Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) needs 2 years to reach maturity, it is ideally suited to grow in our miscanthus fields, being that we harvest our rhizomes on a 4–5 year rotation. Mullein was brought to us naturally by birds, who continue to enjoy feasting on the seeds of the mature plants while in the protection of our miscanthus.
Mullein is an herbaceous biennial that can grow 5–10 feet tall. The first year are low growing fuzzy leaved rosettes. The leaves, 4–12 inches long and 1–5 inches wide, are covered in small hairs. Exposure to cold is required to induce flowering the following spring. The second year is when the plant will produce a flower stalk. The flowers attract a large variety of wild life including bees, birds, butterflies, etc. Mullein will grow just about anywhere you put it as long as sunlight can reach it.
Mullein has been used in holistic medicine for 100's of years. Mullein can be used for coughing, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Other possible uses include asthma, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding, migraines, joint pain, and gout. Some also use it as a sedative and a diuretic. It can be applied to the skin to possibly alleviate burns, bruises, skin wounds, hemorrhoids, frost bite, and skin infections (cellulitis). The leaves are used typically to protect and soften the skin.
Who would have ever thought that mullein could be used for a wide variety of things in history. The stalks of this plant were used for torches and candles. Some say that many people burned the torches of mullein to keep witches and evil spirits far away. Leaving the leaves around the house was also known to keep demons out of the home. An old wives tale is that if your bend the stalk towards your home the stalk will remain in that position if your love is cheating and will go back to its upright position if they are faithful. The flowers were often times used to predict weather. When the flowers are crushed they can be used to darken hair. The seeds the mullein produce were used by fishermen to attract the fish for easy catching. Dried up leaves work great to start fire, so many hikers carried it with them as fire tinder. Even the roots of the mullein were used for something; the Abnaki tribe used them for teething necklaces for infants.
We have a 4/5th oz. (3 cups) of dried leaves in a pint jar for $3.00. We have a 4/5th oz. (3 cups) of dried leaves in a clear/silver resealable bag for $2.00.
We have 11/2 oz. (8 cups) of dried leaves in a quart jar for $4.00. We also have 11/2 oz. (8 cups) of dried leaves in a clear/silver resealable bag for $3.00.
It is used for many different things. People mainly use the leaves to make a tea to help with respiratory ailments, like cough or sore throat. It is very easy to make and lots of recipes are available.
We have a 1/5th oz. (2/3 cups) of dried flowers in a 4 oz. mini jar for $6.00. A 1/5th oz. (2/3 cups) of dried flowers in a clear/silver resealable bag for $5.00.
We have a 4/5th oz. (2 1/4 cups) of dried flowers in a pint jar for $21.00. Then a 4/5th oz. (2 1/4 cups) of dried flowers in a clear/silver resealable bag for $20.00.
The flowers can also be used as an herb tea, these recipes are very easy to find.
Cold Stratification will yield best result. Direct sow the seeds outdoors in the fall so they can germinate the following spring. Plant 8–12 inches apart on the surface of the soil and gently press in. Mullein can also be started 6 weeks before the last frost indoors. Seeds planted indoors will sprout in 12–15 days. If started indoors, cold stratify the seeds in the fridge for 4–6 weeks before planting. The best time to transplant them is when there is no chance of frost. These should be planted 20–24 inches apart.
This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for use to treat, cure, or prevent any illness. This product should not be used for human consumption. Any use of this product should be done with guidance and advice of your health care provider.