No matter the strain, Mulleins are known for their large, ground-hugging, wooly-leaved rosettes which they produce during their first year of growth.  In the fall, the rosette sprouts a tall stock, or stocks depending on the variety, and in their second spring the stocks produce flowers and seeds.  Common or Great Mullein is the most frequently used variety and grows a single stock which produces yellow flowers.  It has been mentioned in epics, legends, and spiritual texts dating back thousands of years because of its practical and spiritual uses.  For these reasons Mulleins have been known by dozens of common names such as Aaron’s Rod, Jupiter’s Staff, and Candlewick Plant, but none are as adorable as Bunny Ears, Velvet Plant, and Blanket Herb.

Throughout history the plant has been used internally, mainly to support respiratory and cardiovascular health.  The great Greek and Roman scholars wrote of Mullein and its uses, and their works became the seed for English herbalists Jon Gerard and Nicholas Cupleper between 1597-1653.  It can be difficult to believe that Mullein is not native to North America given how easy it is to find it growing wild across the country.  European Puritans brought Mullein seeds with them in the 1600s, and began transplanting it in the Americas.  Native Americans quickly recognized the virtues of the weed for the body, adopted the plant into their herbalism, and aided the plant's rapid spread across the continent.  It can be smoked or ground and put in capsules, but is usually best in a tea, extract, steam, or infused oil for the ears.

Mullein Known Nutrients & Active Constituents

• Mullein is known to contain: Beta-Carotene, the entire B-Complex, Vitamin C, and Flavonoids (Apignein, Hesperidin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Rutin,Verbascoside), Vitamin D, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, and Sulfur
• Active Constituents: Glycosides (Aucubin), Gum Resin, Mucilage, Polysaccharides (Arabinose, D-Galactose, Manose), Saponins, Tannins, and Volatile Oils

Mullein Can help to:

• Support healthy respiratory function overall
• Calm spasms, aid respiration, and promote inflammatory response within respiratory tissues
• Balance mucosal production and discourages the absorption of airborne antigens, toxins, and other irritants
• Promotes the elimination of old congealed mucus from the body, particularly from the respiratory tract
• Discourage bacterial and fungal growth and promotes immune responses
• Discourage bleeding in the respiratory and digestive systems
• Calm discomfort and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids
• Stimulate lymphatic flow and promote a response to heat in the body
• Supports inflammation response within the urinary tract

Cautions:
Mullein is generally known to be safe for everyone, for all ages, and in any season of life.  The only part of the plant that is not recommended for ingestion are the seeds; they are considered toxic.