Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Adam's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Candlewick Plant, Common Mullein, Flannel Mullein, Flannel Plant, Hag's Taper Jupiter's Staff, Velvet Dock, Velvet Plant

Main Facts about Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Adam’s Flannel, Beggar’s Blanket, Candlewick Plant
Mullein is biennial, it lives for two years. The first year, this plant grows a rosette, but no flower stalk. The flower stalk grows the second year. At the end of the second year, the plant dies. In the first season of the plant's growth, there appears only a rosette of bluish-green, large, soft, furry leaves, 6 to 15 inches long. In the second year, a velvety flowering stalk grows to 10 feet in height. It has pretty yellow flowers, but they are short-lived and only a few bloom at a time from June to September. Mullein provides shelter for insects in the winter. Mullein produces huge numbers of seeds and its seeds last a very long time in the soil. An established population of common mullein can be extremely difficult to eradicate. This common plant was one of the first, if not the first, introduced plants from Europe to North America. A folk name for mullein “Candlewick plant” refers to the old practice of using the dried down of mullein leaves and stems to make lamp wicks. Some say mullein stems once were dipped in tallow to make torches either used by witches or used to repel them, hence the name “hag taper.” The custom of using mullein for torches dates back at least to Roman times. The leaves and flowers are the parts used medicinally.

Using Mullein

Mullein has been used as an alternative medicine for centuries, and in many countries throughout the world, the value of Mullein as a proven medicinal herb is now backed by scientific evidence. Some valuable constituents contained in Mullein are Coumarin and Hesperidin. Mullein oil is a very medicinal and valuable destroyer of germs. An infusion of the flowers in olive oil is used as earache drops, or as a local application in the treatment of hemorrhoids and other inflammations. Mullein flower oil is often combined with infused Garlic oil (which is antibacterial and antiviral). The flower tincture used internally is also of aid in treating swellings, and acts as a local anesthetic. It is effectively used for gum and mouth ulcers. A decoction of the roots is used to alleviate toothache and also relieve cramps and convulsions. It can also be mildly or even strongly relaxant. The whole plant possesses slightly sedative and narcotic properties. The seeds are considered toxic. They have been historically used as a narcotic. The seeds and flowers of mullein contain compounds called saponins. Saponins are highly toxic to insects (but harmless to people when cooked). Mullein is traditionally used as an herbal tea for respiratory irritation. It is antimicrobial and antispasmodic for coughs. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity. Smoking the dried leaves is one way to bring that medicine directly into the lungs. Leaf poultices is used to treat bruises, tumors, rheumatic pains and hemorrhoids. Mullein leaves have been used in cosmetic preparations to soften skin. “Quaker rouge” refers to the practice of reddening cheeks by rubbing them with a mullein leaf. The leaves contain rotenone, which is used as an insecticide. The dried leaves are highly flammable and can be used to ignite a fire quickly, or as wick for candles. Mullein root can be used as a long term tonic for individuals with urinary incontinence, recurring bladder infections, interstitial cystitis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Mullein can be useful in treating spinal injuries.

Mullein is a remedy for: Cold and flu, Anxiety, Ear infection


Some people find the plant’s hairs irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Try a small amount of Mullein before consuming it or using it topically. Always strain the tea through fine-weave cloth or a coffee filter to remove any stray hairs.

Cooking with Mullein

Mullein tea must always be strained to remove any hairs in the water, otherwise they cause intolerable itching in the mouth. Mullein tea recipe: boil 1 tbs. dried leaves or root in 1 cup water for 5 - 10 min. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter. A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers. Mullein oil recipe (made from flowers or root): place Mullein in blender or crush, fill jar, cover with olive oil, set in warm place for 2 weeks. Strain before use.

How to grow Mullein

Mullein is an easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained, sandy soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. It is drought-resistant and grows from seed. Harvest the entire plant when in bloom and dry for later use.

Mullein Toxic Look-alikes

Foxglove (Digitalis sp.) Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)