Mullein ~ Useful for All Ages

So often, we use only certain parts of an herb. A whole, beautiful plant may have to be harvested simply for the root, or leaves or flower. However, there are some plants that have value in every part. One of those is Mullein.

Mullein is most commonly known from being used in earache drops, and well it should be as there is hardly anything better! But it is a plant full of healing properties.

The leaves and beautiful, long, yellow flowers are wonderful in a poultice or salve for nearly any and every skin irritation ~ rashes, insects bites, minor cuts ~ AND even for respiratory tract infections and congestion.

You can also use the leaves and flowers in a tea, or infusion, for any bronchial distress ~ colds with deep chesty coughs, bronchitis and asthma ~ best used with local honey. 

Mullein tea, or a syrup made by mixing the tea with honey, can also give some relief to constipation.

In the above mentioned earache remedy, SOME people say to use only the flowers, many use the dried leaves. You may want to try both and see what works best for you. However, unless you grow your own, the dried leaves are more readily available from suppliers. This same oil can be used for far more than earaches, though. You can use the oil in any of your homemade creams, salves, balms and it can be used on insect bites, oozing sores (covered with a bandage), treats bruises and pain similar to Arnica and can be a great relief for hemmorrhoids. 

Another use for the oil? Beard oil! It shines, de-tangles and aids in growth.

You will need:

~1/3 c. freshly chopped OR 1/2 c. dried mullein leaves OR (for stronger medicinal oil) 1/3 c. dried mullein flowers OR 1/2 c. dried leaves
~2 c. olive oil
~1 large garlic clove (NOT FOR THE BEARD OIL!!!)
~small or medium pot
~mesh strainer 
~glass measuring cup with pour spout
~small funnel
~amber dropper bottles

Directions:

1) Put all ingredients into the pot
2) Start warming on medium heat JUST LONG ENOUGH to tell that it's starting to warm nicely, THEN lower heat to medium-low to low and simmer for 1 hour for beard oil OR 1-1/2 hours for stronger medicinal oil
3) Let cool for about 1/2 hour
4) Strain into a pourable measuring cup
5) using the small funnel, carefully pour into your dropper bottles
6) be sure to date your bottles, this should last around 5-6 months

To Use Medicinal Oil:

~For earache: tilt head with aching ear facing up, carefully drop 2 drops in affected ear, put a SMALL piece of cotton in ear, keep head tilted for 3-5 minutes to allow oil to flow into ear.
~For boo-boos: drop 2-3 drops onto a cottom ball or directly onto the sore, GENTLY tap to apply.
 
For beard oil: 

~drop 2-3 drops into palm, rub hands together, and rub throughout the beard.

What a wonderful, useful herb.

Have you used mullein? Tell us how.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><