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Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

The leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant can be used to make teas, salves, tinctures, and oils to treat various ailments. Additionally, the dried leaves can be smoked for lung and throat conditions.

Mullein is a valuable medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues, skin irritations, and digestive problems.

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Common Names:

Mullein, Candlewick Plant, Torches,

Our Lady’s Flannel, Shepherd’s Staff,

Lady foxglove, Beggar’s Stalk

Mullein is an easy-to-grow plant that can be found in many areas around the world. The plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil and is drought tolerant. It is a great addition to any garden and is a wonderful educational tool for students of all ages.

Here's a comprehensive list.

Mullein can be used for the following;

Bacterial infections, with its antibacterial properties it works against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), it helps treat pneumonia, staph and e. coli infections. 

Viral Infections, helps treat the influenza virus, herpes simplex virus and fowl plague virus (I will update the list of articles as I find which viruses this plant has been tested on.)

It has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in relieving inflammation in mucus membranes by creating a film and moisturizing the respiratory tract as well as ear infections.  As a matter of fact, it is one of the few treatments allowable for ear infections.  It also helps to relieve gastrointestinal issues, urinary infections and gout.

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It has potent anti-oxidants and is a known anti-carcinogen.  Its effects on the lungs includes issues such as mesothelioma and is known to inhibit the development of cancer.

I'm continuously updating my list. 

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  1. Escobar, F. M., Sabini, M. C., Zanon, S. M., Tonn, C. E., & Sabini, L. I. (2011). Antiviral effect and mode of action of methanolic extract of Verbascum thapsus L. on pseudorabies virus (strain RC/79). Natural Product Research, 26(17), 1621–1625.https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2011.576394 

  2. HAZMAN, ÖMER  ; AKSOY, LAÇÄ°NE  ; BÜYÜKBEN, AHMET  ; KARA, RECEP  ; KARGIOÄžLU, MUSTAFA  ; KUMRAL, ZEHRA B.  ; EROL, Ä°BRAHÄ°M. 2021. Evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial effects and mineral levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham.  Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2021, Volume 93 elocation e20210865. https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-37652021202108654

  3. Turker, Arzu,  Ekrem, Gurel.2005. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytotherapy research. 733 Vol. 9. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1653

  4. Yasser M. Okasha. Fify I. Fathy. Fathy M. Soliman. Nesrin M. Fayekh. 2023. The untargeted phytochemical profile of Verbascum thapsus L. with potent antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer activities. South African Journal of Botany. Vol 156, Pages 334-341. ttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.03.035

  5. Turker A.U. and N.D Camper N.D. 2002. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Volume 82, Issues 2–3, October 2002, Pages 117-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00186-1

  6. Okasha Y.M., Fathy F.I., Soliman F.M., Fayek N.M. 2023. The untargeted phytochemical profile of Verbascum thapsus L. with potent antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer activities. South African Journal of Botany. Volume 156, May 2023, Pages 334-341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.03.035

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