A tall biennial with woolly leaves and spikes of yellow flowers, this herb has been used medicinally for the respiratory system and inflammation. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Attracts pollinators
- Self-seeding
- Good for a wildlife garden
- Dye plant
The tall flowering stem of mullein was once used as a taper, after first being dried and then dipped in tallow. Mullein is good for the respiratory system, toning the mucus membranes and reducing inflammation. An oil made from the flowers can also be used to heal inflamed skin.
Plant Care
- Height: 100-150cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: Yellow
- Flowering period: July - August
Mullein will grow in most soils and prefers sun most of the day. In its first year it produces a rosette of big furry leaves and in the second year throws up a tall stem clad in yellow flowers. As a biennial it dies after in autumn in the second year, but mullein self-seeds easily, or the seeds can be collected and sown the following spring.
Usage
Mullein plant has an affinity with the respiratory system but is most famous for the treatment of earaches. A simple oil can be made from infused flowers in olive oil and the drops applied into the ear.
The leaves can be harvested and dried to make a soothing, expectorant tea for an irritating chronic cough. Traditional herbal smoking recipes use mullein dried leaf as a soothing base.