Verbascum thapsus - Great Mullein

(Scrophulariaceae Family)
Other Names: common mullein^[E-flora]

Identification
"Verbascum thapsus is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, lepidoptera, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure." ^[PFAF]

Origin Status: Exotic ^[E-flora]

General: "Robust biennial herb from a taproot; stems single, erect, 0.5-2 m tall; stem, leaves and inflorescence densely woolly with star-shaped or forking-branched, felted hairs."^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Habitat / Range
"Dry roadsides, gravel pits, fields and waste places; common in S BC north to 53degreeN, rare north to 55degreeN; introduced from Eurasia." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]} Fully naturalized in New Zealand ^{[NewZealandNaturalized]} Arid and stony pastures in the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise (Central Intaly) ^{[Conti VFNP]} Central Asia: Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Chuy Provinces of Kyrgyzstan ^{[Eisenman MPCA]} Sierra Nevada; "...disturbed places up to the subalpine zone." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}

Caution:

"Mullein does contain coumarin and rotenone, two substances that may be toxic in large quantities if ingested. Also, the seeds are not recommended for consumption." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}

• Lookalikes: In our region Digitalis purpurea - common foxglove may be confused with Mullein. The confusion is only likely when the plant is not in flower, as Mullein has yellow flowers, while Foxglove has purple or white flowers. Habitat and flower stalk are key differentiating characteristics. ^{[Personal Observation]} Digitalis has been frequently adulterated with great mullein leaves. They "...may be identified and distinguished microscopically by the abundant presence of huge woolly and branched candelabra trichomes." ^[PCPB]
• "Mullein should not be given to children. This herb should not be used by persons with hypersensitivity to it." ^{[Skidmore-Roth MHH]}

Edible Use

• Leaves: "The leaves of mullein are said to be edible when eaten in small quantities and cooked. Because of their woolly texture, however, we have found the plants to be undesirable." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}

Other Uses

• Dye: "The flowers and leaves produce yellow dye" ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}
• Firedrill: "The dried stalks are ideal for use as hand drills to start fires." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}
• Tobacco: "Several American Indian groups gathered the leaves to smoke as tobacco..." ^{[DPL Watts]} "The dry leaves have served as a substitute for tobacco (26)." ^{[Krochmal&Paur]} "Dried leaves were smoked as an alternative to tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) in the remote tribal areas of the Almora District of India (Arya and Prakash 2000)." ^[UAPDS]
• Toilet Paper: "as a toilet paper substitute, the large fresh leaves are a good choice." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}

Medicinal Use

"It is widely used throughout the world for herbal remedies" ^{[Veer, HIRB]}

• Indications: Tuberculosis; "irritated and inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract" ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• Combinations: "In uncomplicated asthma, especially the paroxysmal form, mullein leaves, mixed with stramonium and potassium nitrate and smoked through a pipe, will often give prompt relief. The smoking must be suspended if vertigo supervenes." ^[Ellingwood] "Menzies-Trull refers to its usage in persistent coughs with substernal pain and to restore the capillary circulation after getting chilled, and suggests a mix for acute bronchitis with mullein Verbascum thapsus and yarrow Achillea millefolium. "The Pawnee thought that [Silphium] laciniatum was a khats-tawas (khats, medicine, tawas, rough) and subsequent settlers agreed. Hocking (1997) considered it a strong stimulant, and the root was boiled with mullein (Verbascum thapsus) to treat swelling." ^{[Daniel F. Austin]}

