Mullein
verbascum thapus
verbascum thapsus
Scrophularace

Preparation and Dosage

Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

Formerly the flowers of several species of Mullein
were officinal, but Mullein no longer has a place
in the British Pharmacopoeia, though Verbascum Flowers
were introduced into the 4th Edition
of the United States National Formulary, as one
of the ingredients in pectoral remedies, and the leaves,
in fluid extract of Mullein leaves, made with diluted
alcohol were directed to be used as a demulcent,
the dose being 1 fluid drachm.

In more ancient times, much higher virtues
were attributed to this plant.
Culpepper gives us a list of most extraordinary cures
performed by its agency, and Gerard remarks that:
'there be some who think that this herbe being but carryed
about one, doth help the falling sickness, especially
the leaves of the plant which have not yet borne
flowers, and gathered when the sun is in Virgo and the moon
in Aries, which thing notwithstanding is vaine and superstitious.'

A decoction of its roots was held to be an alleviation
for toothache, and good for cramps and convulsions, and an early
morning draught of the distilled water of the flower
to be good for gout.

Mullein juice and powder made from the dried roots
rubbed on rough warts was said to quickly remove them, though
it was not recommended as equally efficacious for smooth warts.

A poultice made of the seeds and leaves, boiled in hot wine,
was considered an excellent means to 'draw forth
speedily thorns or splinters gotten into the flesh.'

We hear of the woolly leaves being worn in the stockings
to promote circulation and keep the feet warm.

Flowers impart a yellow color to boiling water and a rather
permanent green color with dilute sulphuric acid, the latter
color becoming brown upon the addition of alkalis.

An infusion of the flowers was used by the Roman ladies
to dye their hair a golden color.
Lyte tells us, 'the golden floures of Mulleyn stiped in lye,
causeth the heare to war yellow, being washed therewithall,'
and according to another old authority, Alexander Trallianus,
the ashes of the plant made into a soap will restore hair which
has become grey to its original colour.

The seeds are said to intoxicate fish when thrown
into the water, and are used by poachers for that purpose,
being slightly narcotic.

According to Rosenthal (Pharmaceutical Journal July, 1902),
the seeds of verbascum sinuatum (Linn.), which are used
in Greece as a fish poison, contain 6 to 13 per cent of Saponin.

Traces of the same substance were found in the seeds
of verbascum phlomoides (Linn.) and verbascum thapsiforme (Schrad.),
common in the south of Europe, which have been
used for the same purpose.

verbascum pulverulentum of Madeira
(used as a fish poisoner) and verbascum phlomoides are employed
as taenicides (expellers of tapeworm).

Source(s)



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