Candlewort. Aaron’s rod. Verbascum thapsus L. German: Wollkraut. French: Bouillon blanc. Spanish: Gordolobo. Italian: Candela regia. Iranian: Busir. Arabian: Makizahraj. Parts used: leaves and flowers.
Constituents: rutin, hesperidin, saponin, volatile oil.
Action: a soothing relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions; pectoral demulcent, antitussive, mild sedative, diuretic, vulnerary, mild antispasmodic.
Uses: asthma, deep hollow cough, emphysema, tracheitis, hay fever, wet pleurisy, bronchitis, bed-wetting (1-2 drops oil thrice daily).
Topical: for earache and temporary deafness, inject 1-3 drops oil to relieve irritation and promote sleep. The oil is used as an emollient for wounds, ulcers, piles, pain in the rectum, itching anus, and to soften hard dry schirrhous tumours. A bruised fresh leaf over the anus was once a gardener’s pile relief.
Quinlan Cure. Dr Quinlan initiated what became an Irish traditional treatment for tuberculosis. He obtained best results with green leaves of Mullein. Hot-house cultivation makes it possible for leaves to be available throughout the year. Irish peasantry prepared it by boiling one handful in 2 pints fresh milk, strained, and sweetened with honey. The whole quantity was drunk once or more times daily, as tolerated. Soothes the lungs, increases weight and restores vitality.
Preparations: Average dose, leaves: 4-8 grams. (Flowers: 1-2 grams.) Thrice daily.
Tea: 2-3 teaspoons to cup, or 2oz to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; half-1 cup. Best results have followed the tea, instead of alcohol.
Liquid Extract: 1-2 teaspoons in water.
Tincture is made from the fresh plant at the time of flowering: 1 part to 5 parts 45 per cent alcohol, macerated 8 days; dose, 2-3 teaspoons in water.
Oil of Mullein: gently heat 1 pint Olive, Sunflower, Safflower or Almond oil in a non-aluminium vessel. Add fresh flowers to saturation point. Continue in gentle heat until all colour fades from the flowers. Press out, bottle. As an injection for ear troubles, a chestrub for respiratory disorders, healer for ulcers, and for general purposes. ... mullein
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