PARTS USED:
- Dried leaf, flower
- Root
USES:
Respiratory
- Tones mucous membranes
- Expectorant
- Mucilage helps coat surfaces – good for any hard coughing
- Colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma
- TB
- Whooping cough
- Laryngitis
- Tonsillitis
- Tracheitis
Ears
- Mullein oil (flower) for earache and discharge from the ear
- Eczema/irritation of the external ear and canal
Joints
- Lubrication
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
- Respiratory
- GI
- Seizures
- Headaches and Migraines
Topical
- Episiotomies
- Hemorrhoids – poultice
- Healing properties
- Soothes and lubricates
- Ear aches
- Rheumatic pain
- Oral issues – cuts, cankers, cold sores
Antimicrobial
- Antiviral (especially the flowers)
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
Sedative/Hypnotic/Insomnia
Helps with nervous tension
Anti-tumor
- Effective against liver cancer strains
- Mechanism of action still unknown
Antioxidant – tincture format most effective
Analgesic
PREPARATION:
- Infusion
- Tincture
- Smoked roots for asthma
- Don’t use for more than two weeks at a time
SIDE EFFECTS AND TOXICITY:
- Seeds are considered toxic (highly sedating), though many cultures still use them for various issues
- Avoid during pregnancy and nursing
- Caution in cardiac issues
MISCELLANEOUS:
- During the civil war the leaves were used as an antiseptic
- The seeds are used to intoxicate fish when thrown into the water
- “Nature’s toilet paper”
- Used to ward off evil spirits, instill courage and health, provide protection, and to attract love
- It was believed that wearing mullein would ensure fertility
- The Cherokee rubbed mullein leaves in their armpits to treat “prickly rash”
