MULLEIN.

Description:

-Verbascum Album.—This from the texture of the leaves, is also called Poor Man's Flannel. Common White Mullein has many fair, large, woolly white leaves, lying next the ground, longer than broad, pointed at the end, and dented about the edges. The stalk rises four or five feet high; covered over with similar leaves, but less; so that no stalk can be seen for the multitude of leaves. The flowers come forth on all sides of the stalk in great numbers upon a long spike, of a yellow colour, consisting of five round pointed leaves. The root is long, white, and woody. It grows by way-sides, lanes, and on ditch banks.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Mullein:

Catarrhs and diarrheas are said to be arrested by this plant. Dr. Home tried it in these diseases, but allows its virtue only in the latter disorder. He relates four cases in which it was given; and he says, " that it is useful in diminishing or stopping diarrheas of an old standing, and in easing pains in the bowels. This arises from the emollient and gently astringent qualities of the plant. The decoction is made by boiling two ounces of the leaves in a quart of water for twenty minutes—two or three ounces to be given every three hours.

A strong decoction eases the toothache, A decoction of the leaves, and of sage, marjoram, and cammomile flowers, and the places bathed therewith, eases cramp in the sinews, and joints. Three ounces of the distilled water of the flowers, drank morning and evening for some days together, is an excellent remedy for the gout. The juice of the leaves and flowers laid upon rough warts, or the powder of the dried roots rubbed on takes them away. The decoction is of great effect to dissolve the tumours, swellings, or inflammations of the throat. The leaves bruised and wrapped in double papers, and covered with hot ashes to bake a while, and then taken and laid warm on any blotch or boil happening in the groin or share, soon heals them.

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This page and the rest of the encyclopedia of medicinal herbs was reproduced from old herbals written in the 1700 and 1800s. They are of historical interest to show the traditional uses of various herbs based on folk medicine and ancient wisdom. However the traditional uses for these herbs have not been confirmed by medical science and in some cases may actually be dangerous. Do not use the these herbs for any use, medicinal or otherwise, without first consulting a qualified doctor.

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