Difference between revisions of "Mullein"

Revision as of 01:44, 11 November 2017

Description

Scrophulariaceae is part of the Verbascum Thapsus L. species. These plants grow mostly in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.

Plant Growth

In the first season of growth the plant looks like a rosette comprised of large leaves. The leaves are 6 to 15 inches in length. The leaves are thickly covered with short hairs making them tough to the touch. In the following Spring thick pale stem arises from the center of the grouping of leaves at the base of the plant. The base is covered in a large sum of leaves that are 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 2 1/2 inches in width. The leaves become smaller as they crawl up the stalk. These leaves are simple broad leaves. The leaves are arranged so that the water that is collected on them drips to the larger leaves below them and eventually making the way to the roots and watering the plant. This is necessary because the plant generally grows in dry areas.

The plant is generally known to grow from 4 to 5 feet in the wild and 7 to 8 feet in the garden. Near the top of the plant the leaves clump together to form a spike usually a foot long. This is where the flowers grow. The flowers are yellow in color and are an inch across in width. The flower is made up of 5 short petals that come together at the base of the flower. These petals are cover is short white hairs that are covered in sap. This sap attracts insects like Bumble Bees, Honey Bees, and other wild bees.

Medical Uses

The Scrophulariaceae has demulcent, emollient, and astringent properties. This makes it useful when for pectoral complaints and for the bleeding of bowels and lungs. The plant also has sedative and narcotic properties.

This plant comes in handy in wasting diseases. The correct usage of the plant can help decrease cough and increase longevity in live of someone who has consumption. Taking 1 oz of dry or fresh leaves boiled for 10 minutes in a pint of milk after being strained can decrease cough, pain, irritations. This must be given warm to the patient 3 times a day with or without sugar. The dry leaves can also be ground down and inhaled through a smoking pipe. This decreases the irritation of mucus and coughing of consumption.

Mullein oil is said to be a killer of germs that cause disease. Taking the fresh flowers and saturating them in olive oil for 21 days.

Preparation of Healers

Mullein Tea
Mullein tea can be made by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers. Let it steep for ten to fifteen minutes. This drink should be used 3-4 times a day.