Verbascum thapsus- The name Verbascum is derived from Latin word meaning “barbascum” or beard, referring to the fine, beard-like filaments on the leaves. The biennial plant bears a single tall stem up to 2m tall and wide, woolly leaves.  

Native to: Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. 

Modern distribution: North America, South America, and Australia. 

Common Names: Candlewick plant, Velvet plant, Hag’s Taper, Blanket leaf, Aaron’s rod, Jacob’s staff, Old man’s flannel. 

Parts used – Active Compounds: The leaves and flowers of mullein contains various chemical constituents like saponins, iridoid and flavonoids, mucilaginous constituents, vitamin C and minerals. 

Main Therapeutic Uses

Lung and respiratory support. 

Traditionally mullein leaves and flowers were used fresh or dried to make hot and cold oils, creams, teas, and tinctures. These were prepared to treat respiratory conditions, urinary infections as well as treating external injuries, irritations, and infections. The leaves were also smoked by native North Americans to treat respiratory conditions, and mullein was used across the western world to treat tuberculosis.  

Compounds in mullein have expectorant properties (from saponins) – promoting the thinning and discharge of mucus as well as demulcent properties (from mucilaginous constituents) that soothes irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes. Both actions can help with conditions of the lungs and respiratory tract including catarrh, coughs, and bronchitis. 

Mullein is also an excellent plant medicine for easing ear pain associated with infection and clinical trials have examined the abilities of the herb to relieve pain among children suffering from earache. When combined in topical preparations with targeted antimicrobial herbs – the benefits are enhanced.  

 Mullein at St. Francis

From Deedee – St. Francis Farm Manager  

“One great thing about mullein, is that it totally grows itself! These plants don’t want to be held back by any plug tray – they are on a mission to get their tap root deep down into the subsoil to harness enough water and nutrients for the miraculous growth they manage in their bi-annual lifetime. The tiny round seeds would give you no inkling of the often large, thick leaved mounds that develop in the first season.  

In their second summer, mullein goes into bloom, growing a long wand-like stalk that is covered in densely packed yellow flowers – a favourite of bees and butterflies, even the odd flycatcher bird will take a break to perch on the flower tower.  

Mullein is prone to grow in disturbed areas, their height sharing secrets about how compacted the soil is, how poor, how dry. Their deep roots break open hard subsoil, drawing up nutrients to the surface, while feeding the plant through its cycles. Following the magnificent blooming flower stalk, the plant goes to seed and begins to decompose.  

We process mullein fresh in our tinctures. This requires executive timing for harvest delivery, inspection, processing, and testing. During mullein harvest season, our extraction team works overtime to ensure the highest quality of product is made with only fresh, top-tier mullein plants.” 

Fun fact! With its broad, soft leaves – Mullein has gained the nickname “cowboy’s toilet paper” in the Western US.  

Folklore and symbolism: In European lore, it was believed that the tall yellow stalk with bright yellow flowers symbolized a beacon of light that could ward off evil spirits. In ancient Rome and Medieval Europe that plant played a role in funeral ceremonies, bringing light and guidance to those entering the afterlife.  

 Contraindications : Consult a Health Practitioner before use if pregnant and/or breastfeeding.   

Products Featuring Mullein