Mullein: A Common Medicinal for Home Remedies

Reader Contribution by Sean And Monica Mitzel and Sovereign Sonrise Permafarm
Published on August 31, 2016
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Cowboy’s Toilet Paper, Our Lady’s Candle, Bunny’s Ear, Beggar’s Blanket, & Quaker’s Rouge are just a few nicknames for Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), a member of the snapdragon family.

You will find this fuzzy, biennial plant growing on roadsides and in areas that have been disturbed in almost every state. A pioneer plant, it grows well in any type of soil, enhancing the soil as it grows (nitrogen fixer) which means it is a great plant to keep on your permaculture property for more than just an herbal remedy (or toilet paper emergency). Its water requirements are very low while sunshine is a must, so don’t look for it in shady, moist places.

The first year, no flowers are present, but it is identifiable by a small rosette of fuzzy green leaves which can grow up to 1 foot in length. Because second-year mullein grows so tall (up to 8 feet!) and produces bright yellow flowers which are great for attracting pollinators it will be much easier to identify and harvest. The entire plant is useful for medicinal applications – the leaves, roots, and flowers. For more information on medicinal herbs and many other subjects consider joining our online community.

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