• Flowers:
  • Dosages: "Adult PO fl owers: 3-4 g daily (Blumenthal, 1998)" ^{[Skidmore-Roth MHH]}
  • Tea: "An aromatic tea can be brewed from fresh or dried flowers" ^[EMNMPV.8]
  • Sleep Aid: "The relaxant and anodyne properties, particularly of the flowers, help to encourage restful sleep, particularly for those disturbed by coughing and pain."
  • Earaches: "...the flowers contain an oil that has been used for earaches." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]} "...one of the best remedies for earache in children." "Mullein is used specifically for pain in the ears, and can be applied locally as well as taken internally for catarrhal deafness and tinnitus, ear infections, wax accumulation and head pain caused by congestion in the ears." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
  • "The most direct use of this agent is in the treatment of simple uncomplicated cases of deafness, or in the early stages of progressive deafness where the cause is not apparent. In these cases, from, two to five drops in the ear, three or four times each day, will stop the progress of the disease, and will cure many simple cases.
    • Oil: "Mullein oil prepared from the flowers is excellent used as eardrops or massaged around the ears for earache, and eczema of the outer ear." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} "A preparation may be prepared extemporaneously by breaking off the upper portion of the blossoms of the mullein and putting them into a glass jar and allowing them to stand in the sun for a few days. The mass is then strained through muslin. The juice extracted by the above or other process is called an oil or mulleined oil, but does not possess all the properties of an oil." ^[Ellingwood]
      • Dosages: "Adult oil: 5-10 drops daily" ^{[Skidmore-Roth MHH]}
  • External Use: "The flowers can be used for ringworm and other skin infections." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• Throat and Respiratory Aid:
  • Indications: "Coughs, sore throats, ear infections, headaches, arthritis, gout, asthma, anxiety." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} "It is often used in combination with other herbs to treat bronchitis and asthma." ^{[Skidmore-Roth MHH]}
  • Properties:"Its relaxing and antiseptic properties help to relieve asthma and croup as well as chest and throat infections." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
  • Flowers: "Flower infusion in water or milk drank for cold and cough." ^[EMNMPV.8]
  • Flowers & Seeds: "The flowers and seeds of this species were commonly smoked for the symptomatic relief of asthma and other pulmonary illnesses (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis 2003).^[UAPDS]
  • Flowers & Leaves: "The flowers and first-year leaves make a soothing decoction for coughs and sore throats." ^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}
  • Leaves:
    • Dosages: "Adult PO leaves: place 2 tsp dried leaves in 8 oz boiling water, steep 15 min..." Mullein should not be given to children. This herb should not be used by persons with hypersensitivity to it.^{[Skidmore-Roth MHH]} 3-6 g/day of dried herb or 2-4mL/2-3x/day of tincture
    • Smudge: "...smudge the leaves and inhale them for curing catarrh" or "to revive one who has lost consciousness." ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
    • Smoke: "Smoking the dried leaves has long been an Irish remedy for asthma or bronchitis... used like that in America... for catarrh as well as asthma (Henkel). ^{[DPL Watts]} "...smoked to relieve irritating coughs." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
    • Steam: "Eclectic practitioners have required the patient to inhale the steam from the leaves for acute inflammation of the tonsils and malignant sore throats." ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
• Leaves:
  • Topical: "Heat the leaves and apply to reduce a swelling." ^{[HuronSmith Winnebago]} "
    • "The fomentation of the leaves in hot vinegar and water has been used locally to allay the inflammation in piles, ulcers, tumors and mumps." ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
    • "Poultice:''' "a compress or poultice of mullein leaves can be applied to painful arthritic joints and aching muscles, and used to speed healing of wounds, burns, sores, ulcers and piles." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• Infusion: "An infusion of the leaves is used for coughs, catarrh, breathing from the mouth, as a diaphoretic, a blood purifier and for piles and bowel complaints.^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
• Root:
  • Decoction: "A decoction of the root was an old remedy to relieve toothache, cramps and convulsions." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
  • Smoke: "The Menominee inhaled smoke from burning roots to treat a variety of pulmonary diseases (Smith 1933)." ^[UAPDS]
• Fruit:
  • "The fruit extract is used during excessive antidote medication." ^{[Veer, HIRB]}
  • "The fruits are also used to treat liver enlargement and blood discharge from reproductive organs." ^{[Veer, HIRB]}
• Unspecified Parts:
  • Nervous System: "Mullein will also relieve tension and anxiety, and has a history of use for nervous palpitations, heart irregularities, cramp and nervous colic." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
  • "Verbascum is useful for the treatment of orchitis. It can be used internally and externally." ^[Ellingwood]
• Veterinary Use: Himalayan pastoralists used "...Verbascum thapsus (gidar tambaku) and Foeniculum vulgare (saunf) for treating diarrhea in their [sheep] herds" ^{[Albuquerque IE]}

