Verbascum thapsus or mullein may often be found along ditches and roadsides, but it’s a powerful medicine for a dry inflamed respiratory tract. The Latin Verbascum comes from the word barbascum which means “with beard”, owing to the leaf’s soft hairs, a doctrine of signatures for the hair-like cilia along the respiratory tract that aids in sweeping viruses and bacteria along this delicate lining. When you macerate the leaf in a hot water infusion, you release a demulcent yin strengthener and start aiding the natural secretory processes of the respiratory tract. Mullein also breaks up mucous and phlegm acting like an expectorant.  The yellow flower of mullein is considered an astringent that can draw inflammation away from the mucosal surfaces. The root is a strong kidney and bone tonic.

It can be an adjunct therapy for kennel cough. Making a tea by crushing 1/4 cup crushed leaves in 1/2 cup hot water and making a slurry to pour over the food is safe and can help heal scratchy sore throats. Every time I see the beautiful mullein growing as a weed, I am reminded of the saying:  “One man’s weed is another man’s medicine!”