“Isn’t that a weed?” I asked my friend.
我指了指从法兰绒质地的中心玫瑰花冠上伸出来的淡绿色多毛的枝干。
“It grows tall, you know. I pulled one last week that was taller than me — at least 7 feet!”
“No, it’s called mullein,” my friend replied. It’s actually a heritage plant, brought over from Europe by the early settlers and cultivated for its multiple medicinal properties. Every part of the plant has its purpose and is used for a wide range of ailments from ear infections to bursitis. It even helps heal hemorrhoids and gout.”
“Really!” I hadn’t realized the huge plant with tiny yellow flowers could be anything more than a weed. “I’ll have to reconsider pulling it up next time it appears in my garden.”
“It does make an interesting backdrop to a cottage garden,” my friend added. “But be careful. It is invasive.”
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Once again encouraged by a friend’s garden, I launched into my research. It was definitely a pretty plant. With its soft textured, furry foliage, I learned both the English and Latin names make sense.
Mullein is derived from the Middle English word moleyn, meaning soft.Verbascum thapsusis a modification of the Latin word barbascum, meaning bearded.
As a plant with a long history in Europe, it’s had even more names, including the Greek names of fuma and fuego: to set fire. This refers to its use when dried and rolled as wicks in oil lamps, and the use of its tall stalks (the plant is known to grow as high as 10 feet) to light funeral processions.
Plant Description
除了高大的茎和多毛的叶子,这种植物的茎周围还开着浓密的黄色花朵。它从6月到9月开放,每次开几朵花,但最好的盛开时间是在7月。毛林是二年生植物,可以生长在各种各样的栖息地,但喜欢充足的阳光。
My friend was right to warn me of mullein’s invasive nature. It’s very prolific in its seed production, though it does require an open ground space for the seeds to germinate. Once established, it’s time-intensive to abolish the mullein as the only sure way to get rid of the plant is to pull it one at a time, roots and all.
但是,为什么要淘汰一种很适合作为边界植物的植物呢?不仅对人类有益,对其他生命形式也有益?例如,毛蕊花为许多对其他植物具有破坏性的昆虫提供了家园。除了在极端炎热的条件下入侵植物的蜘蛛螨外,植物对这些可能对其他植物有害的入侵昆虫都能耐受。
Uses for Mullein
毛蕊花自古以来就被用作草药。这种植物的每个部分都有特定的药用价值。干燥、浸泡、咀嚼,这种植物的各个部分可以被认为是治疗任何常见疾病的万灵药,从呼吸系统疾病到腹泻,从婴儿出牙到治疗伤口。
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The most common conditionsmullein is used forinclude:
- Colds and coughs– a sweet mullein leaf tea works as an anti-inflammatory and an expectorant.
- Ear infections– the infused oil of mullein flowers, when applied to the outer ear canal, can reduce the infection and discomfort. Combine it with infused garlic oil (which is antibacterial and antiviral) for added effect against infection.
- Diarrhea– mullein leaf tea is also useful in reducing bowel irritation, sensitivity to gastric acids in the digestive system, and digestive muscle spasms. In short, it helps prevent diarrhea.
- Teething for infants– the root, when dried, can be made into teething charms to soothe infants.
- Renal and bladder problems-注射毛蕊花根可以帮助治疗肾脏问题。
- Water retention issues in the lower body– the root can be helpful in creating a soothing leg bath that assists swelling and water retention issues in the lower body.
- Infections– extracts and herbal tea from the infused root are good for treating infections.
- Athlete’s foot– extracts and herbal tea from the infused root is good for treating athlete’s foot
- Sprains and bruises, swelling and pain, rheumatism– mullein leaf poultices applied to the affected area will assist the healing process and reduce pain.
- Swollen glands– leaves soaked well in warm water when applied to swollen glands will help reduce the swelling.
- Spinal injuries– an infusion of mullein root strengthens the spine and reduces swelling and pain.
