Mullein Infused Oil

Basic

Plant

Uses

History

Safety

Plant Information for Mullein Infused Oil

The Great Mullein (Verbasum thapsus is of the Family Scrophulariaceae, and has lots of synonyms, including Torches, Our lady's Flannel, Wild Ice Leaf, [lots of names] Staff, Feltwort, and Hare's Beard.

Verbascum thapsus is a widely distributed biennial plant, native to Europe and temperate Asia, and is exceedingly abundant as a naturalized weed in North America, including our garden. It flowers during July and August. Most of the flowers are capable of self-fertilization if there are no insect visits.

Mrs. Grieve says: " An oil produced by macerating Mullein flowers in olive oil in a corked bottle, during prolonged exposure to the sun, or by keeping near the fire for several days, is used as a local application in country districts in Germany for piles and other mucus membrane inflammation, and also for frost bites and bruises. Mullein oil is recommended for earache and discharge from the ear, and for any eczema of the external ear and its canal. Dr. Fernie (Herbal Simples) states that some of the most brilliant results have been obtained in suppurative inflammation of the inner ear by a single application of Mullein oil, and that in acute or chronic cases, two or three drops of this oil should be made to fall in the ear twice or thrice in the day.

Mullein oil is a valuable destroyer of disease germs. The fresh flowers, steeped for 21 days in olive oil, are said to make an admirable bactericide. Gerarde tells us that 'Figs do not putrifie at all that are wrapped in the leaves of Mullein.' "

Recent studies have been done that report on the antibacterial properties of Mullein.

Mullein has a long history of use, for a variety of purposes. The stalks were dipped in suet and used a Torches or candles. It was a cure for lung diseases, particularly in cattle. According to the classics this was the plant Ulysses took to protect himself against Circe. In most parts of Ireland it was cultivated in gardens to enable treatment for pulmonary consumption.

Mullein has been traditionally used for a variety of medicinal uses, with no toxicity data reported for the flowers. The leaves and seeds contain rotenone and other compounds that are potentially toxic, so their use internally should be avoided.

Andrew Weil reports that "This plant has no toxicity."

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep carriers and bases tightly closed and in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. If redness or irritation occurs when applied to the skin, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.