Common Mullein Verbascum Thapsus

• Common mullein is an invasive weed that has medicinal value. Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

  Mullein is a common invasive weed -- known as Verbascum thapsus -- and it's believed to have medicinal value. It is a biannual plant that will grow 5 to 10 feet tall and has a large five petal yellow flower head arranged on a tall stalk. The flowers bloom from June to August. Common mullein grows vigorously and is a threat to natural meadows. However, it has several uses as an herbal medicine. Always consult with a physician before taking herbal remedies.

Medicinal Properties

• Mullein expels mucous from the lung and throat. The leaves and flowers have a high concentration of mucilage, which provides a protective layer to mucous surfaces and prevents allergens from being absorbed. Mullein also contains saponins, which soothe and relieve inflammation. It has been used for respiratory ailments, coughs, colds, asthma and whooping cough. It possesses good antibiotic properties and relieves pain.

Medicinal Preparation

• You can chop up all parts of Mullein during the time it flowers. It can be used as a tea or an extract. You can boil the root into a decoction that has been used for bladder incontinence. According to Medicinal Plants of the Southwest, mullein flowers can be steeped in olive oil and used for ear infections, hemorrhoids, bronchial inflammation, chest congestion, bruises, sprains, swollen joints and arthritis. You should choose the flowers from the top and take only 1 inch, and then grind them up. Then moisten them with grain alcohol to kill bacteria. Let this mixture sit for an hour until the alcohol has evaporated. Then press the mixture into a roasting pan and cover with olive oil. Bake continuously at 105 degrees Fahrenheit for 48 hours.

Herbal Smoke Preparation

• Herbal Remedies believes that herbal smoking is the most direct and effective way to treat certain lung conditions by expelling mucous from the lungs and throat -- and mullein's chemical properties are not carcinogenic. You should dry leaves at a constant temperature after removing the midrib. Then crush the dried leaves and smoke them in a pipe or paper. If you want the smoke mentholated, add dried mint leaves. If you want it cooler, add dried yarrow leaves. For a wintergreen taste, add dried goldenrod leaves.