Verbascum Thapsus

Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus

Common Name: common mullein

Symbol: VETH

Category: Dicot

Genus: Verbascum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Family Common Name: Figwort family

Order: Scrophulariales

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Kingdom: Plantae

Duration: Biennial

Growth Habit: Forb/herb

Native Status: L48 (I), AK (I), HI (I), CAN (I)

State Noxious: CO (CW), HI (NW)

Edible: unknown

Mullein

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Scientific Name: Verbascum Thapsus

Common Name(s): Candleflower, Hightaper, Mullein

Edible: yes

Medicinal: yes

Parts Used: root

oneraindog
8 Jul, 2009

Biennial plant. First year the leaves form a basal rosette of soft leaves that are fuzzy on both sides, long oval and greyish green to green. The second year the plant will form a tall flower stalk reaching as high as 6 feet. The flowers bloom from late spring to early fall in a long tight spike. The flowers are yellow with 5 radially symmetrical petals about 1-1/2 inches across. Flowers give way to globular fruits in 5 parted woody capsules opening toward the tips. The seed stalk is persistent and stands out easily in winter. Plant is found in old feilds, roadsides, disturbed areas and grows especially well in alkaline soils so its especially common near the sea shore. Mullein tea provides vitamins B-2, B-5, B-12, and D, choline, sulfur, magnesium, mucilage, saponins, and other active substances. The tea is best known as one of the most effective and safest herbal cough remedies. It is an expectorant and a good tonic for the lungs and mucus membranes. Infusions can be used to sooth colds, emphysema, asthma, hay fever, and whooping cough. Strain the infusion through a cloth as the hairs may become stuck in the throat cause more discomfort. Labratory tests have shown that it is an anti-inflammatory with antibiotic capabilities and it will inhibit the tuberculosis bacillus. Mullein can be dried and smoked to treat asthma and bronchitis. The tea is also an astringent and demulcent, good for diarrhea and it has been used in compresses to treat hemorrhoids. The leaves can be heated in a poultice to treat arthritis. A tincture of the flowers will sooth migrain headaches and oil extract from the flowers can be used to treat ear infections but use cautiously. Due to high levels of coumarin and rotenone the seeds should NOT be consumed but they were used as a paralytic fish poison by Native Americans.

Current Rating: 0.5000

wareagle69 30 Jul, 2009	warning-this plant is generally considered safe for consumption in reasonable quantities, but it does contain tannin as well as rotenone and courmarin which are classified by the US food and drug administration as potentially dangerous. mullein seeds are toxic. the leaf fuzz may irritate sensitive skin and throat membranes.
Current Rating: 0.0000

wareagle69 30 Jul, 2009	as a food source i have personally eaten this. i have eaten the leaves, usually make a batter of flour and milk, wet the leaf first then dip it into batter then lay in oil that is in a pan slighly boiling and deep fry it until golden brown, then i may put either powdered sugar on it or dip it in maple syrup with a bit of rum mixed into it.
Current Rating: 0.0000

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Verbascum Thapsus

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