A decoction of the herb is used to treat neurosis and epilepsy, as a diuretic to treat kidney stones, and gout and swelling due to kidney and heart problems. It is used externally to treat throat diseases, neuralgia of facial nerves, in a bath to treat hemorrhoids, scrofula, and rickets, and as a compress or lotion to heal wounds and treat eye diseases. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used to treat diarrhea. An infusion and decoction of the leaves and fl owers is used as an expectorant, anti-in fl ammatory, demulcent and coating to treat acute respiratory diseases, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, gastritis and liver and gall bladder diseases (Plant Resources of the USSR 1990 ) .^{[Eisenman MPCA]}

Lore

• "Mullein seeds are narcotic, and have been used to stupefy fish (H C Long. 1924), as have those of other mulleins around the world.
• The leaves are useful to get rid of lice.
• The flowers were used to dye hair yellow (Rohde. 1936)...the flowers “boyled in lye dyeth the haires of the head yellow and maketh them faire and smooth” (Parkinson. 1640). One can still buy camomile and mullein shampoo for fair hair. [DPL Watts????]
  

The flannelly leaves had their own uses, for they could actually be used like flannel, and wrapped round the throat to help relieve coughs and colds (Sanford), or, more simply, cut to be used as shoe-liners to keep the feet warm in winter (Forey). ^{[DPL Watts]}

"...roots medicinally, for lung disease, presumably as an expectorant..." ^{[DPL Watts]}

"consumption was treated with mullein, in cattle as well as in humans (Grigson. 1955; Ô Súilleabháin; Wood-Martin). An Irish remedy for tuberculosis was to boil an ounce of the dried leaves in a pint of milk, and give the result to the patient several times a day (Moloney). Alabama folk remedies include hot mullein tea for a cold, and a root tea, or eating the root with sugar, for the croup. Another one is for bronchial infections: heat mullein leaves in warm vinegar, and put them on the back and chest. Then drink a cup or two of peppermint tea (R B Browne). Kentucky practice was to take mullein tea for colds, bronchitis and croup (Thomas & Thomas). Eating the root appears again in the Balkans – it was taken there for a swelling in the throat (Kemp).
The Pennsylvania Germans used to say that to ease piles, what you had to do was to sit on mullein leaves (Fogel). That particular usage has a venerable history. A medieval record states that “for piles, take a pan with coals and heat a little stone glowing and put thereon the leaves of … mullein; and put in under a chair or under a stool with a siege, that the smoke thereof may ascend to thy fundament as hot as thou mayest suffer” (W M Dawson. 1934). Gerard, later on, was still able to recommend not only mullein leaves, but also the flowers – “the later Physitions commend the yellow floures, being steeped in oile and consumed away, to be a remedie against the piles”.
Culpeper recommended “the juyce of the Leaves and Flowers” for warts (Drury. 1991), and the powder of the dried root was also prescribed for the same condition. It has also been used down the centuries for various skin conditions, for mullein leaves rubbed on the skin will produce a fine complexion, or so it was believed in America (Bergen. 1896), or, as in Alabama, the leaf tea could be used, with some glycerine added, as a wash three or four times a day (R B Browne). They used to make a salve, too, by steeping mullein blossoms with lard (Bergen. 1896). Ear drops have been made from the flowers. The method is to take fresh flowers, steep them in olive oil, leave them for three weeks in a sunny window, then strain off. Two or three drops in the ear will relieve earache quickly (but one has waited three weeks already!). A very odd thing about this preparation is that a few drops in warm water before bedtime actually, or so it is claimed, cures children of bed-wetting (Genders. 1976). Boils were treated by Irish country people by applying a mullein leaf roasted between dock leaves, and moistened with spittle, as long as the spittle be that of an Irishman (Egan).
It is used for rheumatism in America, either by boiling the root and mixing it with whisky, or wild cherry bark, and drinking this as needed, or by dipping a cloth in mullein leaf tea, and binding it on the affected part (R B Browne), which reminds one of a very early cure for gout, which required the sufferer merely to lay the pounded herb to the sore place, “… within a few hours it will heal the sore so effectively that [the gouty man] can even dare and be able to walk” (W M Dawson. 1934). There are still some fantastic claims made for mullein. Even carrying it about with one helps epiletics, so Gerard reported, though he took care to say he did not believe it, but he does not disclaim the belief that wearing the leaves under the feet day and night “in manner of a shoe sole or sock, brings down in young maidens their desired sicknesse, being so kept under their feet that they fall not away”. Certainly, the leaves often used to be put into children’s shoes, but for quite a different reason – it was done when the soles were wearing thin and so would delay the time when they had to be replaced (Genders. 1976). Finally, an American usage – a mullein leaf is reckoned to be good for a parrot’s bite ! (Bergen. 1896)." ^{[DPL Watts]}

