Common mullein, scientific name Verbascum thapsus, is a plant of the Scrofulariaceae family. Already known to the ancients, Pliny indeed prescribed mullein for the respiratory tract infections while Saint Hildegard used, in case of laryngotracheitis, a decoction of flowers of mullein and mauve, today mullein is considered an ideal remedy against diseases of the respiratory tract thanks to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties able to sooth cough. You can use mullein to treat pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and cold, flu, lack of voice, hoarseness. Mullein results also useful to treat cold sores and other irritations of the mouth but also wounds, ulcers, burns and hemorrhoids and, thanks to its antispasmodic properties, asthma, cramps and neuralgias. Let’s see how to take verbascum.
Herbal tea, internal use
In order to counteract colds and problems of the respiratory tract you can take the herbal tea of verbascum thapsus. Steep for ten minutes two tablespoons of flowers, dry or fresh, per liter of water. Filter well because you should remove all the parts of the plant that can cause irritations to the mouth. Drink 3-4 cups a day.
Decoction for external use
Bring to boil a liter of water together with 4 tablespoons of dry flowers, let to boil for 3 minutes, then filter and let the drink cool a bit. Use for compresses on skin in case of ulcers, wounds, burns but also local compresses in case of neuralgias, to gargle in order to treat cold sores or irritations of the mouth as well as to prepare sitz bath in case of hemorrhoids.
Mother tincture
Mullein can be used, in case of diseases of the respiratory tract, also in the form of mother tincture, 30-40 drops 3-4 times per day without food in a glass of water.
