Rootwork

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

ScrophulariaceaeEurope, northern Africa, and Asia

Description

overall appearance

Tall biennial herb growing 3-8 feet tall with large, woolly basal leaves and a distinctive tall spike of yellow flowers; forms rosette in first year, flowers in second.

roots

Deep taproot system that can penetrate several feet into soil; roots are whitish and somewhat fibrous.

stem

Tall, erect, unbranched flowering stem covered with dense, woolly hairs; stem can reach 6-8 feet in height during second year.

leaves

Large, alternate leaves that are thick and covered with dense, soft, woolly hairs; basal leaves can be 12-18 inches long, becoming smaller up the stem.

flowers

Bright yellow, five-petaled flowers arranged in a dense, club-like spike; flowers bloom from bottom to top of spike from June to September.

fruits/seeds

Small, oval capsules containing numerous tiny seeds; capsules split open to release seeds that can remain viable for decades.

Active Compounds

Mucilages and polysaccharidesIridoid glycosides (aucubin, catalpol)Saponins (verbascosaponin)Flavonoids (hesperidin, verbascoside)Essential oils and tanninsRotenone (mild fish poison in roots)

Traditional Uses

  • Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)
  • Throat inflammation and laryngitis
  • Ear infections and earache
  • Skin conditions (wounds, burns, hemorrhoids)
  • Digestive complaints and diarrhea
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Nervous conditions and pain relief

Modern Applications

  • Respiratory tract soothing and cough suppression
  • Anti-inflammatory effects for mucous membranes
  • Antimicrobial properties for infections
  • Wound healing and skin protection
  • Earache relief (flower oil preparations)
  • Antispasmodic effects for digestive issues

⚠️ Safety Information

Contraindications

  • No known absolute contraindications
  • Caution with seeds (may contain rotenone)

Side Effects

  • Generally very safe with minimal side effects
  • Possible skin irritation from leaf hairs in sensitive individuals
  • Rare allergic reactions

Drug Interactions

  • No known significant drug interactions
  • May enhance effects of other respiratory herbs

Parts Used

  • Leaves (primary medicinal part)
  • Flowers (traditional respiratory use)
  • Roots (occasional traditional use)

Preparation Methods

1-2 teaspoons dried leaves per cup boiling water, steep 10-15 minutes, strain well

Fresh flowers infused in olive oil for 2-3 weeks for ear drops

1 tablespoon leaves per cup water, simmer 15 minutes

Fresh leaves wilted and applied to skin conditions

1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol, 2-4 ml three times daily

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Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.