Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, V. olympicum
A beautiful and stately garden plant that is always a welcome surprise in the
wild, Mullein is a member of the Figwort family, the Scrophlariaceae. It grows
as a biennial, putting forth an abundant rosette of soft, fuzzy leaves in its first
year, and a tall spire loaded with small yellow flowers in its second year. It is a
voracious feeder, seeking out nitrogen and fertility wherever it can be found
(even on arid roadsides), and when cared for can easily grow over 6 feet tall.
We harvest the leaves from first year plants throughout the summer, the root
at the end of the first year, and the flowers during July of the second year.
Elemental associations: Fire
Phytochemistry: Mucilage, Saponins, Iridoids, Flavonoids
Actions: Leaves: Expectorant, Demulcent, Antiseptic. Flowers: Antiseptic,
Demulcent
Root: Nervine
Specific systems: Respiratory, Ear canal, Nervous
The downy leaves of this herb are it most commonly used form, and they are a
premiere lung remedy, soothing, toning and reinvigorating the entire lower
respiratory tract (lungs and bronchial tubes). Mullein leaves are therefore
excellent for a stubborn, unproductive cough and for relief of chest
congestion; they also prove invaluable as an adjunct in the treatment of
chronic lung ailments such as asthma and occlusive pulmonary disease. For all
these uses, Mullein is best taken as a warm tea (although an extract is
acceptable, though much weaker). In the past, Mullein was smoked for its
curative effects – and although no longer recommended for respiratory
afflictions, it does make a mild and gentle smoke that can serve as base for
herbal blends. Another use of the leaves is as an improvised bandage in the
wild, being absorbent and soft on wounds (and also mildly antiseptic).
Although the leaves are an excellent medicine, the flower stalks of Mullein in
its second year are its most impressive feature. The golden flowers are
harvested to make an infused oil, which is soothing and disinfecting to the
inner ear canal (valuable, along with Garlic, for ear infections and the
associated pain).
Finally, the young root is used as a tonic for the nervous system, best prepared
as an extract. It seems to be most indicated in cases of localized nerve spasms
or disorders, such as Bell’s Palsy. There may be some reason to use this root in
cases of epilepsy.
Indications: Chest congestion, lingering colds, bronchitis, pneumonia,
asthma, ear infections, localized nerve disorders
Contraindications: None really.
Preparation/Dosage: Make a tea of the leaves, 6-8 TBS in a half gallon of
water (along with other supportive herbs), and drink in small doses every 20
minutes for respiratory infections. The flowers are prepared fresh in an
infused oil, left to steep for 2-3 days in the sun. The root tincture, 1:5 in 40%
alcohol, can be taken in ¼ tsp. doses up to 4 times daily. Externally, the leaf is
used as a vulnerary and improvised bandage.
Holy Basil (Tulsi), Ocimum sanctum
This is an amazingly flavorful plant, native to the Indian subcontinent where it
is revered as a sacred protector of temples and dwelling-places. It grows
prolifically like most basils and provides a wonderfully aromatic tea or
extract. It should be harvested when in flower, which can be at any point in
the year, and garbled to remove its less aromatic stems.
Elemental associations: Fire
Phytochemistry: Aromatic essential oil, tannins
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, nervine, adaptogenic
Specific systems: Immune / adjustment processes, respiratory,
cardiovascular
Tulsi has a wide range of healing properties. It is so powerful when used
habitually, that it features in many Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Some
refuse to harvest or use it internally, both out of reverence for the plant spirit
and also because of the belief that its mere presence is more than sufficient to
procure results.
That said, it seems this plant has a particular affinity to balancing processes of
inflammation and auto-immunity in the system. Thus, we find it useful for
allergic and rheumatic complaints, including asthma and chronic respiratory
infections. It also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, helping
to decrease the inflammation at the root of atherosclerosis and heart disease
while also balancing blood sugar and cholesterol (which makes it useful in
diabetes as well). These benefits are borne out in recent research highlighting
its chemistry as having a potent anti-inflammatory effect.
It can have a gently calmative and carminative effect, like many aromatic
plants, helping ease digestion and providing focus and clarity to the nerves.
Indications: Chronic inflammation, reduced vitality, respiratory affections,
and heart disease.
Contraindications: Use caution in pregnancy, but generally safe.
Preparation/Dosage: Makes an excellent tea (its traditional preparation)
with 3-4 TBS per quart of water, taken warm throughout the day. A tincture is
prepared using 60% to 70% alcohol, 1:5, and dosed at ½ to 1 tsp. 2 or 3 times
daily.
Cleavers, Galium aparine
Our most valued member of the Galium family (which includes Bedstraw and
Woodruff amongst others), Cleavers, when used fresh, is a remarkable
remedy. We harvest the rough green leaves and stems throughout the
summer from wet spots and stream sides in the woods, or cultivate it in
gardens where it does quite well as long as it has something to climb on.
Elemental associations: Fire
Phytochemistry: Glycosides, plant acids
Actions: Lymphatic, diuretic, urinary tonic, reproductive tonic
Specific systems: Lymphatic, urinary, reproductive
The rough stem of Cleavers will not let you go once you’ve found it in the
woods. By this signature, we see that it is good for clinging, irritating
conditions, especially ones in the genitor-urinary systems: chronic urinary
tract infections, chronic swollen lymph glands, sexually transmitted diseases
and their aftereffects (in the latter case, use remedies for acute support as
well as Cleavers for a long-term solution). It seems somehow (quoting
Dorothy Hall) that this remedy has a special affinity to the male system,
although as we know any tonic for men is equally valuable for women.
Its lymphatic power will have an effect on stubborn skin conditions (psoriasis
especially) as well.
Indications: Lymphedema (swollen glands), chronic urinary tract infections
and cystitis, sexually transmitted disease, skin conditions.
Contraindications: None really.
Preparation/Dosage: A tea of the fresh plant is quite tasty and effective (6
TBS per quart of water, prepared by infusion), but for convenience I usually
use a tincture, prepared at 1:4, and taken in ¼ tsp. doses many times (5 or
more) a day. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this remedy to improve
diuresis and elimination of lymphatic toxins.