Mullein Leaf

Botanical: Verbascum thapsus
Family: Scrophulariaceae (figwort-snapdragon)

Other common names:  Aaron's Rod, Velvet Dock, Torches, Jacob's Staff, Bunny's Ears, Large-flowered Mullein, Witches' Candle, Beggar's Blanket, Velvet Plant, Pig Taper, Verbascum Flowers, Bullock's Lungwort, Woolen Blanket Herb, Flannel Flower, Shepherd's Club, Cow's Lungwort, Hag's Taper, Jupiter's Staff, Our Lady's Flannel, Candlewick, Lungwort, Grandmother's Flannel

Mullein Leaf has served many purposes over the centuries, from making candlewicks to casting out evil spirits, but as an herbal medicine, it was primarily used to treat diarrhea, respiratory diseases and hemorrhoids.  Mullein leaves and flowers are classified in traditional herbal literature as expectorants and demulcents.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Mullein Leaf is a common wildflower that is native to much of Europe and Asia, and can grow almost anywhere.  Because of its thick, soft leaves, it is also called Grandmother's Flannel and Our Lady's Flannel, and the word, Mullein, is said to be derived from a Middle English word, moleyne, meaning "soft."   The plant's genus name, Verbascum, is said to be a corruption of the Latin word, barbascum, meaning "with beard."  Mullein leaves and flowers are classified in traditional herbal literature as expectorants (promoting the discharge of mucus) and demulcents (soothing irritated mucous membranes).  Historically, Mullein has been used by herbalists as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion, and some herbal texts extend the therapeutic use to pneumonia and asthma.  Its uses have been many and varied: The leaves of Mullein were fed to animals for coughs; the tall stalks of this plant were once dipped in tallow and lit as torches; the leaves, though somewhat irritating, were worn in the shoes to improve circulation to the feet and to buffer thinning soles; the soft leaves were used by children as doll blankets; and finally, the seeds were once used by Native Americans to paralyze fish and make them easier to catch.  The primary chemical constituents of Mullein include resin, saponins, glycoside (aucubin), flavonoids (hesperidin, verbascoside), choline, magnesium, mucilage, tannins and carotene.  Mullein also contains iron, magnesium, potassium, sulfur and calcium phosphate.  Different parts of the plant cover different properties. Leaves are anodyne, antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, mucilaginous, sedative and vulnerary; and the flowers are antispasmodic, demulcent, emollient, mucilaginous, nervine and sedative.  In general, Mullein reduces inflammation of the trachea and soothes irritated tissues.  Due to its high mucilage content, Mullein has also been used topically by herbalists as a soothing emollient for inflammatory skin conditions and burns.  Externally, an extract of this herb made in olive oil is excellent for soothing and healing any inflamed surface or easing ear problems. Mullein flowers are also made into an oil for the treatment of frostbite, ringworm, hemorrhoids and bruises, and the leaves have been smoked to treat asthma and bronchitis (although this use seems somewhat counterproductive).  Mullein has also been known to relieve constipation, counteract sleeplessness, protect the kidneys and help ease nervous tension.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant or nursing women should not use Mullein, and people with a history of cancer should consult their physicians before taking this product.

Capsule Information:
Our Mullein Leaf supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.