areas.
In case of slight burns, boils, itching, small sores or wounds : soak a cloth in the herbal tea and apply it to the affected area several times a day, until improvement.
Mullein-based preparations must be filtered before being drunk, as the hair covering the plant has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Contraindications of mullein
Mullein has no contraindications to normal therapeutic doses, except for individual hypersensitivity . Not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The mullein among the plants symbol of the sign of Gemini: discover the others
Description of the plant
Mullein ( Verbascum thapsus ) is a biennial plant belonging to the Scrophulariacee family. It has a taproot root whose stem, straight and woolly, measures 1-2 centimeters.
Its large oval and serrated leaves are covered with woolly and whitish hairs. These leaves can reach 50 cm. of length.
Flowering occurs from June to September, when the mullein has large golden-yellow flowers with five petals, arranged along the stem, in groups and with buds. This plant can reach up to 2 meters in height.
Mullein habitat
The mullein is widespread in uncultivated land, on the edge of country roads and in sunny sunny stony grounds. In Italy it is a plant that is found spontaneously in both maritime and mountain areas.
Background
The mullein was considered a plant with magical effects because it served to avert bad omens. Since ancient times, mullein has been used for its healing properties, especially for treating respiratory diseases.
The name of the genus is that used by Pliny, perhaps it derives from the Latin " barbascum " which means " bearded ", with reference to the widespread hairiness of these plants
