Herb. No. 051 · Scrophulariaceae
European biennial of dry banks; a roadside plant across North America.
Native · Europe
Native Also grown
LegalGentleplant
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
A woolly candelabra for the lungs — flowers also oil for the ear in folk practice.
First-year rosette, second-year spike. Leaf tea is a traditional respiratory demulcent; the felted hairs must be filtered through cloth. Flower oil is an old ear-comfort recipe — never put oil in a suspected perforated eardrum.
Flavor
Mild, sweet-tea, a little vanilla if the flowers are in. Hairs make it fuzzy unless strained.
Parts used
Leaf · Flower
Helpful
- Unmistakable
- Self-sows in poor soil
Cautions
- Unstrained tea scratches the throat
- Ear oil is not for a leaking drum