High Elevation Gardening Web Log "Blog"

Mullein, a stately and hardy biennial herb with long, furry leaves and tall yellow flower stalks, stands like sentinels along roadsides in our mountain region. During its first season, it produces a rosette like leaf display. The downy, soft, dense mass of white hairs covering the leaves makes them feel thick. When the second year comes around, the plant sends up a stout, fibrous stem with a white pith. Tiny yellow flowers grow at the top section of the stalk and when dried up make seed packets.

Mullein can be found throughout the United States and temperate Europe and Asia as well. It springs up in dry soil where dry conditions allow it to maximize its beneficial oils. Sow seed in gardens after all danger of frost has passed. Many plants seed themselves and new plants abound wherever the wind has taken them.

The flowers, leaves, and roots are all used for healing purposes. The leaves need to be picked first. Pick only a third of the plant. The flowers bloom individually on the towering stalks and should be handpicked as they open. Dry them quickly in a warm place and store them in a dark place sealed from the air. Collect the roots in the autumn.

Mullein is best known as an expectorant, demulcent, mild diuretic, mild sedative, and vulnerary. As a very beneficial respiratory remedy useful in most conditions that affect this vital system, it's ideal for toning the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation while stimulating fluid production and encouraging expectoration. It works well in bronchitis where there is a hard cough with soreness. As an anti-inflammatory and demulcent, it's useful for inflammation of the trachea and associated conditions. Externally, an extract of mullein in olive oil is excellent in soothing and healing any inflamed surface. Campers and hikers have found that chewing the leaf into pulp and placing this mass on a sore or insect bite will ease the discomfort.

Mullein tincture combines well with white horehound tincture and lobelia tincture for a soothing cough reliever. An oil produced by macerating the fresh flowers and allowing them to infuse in olive oil has been used to treat earaches or discharges from the ear, frostbite, and bruises, as well as for piles and other inflammations of the mucous membranes. To make the oil, place several handfuls of mullein flowers in a glass container and cover with olive oil. Let the mixture steep for seven to ten days, then strain off the flowers and bottle the oil.

Although the whole plant is considered a sedative, the root is stronger in this quality than the leaves or flowers. (WARNING: Mullein seeds are toxic and should never be used for any reason.) Recent studies indicate there may be antiviral activity in the plant. A lyophilized (freeze dried) infusion acting against herpes simplex type 1 in vitro showed a decrease in the virus titer and inhibition of viral replication. Another study found some evidence of effectiveness against fowl virus and influenza A and B strains.

Research reveals no reports of serious toxicities with mullein. Avoid roadside plants for your medicine chest as they are poisoned with gas fumes. Go into backyard fields to find this fresh and exciting herbal remedy.

For further information Sue Collins, a certified Herbalist, may be contacted at suecollins46@msn.com.

Susan B. Collins is a Master Gardener volunteer. Dana Prom Smith, a Master Gardener volunteer, is coordinating editor for the Master Gardener Column. He can be contacted at stpauls@npgcable.com. For more information about the Master Gardener Program, call Hattie Braun, Coordinator of the Master Gardener Program, at 774-1868 ext.17 or visit our Web Site: highelevationgardening.arizona.edu.