Verbascum (Mullein)
(Verbascum thapsus L.=Aaron's Rod, V. phloroides L., and V. thapsiforrne Schrad., Scrophulariaceae)
Also called: Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Velvet Dock, Lungwort, Donkey's ears, Bunny ears, Blanket Herb, Cow's Lungwort, Lady's Foxglove
Description: Biennial plants forming a basal rosette of
very hairy leaves in the first year and in the second year a flowering axis
up to 3m (10ft) high with large flowers forming an inflorescence more than
1 m (3ft) long Corolla rotate, of 5 pale yellow petals, 1.5-5cm (0.6-2in)
in diameter.
The large, grey-white, pointed leaves grow in a rosette.
In V. thapsus the leaf bases are decurrent, flowers 1.5-3cm (0.6-1
in); in V. thapsiforme the flowers are larger, 3-5cm (1-2in), with
quite flat corolla and shorter filaments; V. phlomoides differs in
its non-decurrent leaves.
The long flower spikes rise rapidly from the center of the foliage, followed
by secondary flower spikes.
Most are biennial, but they self-seed freely creating yearly blooms.
Flowering: June-September.
Part Used: Dried corolla with stamens. Flowers of small-flowered species are equally efficacious but are not used.
Habitat and Cultivation: In stony places on dry soil throughout
Europe. V. thapsus is common on sunny banks in England, Wales, Ireland
and southern Scotland. V. phlomoides and V. thapsiforme are occasional casuals,
rarely naturalised in Britain.
Widely grown in Europe and Asia and naturalised throughout North America.
The species may be grown from seed, the flowers
being collected from second-year plants from July to September as they
emerge.
Drying is either in the open air or in the shade in dry seasons. or artificially
at 35-40° C (95-104° F).
Yield 5-15kg (11-33lb) of dried flowers per are (120 sq yd).
Constituents and Action Saponins, mucilage, traces of volatile
oil.
The saponins and the volatile oil are expectorant.
The mucilage is soothing for inflammations of the mouth and throat.
Respiratory catarrh, earache.
* For a sore throat or phlegmy cough, make a tea with a few flowers, sufficient
to make a good yellow liquid. Strain through muslin to remove fine hairs that
might adhere to the flowers. Tea may also be used as a gargle.
* Mullein is soothing to the digestive tract, and a few drops of an oil infusion
are effective in treating earache and skin inflamations.
* The leaves are sometimes used in medicinal teas, but should not be taken
in excess as they are mildly toxic.
Flowers that have turned brown are less efficacious.
Forms available: Teas, flowers in olive oil (for ear ailments), tinctures, tablets; also an ingredient in numerous medicine for coughs and bronchial ailments.
Usage: As a tisane (1 litre (1.75pt) of boiling water on
1-2 tablespoonfuls of flowers and allow to stand) for bronchitis, rarely as
a diuretic (action doubtful).
The drug is generally used in admixture with others.
Culinary Use
Flowers make an attractive garnish.
Other Uses
* Flower arrangements.
* Drying: Place the flowers face down on paper or racks away from light to preserve colour and medicinal properties.
* Use in potpouri.
* Use in shoes or slippers to keep the feet warm and help ward off chilblains.
Cultivation
Choose a well-drained, sheltered, sunny location. Verbascum will grow in almost any soil.
If wind may be a problem, stake the plants before they become too dense.
The fine seed can be sown in trays or directly in the garden.
Pick the flowers as necessary.
In very hot climates the flowers of some verbascum close during the day.
