Born almost exclusively into disturbed and forgotten wasteland, mullein is found growing in burn-sites, along roads, and especially seems to thrive in “trashy,” questionable situations. This plant helps to heal and transform the earth and soil; softening, strengthening, and enriching the structure and mineral content, preparing the area it grows in to become something different, something new, and likewise possesses healing properties aligned to humans that soften life’s hard edges.
Mullein
The Herbcrafter's Tarot
Mullen is a biennial plant, presenting in its first year a large rosette of Gray green thick flannel like leaves lying close to the ground
Few herbs have held such broad regard with the common citizenry as the Great Mullein. While this might be partially attributed to the plant's attention grabbing appearance when in bloom, the fact that it is an effective remedy for some of the most debilitating health complaints of our forebears secured its position in the history of botanical medicine. As an aid for chronic lung and respiratory problems, it was universally recognized by European, Asian, and Native American herbalists. Oil extracts of the flowers were considered excellent in soothing and healing any inflamed surface, and for easing ear problems. A decoction of its roots was used to alleviate a toothache, and thought to be good for cramps and convulsions. An early morning drought of the distilled water of the flowers was often recommended for gout. The seeds were considered mildly narcotic, and were taken to allay fears an anxiety, giving Mullen a similar reputation among common people that Saint John’s Wort held – as a sure safeguard against evil spirits and magic. (The ancient classics tell us that it was this plant which Ulysses took to protect himself against the Wiles of Circe.) A wound healer carried over to the American Civil War when, in the South its leaves and extracts were used to bandage and protect wounds when other medical supplies were unavailable. Mullein leaf was also smoked to help alleviate the lung diseases that overtook besieged soldiers in the trenches. (Phillip Fritchey, Practical Herbalism)
Few herbs have held such broad regard with the common citizenry as the Great Mullein. While this might be partially attributed to the plant's attention grabbing appearance when in bloom, the fact that it is an effective remedy for some of the most debilitating health complaints of our forebears secured its position in the history of botanical medicine. As an aid for chronic lung and respiratory problems, it was universally recognized by European, Asian, and Native American herbalists. Oil extracts of the flowers were considered excellent in soothing and healing any inflamed surface, and for easing ear problems. A decoction of its roots was used to alleviate a toothache, and thought to be good for cramps and convulsions. An early morning drought of the distilled water of the flowers was often recommended for gout. The seeds were considered mildly narcotic, and were taken to allay fears an anxiety, giving Mullen a similar reputation among common people that Saint John’s Wort held – as a sure safeguard against evil spirits and magic. (The ancient classics tell us that it was this plant which Ulysses took to protect himself against the Wiles of Circe.) A wound healer carried over to the American Civil War when, in the South its leaves and extracts were used to bandage and protect wounds when other medical supplies were unavailable. Mullein leaf was also smoked to help alleviate the lung diseases that overtook besieged soldiers in the trenches. (Phillip Fritchey, Practical Herbalism)
Description:
A biennial widely distributed throughout North America, Mullein occupies disturbed areas, waste places, fields, and logged areas (especially Ponderosa Pine), and often stand Sentinel-like along roadsides at low to middle elevations. Rarely will you see Mullein growing in non-disturbed areas (significant to its properties of soothing, healing and restoring). As a biennial you may notice ground hugging mullein with no flower stalk alongside the more majestic second year plants that bear a strong, long stalk with small (seemingly inconspicuous at first glance) unusually striking yellow flowers.
Leaves collected prior to or while the flower is in bloom are ideal for medicinal preparations. Leaves may be dried (there is a significant quality of fire and air to this plant and drying is achieved without much effort, it can simply be left in a sunny window, preferably with a breeze). Leaves collected prior to when the plant achieves bloom, (while it is still in its first year as a rosette), are thought to contain more medicinal value. Leaves and flowers may be collected and steeped in honey or alcohol to extract the full spectrum of Mullein's medicinal and energetic value.
Leaves collected prior to or while the flower is in bloom are ideal for medicinal preparations. Leaves may be dried (there is a significant quality of fire and air to this plant and drying is achieved without much effort, it can simply be left in a sunny window, preferably with a breeze). Leaves collected prior to when the plant achieves bloom, (while it is still in its first year as a rosette), are thought to contain more medicinal value. Leaves and flowers may be collected and steeped in honey or alcohol to extract the full spectrum of Mullein's medicinal and energetic value.
Medicinal Actions:
Expectorant, Demulcent, Emollient, Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Nervine, Anti-Spasmodic, Vulnerary, Alternative, Astringent, Pectoral, Nutritive, Anti-Septic, Hemostatic, Anodyne, Narcotic, Anti-Asthmatic, Germicide, Vermicide.
Mullein is the only herb known to man that has remarkable narcotic properties without being poisonous or harmful. It is a great herbal painkiller and nervous soporific, calming and quieting all inflamed and irritated nerves. In wasting diseases such as Tuberculosis or Consumption, the weight steadily increases, expectoration becomes easy, cough columns, and the general condition is improved. Mullin soothes and strengthens the bowels and renal system, and is one of the most important for the glands and serous and mucous membranes. It stops the escape of fluids from ruptured vessels, and eliminates toxins. (Dr. Christopher)
Mullein is an herb for the lungs and throat and can be consumed in any rational quantity needed, being basically free of toxicity. It is a mild sedative to the lungs and is especially useful in the initial stages of an infection, where there is a mild fever, a raspiness in the throat, and a hot, dry feeling in the chest. Its effect decreases when the infection is broken in an expectorant is needed. A tablespoon of the slightly disagreeable leaves, well crushed, is steeped in sweetened water and drunk slowly through the day during the day. The Flowers are far preferable for a more energetic infection, relaxing bronchial spasms and acting as a mild sedative. Boiling water is poured over 5 to 10 of the flowers and steeped for at least 10 minutes, drunk slowly, and repeated as often as needed.
(Medicinal plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore)
(Medicinal plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore)
Mullein Spirit
Creative inspiration is bubbling to the surface. Pursue an ancient calling from spirit. Take action to magnify your magic; It is closer than you think. Mullen is an easy-to-find yet often overlooked medicine weed. You already possess the power you need, but you may not recognize it in yourself. Like Mullein, inner strength and outer softness move you in an upward direction. Dried Mullein stalks are dipped in wax to create torches; Follow the spark that unleashes your creativity. Allow your deepest desires to find expression. Seek courage from your ancestors.
(The Herbcrafter's Tarot by Latisha Guthrie and Joanna Powell Colbert)
(The Herbcrafter's Tarot by Latisha Guthrie and Joanna Powell Colbert)
Associated with the breath, man's life-cycle, and our deepest spiraling roots; the fire in our bellies and the Resplendent Gem found within the great Manipura Chakra; Mullein reminds us of our undeniable oneness and connection to source through the One-Thousand Petalled Lotus, our Sahasrara Chakra, the place of One Thousand Angels Singing. The strength and alignment of the spine holds the heart while the consciousness reaches heaven through the sun.
From the Apothecary
All Systems Detox | Cleanse, Strengthen, and Rejuvenate Your Cells, Tissues, and Organs | High Frequency Loose Herb Blend for Tea & Tisane | All Systems Detox - Herbal nutrition and detoxification blend nourishes and gently detoxifies the entire body. Professionally formulated high frequency botanical blend promotes kidney health and filtration, cleanses the lymphatic system, improves blood vitality and flow, while hydrating and alkalizing the entire body. All organs and organ systems are addressed. Energetic bodies are cleansed and activated.
Resources & Recommended
The books I recommend here are those I love and have in my library. If you click through the link and purchase the book I may earn a small affiliate commission.
