Wonderful Weeds: Mullein
/
When a tall mullein plant appeared in our garden years ago, we felt proud. We had seen these plants on the mesas and believed that we were hosting a native wildflower. You should have seen the expression on our ecologist friend’s face when she saw it! Jane enlightened us to the fact that mullein is a Eurasian weed, considered noxious in Colorado.
Yet, despite its invasive nature, mullein, Verbascum thapsus L, is a wonderful medicinal herb. It was apparently brought to America by Puritans for use in their herb gardens, although other accounts note that it was also brought as a fish poison.
As with most introduced medicinals, Native Americans quickly incorporated the plant into their daily life, using it as everything from a moccasin liner to a soothing smoke.
Mullein possesses bitter, astringent and sweet tastes and is soothing to pitta and kapha. It is blood cleansing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, analgaesic and diuretic. The leaves can be used to heal wounds and are good for coughs and chest problems, while the flowers have a nervine sedative action.
One of the foremost ways we use the leaves and flowers of mullein is for respiratory issues, to stimulate and cleanse the lungs, relax the bronchioles and liquify phlegm. With its antiviral and antibacterial actions, you can see how it’s brilliant for chest infections. Like the Navajo, we love to use it in our smoking mix. Mullein oil is famous for ear infections. This is not an essential oil; rather mullein is infused in olive oil.
Mullein compresses can be used for a variety of complaints, including bruises, eczema and painful joints. You can also do a mullein bath to ease joint pain. No wonder the Puritans wanted to bring this useful herb with them, not knowing that it would travel thousands of miles and become a noxious weed.
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
