Mullein Leaf Powder Verbascum thapsus, 4 oz

Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus) is a good respiratory remedy. Also for toning the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reducing inflammation whilst stimulating fluid production and thus facilitating expectoration. It is considered a specific in bronchitis where there is a hard cough with soreness. Its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties indicate its use in inflammation of the trachea and associated conditions.

Mullein Leaf makes a sweet, non-biting, mildly sedative smoke, and is recommended by Grieve in that form, as well as a tea or strong decoction.

Externally an extract made in olive oil is excellent in soothing and healing any inflamed surface or easing ear problems. Mullein contains about 3% mucilage and small amounts of saponins and tannins. The mucilaginous constituents are primarily responsible for the soothing actions on mucous membranes. The saponins may be responsible for the expectorant actions of mullein.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The Mullein has very markedly demulcent, emollient and astringent properties, which render it useful in pectoral complaints. The whole plant seems to possess slightly sedative and narcotic properties.'

'The dried Mullein leaves are sometimes smoked in an ordinary tobacco pipe to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and will completely control, it is said, the hacking cough of consumption. Mullein is said to be of much value in diarrhoea, from its combination of demulcent with astringent properties, by this combination strengthening the bowels at the same time. In diarrhoea the ordinary infusion is generally given, but when any bleeding of the bowels is present, the decoction prepared with milk is recommended. On the Continent, a sweetened infusion of the flowers strained in order to separate the rough hairs, is considerably used as a domestic remedy in mild catarrhs, colic, etc.'

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Mullein is demulcent, diuretic, anodyne, and antispasmodic. It is likewise said to possess marked antiperiodic virtues. Besides, it is mildly nervine, controlling irritation, and favoring sleep. Upon the upper portion of the respiratory tract its influence is pronounced, particularly where the larynx and trachea are involved. The infusion is useful in coughs, protracted colds, catarrh, hemoptysis, diarrhoea, dysentery, and piles. It is applicable to dry, hoarse coughs, which occur chiefly at night, as well as to cough associated with an abundant catarrhal discharge.'

'Its diuretic properties are rather weak, yet it is very useful in allaying the acridity of urine, which is present in many diseases. It may be boiled in milk, sweetened, and rendered more palatable by the addition of aromatics, for internal use, especially bowel complaints. A fomentation of the leaves also forms an excellent local application for inflamed piles, ulcers, and tumors. The leaves and pith of the stalk form a valuable cataplasm in white swellings, and when infused in hot vinegar or water it makes an excellent poultice to be applied to the throat in tonsilitis, malignant sore throat, and mumps. The seeds, it is said, will rapidly pass through the intestines, and have been successfully used in intestinal obstructions. They are narcotic, and have been used in asthma, infantile convulsions, and to poison fish. The infusion may be drank freely.'

Antiviral activity against herpesvirus-1 was found with extracts of Verbascum thapsus, Cardamine angulata, Conocephalum conicum, Lysichiton americanum & Polypodium glycyrrhiza - McCutcheon 1995

Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) was inhibited by flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme, which contains flavonoids, iridoids, phenolic acids, saponins, amino acids, free sugars, and mucilages - Slagowska 1987