Verbascum Thapsus

'Great Mullein'

[Ex. Durham, England]

Scrophulariaceae: robust, upright biennial to 2m. The plant is covered in a thick coating of white, woolly hair. Grows in dry, grassy places, on roadside verges and on waste ground. Yellow flowers in tall dense spikes, sometimes with side branches, blooming from June-August. The leaves are ovate, woolly, forming a basal rosette in the first year from which tall, leafy stalks arise in the second. Widespread and locally common in Britain. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, temperate Asia to China.

USES:

An aromatic, slightly bitter tea can be made by infusing the dried leaves in boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes. A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers.

Great mullein is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its efficacy in the treatment of pectoral complaints. It acts by reducing the formation of mucus and stimulating the coughing up of phlegm, and is a specific treatment for tracheitis and bronchitis. The leaves and the flowers have anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary properties. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of chest complaints and also to treat diarrhoea.

GROWING INFORMATION:

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. Sow seeds in late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in late summer. The seed has a long viability.

HARVESTED:

 
APPROX. 1000+ SEEDS