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Writer's pictureCalvin De Jong

Traditional Medicine Great Mullein

Great Mullein

Mullien has been used by herbalists for respiratory issues such as bronchitis for thousands of years. It contains a plant compound called mucilage which helps coat the bronchial tubes with a soothing liquid.


History

Fun Fact!!!

In the mid‑1700’s it was used in Virginia as a piscicide (fish poison).

Native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia, it was more than likely introduced to North America several times as a medicinal herb used in herbalists' gardens. Today common mullein is distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada wherever the growing season is at least 140 days and rainfall is sufficient (50-150 cm), especially on dry sandy soils. Common mullein is typically found in neglected meadows and pasture lands, along fence rows, roadsides, hill shills and in vacant lots, wood edges, forest openings and industrial areas.

How to use

Mullein can be collected all year when the leaves are young and healthy, dry the leaves on a screen for approximately a week until they can be broken up.


Parts used

  • Leaves (first years growth)

  • Flowers

  • Roots ( harvest during the fall )


Make Tea

Mullein works well with many teas or can be enjoyed by itself.


Tobacco

Mullein can be added to natural smoke blends.


Make a Cream or Poultice

A cream or Poultice can be made with leaves and or roots, it makes an excellent skin conditioner for sunburns and other minor skin irritations.


Description

Mullein is a bi-annual herbaceous plant that thrives in a wide range of habitats. It grows in a Rosette the first year producing large leaves, during the second year of growth it will produce an erect stem sometimes branching that can grow up to 10 ft tall with astonishing yellow flowers.


Habitat

Mullein can withstand a variety of different environments. To grow into its full potential it would need full sun on an open hillside that would gather more moisture during the morning, but drains quickly with well-drained sandy, rocky rich soil. It will grow quite well in bottomland soils as well.


Propagate

Milan propagates by seed during the fall the seeds will fall to the ground by disturbance of the flower stalk. Birds will knock them out of the shell quite often or when animals rub up against them while grazing.


Using permaculture or regenerative programs

Mullein works great in both of these applications. With its deep tap root it works great for breaking up hard-pan soils and bringing hard to reach nutrients to the top soil.



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