"The favourite remedy for pulmonary tuberculosis in Ireland throughout recorded history and doubtless long before, known from virtually every part of that country, has been to boil the woolly leaves of Verbascum thapsus in milk, strain the thick, mucilaginous liquid produced by that and then drink it warm, twice daily.92 So valued has this plant been there both for that and for coughs and colds more generally, sore throats, catarrh, bronchitis and asthma that it was formerly often grown in cottage gardens, sometimes on a considerable scale. Advertisements were placed in newspapers, offering it for sale, and it was available even in the best chemists’ shops in Dublin. Though species of Verbascum have been used for lung and chest complaints over much of Europe at least since Classical times, very curiously that heavy Irish use is not matched in the records from elsewhere in the British Isles. Such English ones as have been traced are all from the south-east (Sussex,93 Buckinghamshire,94 Norfolk95 and the Eastern Counties more generally96) and it would appear not even to have been a member at all of the Welsh or Scottish folk repertories. In so far as great mullein has had additional, minor uses, the records are again Irish almost wholly. In unspecified parts of Ulster a decoction has been taken for diarrhoea and, mixed with other herbs, for cramp and for liver and kidney ailments, while a leaf roasted between dock leaves and moistened with spittle has been a treatment for boils.97 The leaves have also predictably found favour as a poultice: in parts of Ireland for ‘running sores’,98 in Meath for bee stings99 and in Westmeath for goitre.100 In Kerry, though, it was the water in which the plant had been boiled that was rubbed into the body to ease doctor-resistant ‘pains’ (a word most often denoting rheumatism in the rural areas of Ireland).101" ^[MPFT]

Properties in Ayurvedic Medicine

• "Part used: leaves, flowers and root" ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• "Taste/Rasa: bitter/tikta, astringent/kashaya, sweet/madhur" ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• "Post digestive/Vipak: pungent/katu" ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• "Potency/Virya: cooling/sheeta" ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• "Dosha: PK- V+" ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}

