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Mullein is great for lung health. But what is Mullein? Mullein is a biennial plant of the figwort family and found in many places all over the world. It is mainly regarded as a weed, yet many people use it for medicinal purposes. It is found in old fields, road sides, on the edges of gravel pits, and many other places that may have poor soil. In the first year, the leaves grow as a rosette of sorts with no blossoms. In the second year of the plant, it grows this tall cane-like shoot with a long pod of blossoms at the top. You’ve probably seen this plant around and maybe didn’t even realize it. There are many varieties of mullein, but the most common is verbascum thapsus, the one with yellow blossoms. This variety is also known as “Common Mullein”, “Moses’ Blanket”, “Shepherd’s Staff”, “Wooly Mullein” and “Cowboy Toilet Paper” just to name a few. And it is this common mullein that is most widely used for medicinal purposes, although the other varieties contain the same properties as well. The leaves are about 4-12 inches long and have little “hairs” or “fuzz” all over. The stem of the plant can also be used to start a fire when dried.
Uses for Mullein
Mullein is used for a variety of ailments. From allergies and earaches to joint pain and migraines. It has been documented to have been successfully used in Ireland to treat tuberculosis. It is also used for asthma, tonsillitis, sore throat, fevers/chills and pneumonia.
How does it help?
The plant is found to contain anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds. Being also an expectorant, it helps coughs to be more productive, clearing the lungs and airways, yet also soothing. Speaking of soothing, this little gem of a plant also acts as a sedative. This makes it a good pick for anxiety and sleep issues. It can also help with sore muscles. Truly a neat plant and something you will want to add to your stash!
How to Use Mullien
To glean the benefits of this herb you can decoct it as a tea, make a tincture, an infused oil (the infused oil is what you want for earaches) or you can even…smoke it. That’s right. Smoke it. Some people smoke it as a way to quit cigarettes, as it is non-toxic. The smoke is rather light and delicate, not having much of a flavor by itself. It is not addictive and will not make you high. In fact, someone who is experiencing chest congestion, “heavy” feeling lungs and feeling of insufficient intake of air may want to try smoking mullein for relief.* It is the fastest way to get those beneficial compounds into your respiratory system. Mullein has even been used to help treat the ****d virus. (Although I am not aware of it being used in a medical facility for this purpose.) You may want to dampen the leaves just a little with some water before smoking in a pipe or paper roll for a more even burn.
Tea is a great way to enjoy the benefits as well. Make sure to strain it through a fine cloth or strainer to remove the little hair-like bristles that are on the leaves. Those hairs will irritate your throat.
If you are someone who is interested in building your own apothecary I recommend investing in an oximeter and (if you know how to use one) a stethoscope. They can be very useful tools to have in your arsenal. Especially when it comes to respiratory ailments it is crucial to know when you need to seek the help of a professional. If ever anyone is experiencing difficultly breathing, has a blue tinge to their lips and or fingernails and toe nails get the person help immediately. Sure, in many cases we can treat mild illnesses and ailments at home. But serious conditions are no time to mess around.
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