Verbascum thapsus (Mullein)
Family: Scrophularaceae
Habitat/Botanical Description: Grown worldwide in temperate, dry climates in sandy or gravel soil. This is a biannual root with an erect, nonbranching wooly stem tghat grows up to 6 feet in height. The basal leaves are large, oval and rounded at the apex. The stem leaves are alternate and decrease in size as they get higher up the stem. It has bright yellow flowers in later summer that are sessile and row in a raceme on the upper stem. The first year plant is a basal rosette of leaves. The second year plant elongates.
Part Used: Folia and floris
Active Constituents:
Bitter, flavonoids (acubin), mucilage, resins, saponins, tannins, volatile oils
Medicinal Actions:
Anodyne, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, relaxing, stimulating, tonic, vulnerary
Medicinal Use:
Verbascum is a slightly anti-spasmodic expectorant. The saponins draw fluid from the tissues, thinning mucus. This action takes place in the intestines as well as in the lungs. So you may see an increase in mucus in the stool when patients are taking saponin taking herbs. It may be used in either dry and spasmodic coughs or in productive coughs that have thick mucus that is difficult to expectorate. Verbascum also contains mucilage and glycosides that are mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing. Thus you receive the combined stimulating and relaxing effects. This is what gives Verbascum its tonic action. The volatile oils are antiseptic and have a relaxing effect on the mind, reducing any anxiety that may be present in the patient. It is useful for treating asthma, Pertussis and other spasmodic coughs. It is also an effective treatment for upper and lower respiratory infections of any kind. It combines well with other herbs. You may choose the herbs to enhance desired actions of Verbascum. Traditionally, Verbascum has been smoked or burned as incense for treatment of asthma.
Many of the active constituents, especially in the root, are eliminated through the urinary system. This gives Verbascum an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing action on the urinary tract. It is often used to address cystitis, nocturnal enuresis, urinary incontinence and testicular inflammation. It has a tonifying effect on the trigone region of the pelvic floor. For urinary incontinence, one drop of oil per day is said to resolve it.
Verbascum flowers are sedating and pain relieving. Mullein oil or Mullein essence is often used to treat earaches of any etiology. It is indicated for treatment of Otitis externa, Otitis media, and Serous Otitis Media. Best benefits are obtained after heating the oil or if heat is applied after the oil is applied inside the ear.
Topically the leaves or oil may be applied to any area of inflammation including testes, pelvis and musculoskeletal injury and inflammation.
Contraindications: None
Toxicity: None
Drug Interactions: None
Pharmacy:
Infusion: 1 – 2 tsp/cup 1 –2 cups TID
Tincture (1:5): 5 – 6 ml TID
Fluid Extract (1:1): 1 – 3 ml TID
Mullein Essence: Hang the flowers upside down in a bottle of oil. Expose to sunlight during the day and store in a cool place at night for three days.