Pharmacology

• Astringent: "Its astringent properties are useful to treat diarrhoea, particularly when it is related to nerves.^{[McIntyre AHTC]} A well-established property ^{[Veer, HIRB]}
• Expectorant ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• vulnerary ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} (Plant) ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
• sedative ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• Diuretic: (Plant)(leaves and the flowers) ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]} "As a soothing diuretic, mullein can be used for burning and frequency of urination in cystitis, and for fluid retention. By increasing elimination of toxins via the kidneys, it is useful in treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and gout." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• anodyne ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} (Plant)(leaves and the flowers) ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
• antispasmodic ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} (Plant)(leaves and the flowers) ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
• antimicrobial ^{[McIntyre AHTC]}
• Depurative - (Flower & Leaf) ^{[UNIDO MPC2003]}
• Demulcent - (Plant)(leaves and the flowers) ^{[HuronSmith Zuni]}
• Emollient - A well-established property ^{[Veer, HIRB]}
• "Mullein is mildly diuretic and has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the urinary tract, and acts as a mild sedative." ^{[Lans et al.,2006]}
• Infusion: "Expectorant, demulcent, mild diuretic, sedative, wound healing, astringent, antiinflammatory." ^{[Hunter EO]}
• The plant is reported to be active "against mosquito larvae (Gross and Werner 1978)." ^[SoilBio-42]
• Antibacterial: "Extracts of the plant exhibited varying antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli, inhibited Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced tumors in vitro, and had antiviral activity (McCutcheon et al. 1995 ; Turker and Camper 2002)." ^{[Eisenman MPCA]} "Leaf extracts of Verbascum thapsus have shown antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity." ^{[Lans et al.,2006]} "...antiviral activity has been demonstrated against various influenza strains and herpes simplex (McCutcheon et al 1995, Zgorniak-Nowosielska et al 1991)." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} "Roots possess strong antiviral property (McCutcheon et al. 1995)." ^{[Veer, HIRB]}
• Leaves & Flowers:
  • "leaves and flowers have expectorant and demulcent properties (from mucilagionous constituents) which are used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, dry coughs, whooping cough, tuberculosis, asthma, and hoarseness." ^{[Lans et al.,2006]}
• Unspecified Parts:
  • "In a review of great mullein (Verbascum thapsus), a herb traditionally used in Ireland for chest and lung complaints, McCarthy and O’Mahony [69] suggest that the iridoid glycosides in mullein share aspects of their molecular architecture with streptomycin. This provides another incentive for examining structureactivity relations, and even the use of molecular docking studies, in the pursuit of new antitubercular drugs." ^{[Rai FMDR]}

Phytochemicals

• "The plant contain polysaccharides, iridoid glycosides (harpagoside, harpagide, and aucubin) flavonoids (3-methylquercetin, hesperidin, and verbascoside) saponins, essential oil, steroids, mucilage, etc. (Turker and Gurel 2005 )." ^{[Eisenman MPCA]}
• "Mucilage, volatile oil, saponins, resins, flavonoids, glycosides." ^{[McIntyre AHTC]} "Mucilage, volatile oil, fat, sugar" ^[Ellingwood]
• Coumarin ^[ETCMV1]
• Rotenone ^[ETCMV4]
• Saponins (Leaves and roots) ^{[Waller STMM]}

Quercetin [1], Quercimeritrin [1], Quercitrin [1], Rutin [1], Verbacoside [2] ^{[Azimova NC]}

Cultivation
"An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position[200]. Dislikes shade and wet soils[200]. Thrives on chalk[200]. Prefers a light soil[200]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile[200]. A very ornamental plant, it often self-sows, especially on dry calcareous soils[53, 124]. Special Features:Attracts birds, Attractive foliage, Edible, Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for dried flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms." ^[PFAF]

Remediation Potential: "The highest metal accumulation among all [twenty] plants...", including "...three grass species (Melica transsilvanica, Bromus inermis, Elymus hispidus) and one legume (Anthyllis vulneraria)...", "...was found in Verbascum thapsus, one of few species that efficiently started to produce seeds that germinated successfully. Higher levels of heavy metals (Zn, Y, As, Pb, Cu) in plants grown on the waste were usually accompanied by higher Ca, suggesting a possible role of this element in detoxification mechanisms." ^{[Koltai AMPF]}

Verbascum Sp.

