Verbascum thapsus
| Mullein Verbascum thapsus |
Mullein - Verbascum thapsus (in the Scrophulariaceae or Figwort family)
Part used: Flowers, leaves.
Note: Flowers are used for the nervous system, flowers and leaves for the kidneys and respiratory system.
Taste/smell: Pleasant odor, sweet, bitter, mucilaginous.
Mental picture and specific indications: It is indicated for dry, harsh, hacking coughs, weak lungs, kidneys and nervous system. Symptoms are worse with a change of temperature, talking, sneezing and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:5 dry strength liquid extract: 10-40 drops 1-4 times per day.
Use: (a) Demulcent, (b) Expectorant, (c) Astringent, (d) Alterative.
The flowers are more demulcent and the leaves are more astringent. Mullein is used in hoarseness, coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory conditions. It is also used in colic, constipation, facial neuralgia and urinary tract irritation. Externally, the oil is used for earaches.
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.