Mullein is commonly known as a respiratory remedy, stimulating fluid production and reducing inflammation which makes her a great expectorant.
Botanical Name: Verbascum thapsus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowers)
Flowering Period: June – September
Constituents: Saponins, mucilage (leaves), volatile oil (flowers), flavonoids (papaverine), glycosides (aucubin, verbascoside)
Medicinal Actions: Internally – expectorant, demulcent, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic (mildly), diuretic (mild), anti-inflammatory. Externally – vulnerary, emollient
Uses: Bronchitis, coughs, colds (helps with catarrh), flu, hoarseness, asthma, insomnia (flowers), gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation in the urinary system. Externally – inflamed skin, joint pain, earache, inflamed mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, haemorrhoids (flowers infused in oil)
Therapeutic Dosage: Infusion 4-8g (2-3 teaspoons) three times a day. Tincture 1:5, 25% alcohol) 4-8ml three times a day.
Contraindications: None known
You might also be interested in the folklore of Mullein. An article explaining why she was given some of her common names such as White Man’s Footsteps.