"This genus is native to Europe and Asia and is composed of about 250 species. They are biennial or perennial, and rarely annuals or subshrubs plants will reach 0.5–3 m high. The leaves are arranged spirally and they have a lot of hairs. The flowers have five symmetrical petals: yellow or white, orange, brown, red, purple, and blue. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds." ^[SoilBio-42]

• Verbascum songaricum
  • Synonyms: "Verbascum khorassanicum Boiss., Verbascum lychnitis L., Verbascum polystachyum Kar. & Kir." ^{[Eisenman MPCA]}
  • Expectorant: "Decoctions of the leaves and flowers of this species, as well as the related species Verbascum thapsus, V. phlomoides, and V. thapsiforme are used as an expectorant and to coat and sooth the mouth and throat to reduce effects of catarrh and coughs (Seredin and Sokolov 1969 )." ^{[Eisenman MPCA]}

Mullein Family:- Scrophulariaceae

"[Annual] biennial, rosette large. Stem:' erect, simple or branched just proximal to inflorescence. Leaf: basal and cauline, alternate, distal reduced. Inflorescence: raceme or panicle, bracted. Flower: calyx ± radial, deeply 5-lobed; corolla ± radial, ± rotate, 5-lobed; stamens 5, lower 2 filaments > upper 3, all or only upper hairy; stigma ± spheric. Fruit: capsule, septicidal. Seed: small, wingless, many.
± 360 species: Eurasia. (Latin: from root for bearded) [Donnelly et al. 1998 Amer J Bot 85:1618–1625]" ^[Jepson]

Local Species;

1. Verbascum blattaria - Moth Mullein ^{[E-flora][TSFTK]}
2. Verbascum phlomoides - Woolly Mullein ^{[E-flora][TSFTK]}
3. Verbascum thapsus - Great Mullein ^{[E-flora][PCBC][TSFTK]}

Key to the Species and Taxonomic Notes
1. Plants more or less densely stalked-glandular upward, essentially smooth below; leaves green.......................Verbascum blattaria
1. Plants woolly throughout with branched, non-glandular hairs; leaves greyish.
2. Inflorescences loose, often branching at the base; leaves unstalked, not decurrent on the stem or only slightly so; plants loosely woolly...........................Verbascum phlomoides
2. Inflorescences dense, simple; leaves stalked, at least below, decurrent on the stem, usually as far as the next leaf below; plants densely woolly............................Verbascum thapsus
[E-flora]

Moth Mullein - Verbascum blattaria

Identification
"Verbascum blattaria is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. It is in flower from Jun to October, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil." ^[PFAF]

"General:Biennial herb from a taproot; stems single, erect, 0.5-1.5 m tall, angled, stalked-glandular upward especially in the inflorescence, smooth below." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Habitat / Range
"Mesic to moist roadsides, fields and waste places; rare in SW and SC BC; introduced from Eurasia." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Origin Status: Exotic ^[E-flora]

Cultivation
"An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position[187, 200]. Dislikes shade[200]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile[200]." ^[PFAF]

References

• [E-flora] http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Verbascum%20blattaria&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 1/24/2015]
• [PFAF]

Wolly Mullein - Verbascum phlomoides

• Other Names: clasping mullein; orange mullein ^[E-flora]

Identification
"Verbascum phlomoides is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. It is in flower from Jun to September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil." ^[PFAF]
General: Stout biennial herb from a taproot; stems single, erect, 0.3-1.2 m tall, white- to yellowish-woolly. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Habitat / Range
Mesic to moist roadsides, fields and waste places; rare in SW BC (Gulf Islands and adjacent mainland) and SC BC (Kelowna); introduced from Eurasia. ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Origin Status: Exotic ^[E-flora]

Cultivation
"An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position[200]. Dislikes shade and wet soils[200]. Thrives on chalk[200]. Prefers a light soil[200]. This species is hardy to at least -15°c[200]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile[200]. Plants can perennate when growing in light well-drained soils[111]." ^[PFAF]