Why is mullein so beneficial and full of healing powers? The plant is agreat source of multiple vitaminsincluding B2, B5, B12, and D. On top of that,it contains even more beneficial propertiessuch as mucilage, flavonoids, iridoids, sterols, and sugars as well as choline, iron, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and saponins.
它确实被一些人描述为一种天然的特效药,一种治疗任何疾病的天然方法。至少,它是一种镇静草药,因为它有麻醉和镇静的特性。
A Note on the Potential Toxicity of Mullein
However, beware ofmullein’s potential toxicity. Like any other remedy, there is always a long list of potential side effects. The mullein seed is high in rotenone which is potentially harmful and toxic. Adverse effects can include the very symptoms the mullein tea is meant to heal, like abdominal cramps, diarrhea, convulsions, and vomiting.
To avoid this, make sure there areNO SEEDSin the mullein plant flowers being used in the infusion. Expectant women and those breastfeeding should avoid using mullein tea.
虽然在茶叶中使用毛蕊花叶子被认为是安全的,但经常大量使用会导致皮肤刺激:皮疹、发红和其他严重的皮肤问题。虽然毛蕊花茶被认为有助于治疗呼吸系统疾病,但对一些人来说,它可能会产生相反的效果,使吸入空气变得困难,使胸部收缩,导致喉咙发紧,并导致胸壁发炎。
此外,如果经常饮用毛蕊花茶,会引起异常的疲劳、嗜睡、肺部或皮肤炎症和精神错乱,这都是因为毛蕊花的催眠特性。
由于乳清茶含有香豆素,当与肝素、阿司匹林、华法林、氯吡格雷等抗血小板药物和布洛芬、萘普生等非甾体抗炎药物一起服用时,它可以增加出血的几率。
Of particular concern is mullein growing wild in parking lots or along highways as it can be potentially toxic.
Usecaution when harvesting the mullein as skin contact with the fresh leaves canresult in contact dermatitis, a reddened, irritating skin condition similar to theresult of coming in contact with poison ivy. WEAR GLOVES!
Children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not take mullein without first consulting the family physician. In fact, like anything else consumed medicinally, one should consult the doctor and/or pharmacist to ensure that it is safe to do so. There are potential side effects to anything one consumes.
How to Make Mullein Tea
To make mullein tea, steep seven fresh or dried mullein leaves and some flowers (without the seeds) in 5 cups of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the leaf hairs that canirritate the throat. The addition of the mullein flowers in the tea gives it a slightly sweet taste. Milk and/or honey can also be added to sweeten the taste.
In short, mullein is an extremely beneficial medicinal herb. Use it carefully and be sure to consult medical professionals before giving it a try. Like any other medicine, at the first sign of any serious side effect, stop using it immediately and consult a professional. While this plant may be easy to grow and seemingly easy to use as a cure-all, it can have its adverse effects like anything else.
As I write this, I’m marveling at the border of tall mullein plants that are lining the stone wall along my property line. They are tall plants, yet to flower. I look forward to seeing them bloom.
Wren Everettsays
I really enjoy the huge rosettes of mullein that covers our land. I’d read somewhere that they were once used as diapers (a nickname was flannel plant?), though I have no idea what the potentially irritating hairs could do to sensitive little baby bottoms!
I have tried making ear oil from the flowers in the past–it takes a TON of flowers! Definitely a labor of love, and one I hope to be successful with sometime soon–we have enough of them, haha. Thanks for the fascinating write-up. Since there’s no getting rid of it–nor do I really want to–I need to make better use of this resource!
Rebeccasays
Ear oil? Is that for cleaning them out?
Wren Everettsays
It’s specifically for treating a moderate ear infection (like the kind you get with a cold/flu/congestion sort of deal–not water-in-ear ones like swimmer’s ear). I found a recipe for it in Rosemary Gladstar’s _Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide_, if that helps at all!
Shirley meredith Waggettsays
causing me diarrhea when first taken. will this go away.