Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a tall, biennial flowering plant known for its large, fuzzy, gray-green leaves and a single, thick stalk of dense yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and has become a common, naturalized weed in North America, often found in disturbed, open areas like roadsides and fields.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Mullein has a long history in traditional medicine, where various parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, and roots) are used in different preparations like teas, tinctures, oils, and poultices. 

Common uses include:

• Respiratory Health: It is widely used as an herbal remedy for a variety of respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, and sore throats. Its compounds are believed to act as an expectorant (helping to clear mucus) and a demulcent (soothing inflamed mucous membranes).
• Skin Care: Applied topically, preparations of mullein have been used to treat wounds, burns, bruises, hemorrhoids, and various skin infections and irritations.
• Earaches: Oil infused with mullein flowers is a traditional home remedy for soothing earaches and minor ear infections.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Mullein contains plant compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, which possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like arthritis, gastritis, and skin issues. studies suggest that mullein extract may help fight certain viruses, including influenza and herpes, and bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Other Uses: Historically, the dried stalks were dipped in tallow to be used as torches, earning it the nickname “candlewick plant”. The flowers can also be used to make yellow dyes.