References

• [E-flora] http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Verbascum%20phlomoides&redblue=Both&lifeform=7[Accessed: 1/25/2015]
• [PFAF]http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+phlomoides, Accessed March 29, 2015

Hazards

V. thapsus; The leaves contain rotenone and coumarin, though the quantities are not given[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide and coumarin can prevent the blood from clotting[K]. Hairs on the leaves can act as an irritant[222].^[PFAF]

Edible Uses

• Leaves
  • V. thapsus; An aromatic, slightly bitter tea can be made by infusing the dried leaves in boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes[183]. ^[PFAF]
    
• Flowers
  • V. thapsus; A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers[183].^[PFAF]
    

Other Uses

• Dye
  • V. thapsus; A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers by boiling them in water[4]. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather permanent green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkalis[4, 13, 100, 168]. An infusion of the flowers is sometimes used to dye the hair a golden colour[4, 200]. ^[PFAF]
    
• Torch
  • V. thapsus; The flowering stems can be dipped in wax and used as torches[53, 106, 124]. ^[PFAF]
    
• Down
  • V. thapsus; The down on the leaves and stems makes an excellent tinder when quite dry[4, 53, 115]. It is also used as an insulation in shoes to keep the feet warm[4, 200] and to make wicks for candle[1, 4, 13, 100, 115, 124]. ^[PFAF]
    
• Insecticide
  • V. thapsus; One report says that the leaves contain rotenone, though it does not say in what quantity[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide[K].^[PFAF]
    V. blattaria; The plant repels insects, it is used indoors to repel moths and cockroaches[124].^[PFAF]
    
• Repellent
  • V. phlomoides; The whole plant is used to repel mice and rats[46, 61].^[PFAF]
    

Medicinal Uses

V. thapsus; The plant combines well with other expectorants such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris)[254]. ^[PFAF]
Harvesting: V. thapsus; The plant is harvested when in flower and is dried for later use[238]. ^[PFAF]
V. phlomoides; The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities[238].^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; Slightly narcotic and also contain saponins[4]. A poultice made from the seeds and leaves is used to draw out splinters[4]. A decoction of the seeds is used to soothe chilblains and chapped skin[7]. ^[PFAF]
V. phlomoides; The seed is used to expel tapeworms from the body[4]. No other details are given, but the seeds probably contain saponins and so should be used with caution[K]. ^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; Externally, a poultice of the leaves is a good healer of wounds and is also applied to ulcers, tumours and piles[4, 222, 254]. Any preparation made from the leaves needs to be carefully strained in order to remove the small hairs which can be an irritant[7]. ^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; Anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary[4, 7, 13, 21, 46, 53, 165, 222]. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of chest complaints and also to treat diarrhoea[4, 238]. ^[PFAF]
V. phlomoides; The flowers and leaves are anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral and vulnerary[21, 238]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations[238].^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; A decoction of the roots is said to alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps and convulsions[4]. ^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; An infusion of the flowers in olive oil is used as earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of piles and other mucous membrane inflammations[4, 222, 238]. This infusion is also strongly bactericidal[4]. ^[PFAF]
V. phlomoides; An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds, boils etc[238]. ^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves[4]. It is used in the treatment of long-standing headaches accompanied with oppression of the ear[4].^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; The juice of the plant and powder made from the dried roots is said to quickly remove rough warts when rubbed on them[4]. It is not thought to be so useful for smooth warts[4]. ^[PFAF]

V. thapsus; Great mullein is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its efficacy in the treatment of pectoral complaints[4]. It acts by reducing the formation of mucus and stimulating the coughing up of phlegm, and is a specific treatment for tracheitis and bronchitis[254]. ^[PFAF]

Smoke

V.blattaria; According to North American folklore, the leaves were smoked to relieve asthma (Brendle and Unger 1935).[UAPDS]

