Mulleins (Verbascum Thapsus Linn.) are native to Europe and Asia with high species diversity of about 250 species of flowering plants in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). They are biennial or perennial plants and rarely annuals or sub-shrubs. The leaves and flowers are the parts used medicinally. Preparations of the plant have been ingested, applied topically, and smoked.
Mullein also is known as American mullein, European or orange mullein, candleflower, candlewick, higtaper and lungwort. It has markedly demulcent, emollient and astringent properties, which render it useful in pectoral complaints and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. The whole plant seems to possess slightly sedative and narcotic properties.
Here are few Medicinal Uses of Mullein:
- Mullein has expectorant and cough suppressant properties that make it useful for symptomatic treatment of sore throat and cough. The decoction made of fresh leaves of Mullein taken thrice a day allays cough and removes the pain and irritation of hemorrhoids.
- The smoke of dried leaves can relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes and completely control the hacking cough of consumption. They can be employed with equal benefit when made into cigarettes, for asthma and spasmodic coughs in general.
- Fomentations and poultices of the leaves have been found serviceable in haemorrhoidal complaints.
- Leaves were applied topically to soften and protect the skin. The oil derived from the flowers is recommended for earache and discharge from the ear, and for any eczema of the external ear and its canal.
- Mullein is said to be of much value in diarrhea, from its combination of demulcent with astringent properties, by this combination strengthening the bowels at the same time. In diarrhea the ordinary infusion is generally given, but when any bleeding of the bowels is present, the decoction prepared with milk is recommended.
- A conserve of the flowers is used on the continent against ringworm, and a distilled water of the flowers was long reputed a cure for burns and erysipelas.
- Mullein oil is a valuable destroyer of disease germs. The fresh flowers, steeped for 21 days in olive oil, are said to make an admirable bactericide.
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