Wonderful Magical Mullein has been growing joyfully in our garden during the past couple of months. This is a first year Mullein plant. During it’s first year, Mullein grows big soft light green leaves. By the second year, Mullein puts it’s energy into growing a large fowering stock full of bright yellow flowers. This flowering stock can get up to 7 feet in height.
Mullein was used by many Native American tribes throughout the southwest as an important medicinal. Mullein has very fuzzy leaves that can be used in a tea to nourish the throat and the lungs. Mullein can also be dried and used in smoking blends to help clean the lungs.
Mullein is such a wonderful plant because of it’s ease of growth and versatility.
The flowers of the second-year Mullein can be used as an amazing ear soother. The fresh flowers are collected and placed into oil (apricot kernel oil is my personal favorite) for preservation in a dark cupboard. This oil is a gentle nourisher for ears, and is safe for use on infants.
The oil can then be blended with raw garlic to heal ear infections. This method is stronger and helps to enhance the antibacterial properties of the mullein flower.
The root of the mullein plant can grow to be quite large (see above photo). The root is used traditionally in a tinctured form. A tincture is when you place herbs into alcohol for preservation. Tinctures are popular because they have the ability to pull nutrients from the herbs and to preserve them, while allowing for ease of use.
Mullein root tincture can be used to treat urinary incontinence or bedwetting. Mullein root has an astringent action that helps to astringe the bladder and related organs. It can be added with other herbs to treat acute UTIs.
One added fun bonus is that mullein leaves can be used as a mulch around new garden transplants. It breaks down on the soil surface within a few weeks, yet it protects the soil surrounding growing plants when it needs it the most.