V. thapsus; The flowers and seeds of this species were commonly smoked for the symptomatic relief of asthma and other pulmonary illnesses (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis 2003). Native North Americans inhaled the smoke of burning leaves to treat sore throats, asthma, and coughs (Kavasch 1979). It was also considered useful for relieving congestion and inflammation of the lungs (Tierra 1983). According to Speck (1917), the Penobscot inhaled the smoke of burning leaves to treat asthma, as did the Forest Potawatomi (Smith 1933), the Mohegan (Krochmal and Krochmal 1973), and other North American tribes (Brendle and Unger 1935) as well as the Spanish people of New Mexico (Krochmal et al. 1969). They also used the smoke to relieve sore throats and prepared smoke smudges to treat catarrh and to revive unconscious people (Tantaquidgeon 1928). The Flambeau Ojibwa of North America smoked the leaves to relieve asthma and bronchitis (Smith 1932). The Ozarker people of the U.S. Midwest smoked dried leaves for the treatment of asthma and coughs (Liebert 1987). The Menominee inhaled smoke from burning roots to treat a variety of pulmonary diseases (Smith 1933). The Ktunaxa of British Columbia, Canada, and other North American areas made their horses inhale the smoke to clear their nostrils, especially if they were plugged due to colds (Turner 1997). Dried leaves were smoked as an alternative to tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) in the remote tribal areas of the Almora District of India (Arya and Prakash 2000). In other parts of India, dried leaves were smoked for the treatment of asthma and sporadic cough (Kirtikar and Basu 1935). It was used for similar purposes in central and southern Europe and western Asia (Usher 1974). In the upper Lucca Province of Italy, the leaves of this species were often smoked with tobacco for recreational purposes (Pieroni 2000). In the Kala Chitta Hills of the Attock District of Pakistan, smoke from the leaves was inhaled to treat chest complaints and to relieve asthma (Mahmood et al. 2004). The leaves were smoked for unspecified purposes in Tibet (Tsarong 1986) and were smoked to treat lung congestion, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea in many unspecified countries (Saeed et al. 2004).[UAPDS]

Propagation

V.blattaria, V.phlomoides,V.thapsus; "Seed - sow late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[200]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in late summer. The seed has a long viability[200]." ^[PFAF]

Uses of Other Sp.

• Antifungal: Verbascum nigrum L. Dark Mullein - Shoot - Methanolic extract 100 ppm-MFC Vs. A. candida ^[Antifungal]

Dynamic Accumulator: Verbascum Sp; (S),(Mg),(K) and (Fe)^{[DynamicAccumulators]}

References

• [Antifungal] Antifungal Plants of Iran: An Insight into Ecology, Chemistry, and Molecular Biology, Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh, Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi and Mahendra Rai, Antifungal Metabolites from Plants, 2013
• E-flora - http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Verbascum%20thapsus&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 1/25/2015]
• [E-flora]http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Verbascum%20blattaria&redblue=Both&lifeform=7, Accessed Jan 25, 2015
• ETCMV1 - Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines - Molecular structures, pharmacological activities, natural sources and applications, Volume 1 - Isolated Compounds A-C, Jiaju zhou, Guirong xie, Xinjian yan, 2011 Springer-Verlag
• [Jepson] Robert E. Preston & Margriet Wetherwax, 2013. Verbascum, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=11412, accessed on May 28 2014
• Krochmal&Paur - Useful Native Plants of the American Southwestern Deserts, A. Krochmal, S. Paur and P. Duisberg, Economic Botany
• Lans et al.,2006 - Ethnoveterinary medicines used for horses in Trinidad and in British Columbia, Canada, Cheryl Lans, Nancy Turner, Gerhard Brauer, Grant Lourenco and Karla Georges, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2006, 2:31 http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/2/1/31
• [PFAF] Accessed March 29, 2015
  • http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+blattaria
  • http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+thapsus