by Charlotte Branca
A remarkable herb that nature has offered to us in abundance this year has been mullein or Verbascum thapsus when identifying it by its Latin name. Nature is a wonderful guide for healing when we are paying attention to what She is offering to us. There is a plant to cure every illness known to man on Earth if we know where to look and how to follow the laws of nature. There is no such thing as an incurable illness. We affect our ability to heal ourselves. The choices we make on how to live, eat and believe all affect our health and our ability to heal. Mullein is a plant about respiratory and glandular health. It is one of the most valuable healing agents that we have.
Mullein soothes the lungs and helps bring up phlegm. It soothes sore throats, but works best in the beginning stages of an infection for this purpose. It is an old-time remedy with spectacular results in the treatment of tuberculosis and pneumonia. More recently in laboratory studies it has been found to kill viruses as well. It is a completely nontoxic herb that clears toxicity from the lymphatic system. It will stop hemorrhaging of the lungs, stomach, bladder, intestines and other internal parts of the body. It is usually combined with sage or plantain for the treatment of asthma. Like all plants, mullein contains organic minerals for nourishing our bodies; two of the highest are potassium and calcium phosphate. These two minerals are needed to soothe and heal the nervous system and bone structure of our bodies. This makes it a great herb for calming and quieting the nerves by soothing the inflamed tissues markedly. For earaches mullein oil is used to stop the pain and reduce inflammation. For this purpose it is usually combined with garlic for its antibiotic affect. When combined 3 parts of mullein with 1 part of lobelia it is the best mixture for healing any glandular swelling, pulmonary issues or general ill health. When making an oil or tea with mullein, the leaves and flowers should be strained out of the final product since the plant has a natural self defense mechanism, which can have an irritating or itching effect when it comes into contact with the skin.
Mullein is an easy plant to cultivate in the garden. The seeds germinate in about 10 days, and the resulting plants will self-sow freely. The plant is biennial; the stalk grows tall during the second year. The seeds are tiny, but they have a high germination rate, so either thin them or transplant them once they come up. It is adaptable to many soils and prefers full sun.
Mullein has a rich history of uses for the magical properties it possesses. It is strongly associated with the element of fire. Its most popular folk name is “torches” or “candlewick plant“. Mullein can be used to invoke the elemental energy of fire or it can quite literally be used to bring fire into the ritual. The hairs on the leaves and stems make excellent tinder when dried and are readily ignitable. The leaves and stems were used for candlewicks before the use of cotton. It was also common to dip the dried head of the stalks in suet or a tallow mixture and burn them to be carried like a torch for lighting one’s path. They are now sometimes dipped in a liquid mixture of saltpeter and water, then hung to dry. They can be used this way by tossing them into a bon fire, ritual cauldron, or fire place. Ritually mullein has the power to drive evil spirits away and will block or protect one from evil magic. It is worn as a talisman to give the carrier courage. The leaves are also carried to prevent animal attacks and accidents when in the wilderness. Mullein can be used in a sleeping pillow to guard against nightmares. It is also used as a substitution in old spells for “grave dust”.
Astrologically mullein is ruled by the planet Saturn and the Sun sign of Taurus. These influences create a plant to help keep us grounded on our path. Saturn helps to teach us discipline and gives us character. It brings wisdom and clarity so that we can understand and see what is important. It helps us to transcend our limitations and communicate what is needed clearly to ourselves and others. Taurus brings the gift of stability to our lives. It helps us to establish our foundations which all things are built upon. Taurus helps us to appreciate creation and assists us with the patience and perseverance needed to create our visions. These influences combine to assist mullein in bringing the gift of inner light to guide us along our path. It helps us to seek the guidance from within and from without that we need to be organized and prosperous, so that we can move forward in our full power without indecision. Mullein assists us with our walk upon the Earth leading us toward greater fulfillment of our true potential. It helps us to recognize and know who we truly are.
Mullein & Garlic Ear Oil
¼ cup fresh mullein flowers (dried can be substituted if necessary
3 garlic cloves
Olive oil
To prepare: Chop the garlic into small pieces. Place the garlic and mullein flowers in a small glass jar. Cover the mullein flowers with olive oil and allow to set in the sun for several days; or if using dried heat, over very low heat for 4 hours. If you are using fresh mullein flowers, cover your jar with cheesecloth rather than a lid to allow moisture to escape. Strain the oil through several layers of cheesecloth and store your oil in a small dropper bottle in the refrigerator.
To Use: Warm the oil to body temperature by placing the bottle of oil in a glass of hot water for a few minutes. Insert 2-3 drops in the affected ear 2-3 times per day.
Charlotte Branca is a certified herbalist, medical intuit, clairvoyant, spiritual healer and owner of Thyme for Health at 109 W Main St Monroe, WA
