The mullein (Verbascum thapsus) or verbasco is an herb with medicinal properties native to Europe, North Africa and Asia; it is now widely disseminated in the Himalayas. The plant entered the United States with immigrants given its usefulness.
However, today it is considered a weed in some places, as it grows in abandoned fields and on the edge of roads. It is consumed mainly in the form of tea or infusion, made from the flowers, leaves and stems; however, the essential oil is also extracted and the tincture is used.
It is usually used in the treatment of infections and as an anti-inflammatory. Its emollient and astringent properties are widely recognized. Especially, it is used in infections that occur in the upper respiratory tract, genito-urinary tract and ears..
It has expectorant properties and allows the relief of respiratory diseases such as dry cough, bronchitis and asthma. It is also considered mildly diuretic. The essential oil is used in dermal applications, to treat eczema and localized inflammations on the skin.
Its active components include saponins which, being water soluble, can be extracted in hot water and are partially responsible for the therapeutic properties observed..
The seeds contain rotenone, a toxic substance for fish. Rotenone is a colorless and odorless isoflavone that has long been used to kill parasitic or invasive fish species.
In ancient Rome, yellow mullein flowers were used for hair dyeing, and the plant was used to make torches. Due to its extensive properties, some consider it a prodigy of nature, but it is a plant that has not been used by the pharmaceutical industry and is still available only through herbalism.
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The most common reported uses of mullein have to do with the relief of respiratory and genito-urinary tract diseases, flu conditions, and joint pain and inflammation..
However, in many cases the production of the phytochemicals that sustain these properties will depend on the geographical location of the plant, the harvest season and the agroecological conditions of the place where it is found..
Compounds with phytochemical activity have been found in the plant. These include iridoids, triterpenoid saponins, sesquiterpenes and flavonoids..
Sesquiterpenes are less volatile than terpenes and have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. Some sesquiterpenes have antitumor activity. For their part, triterpenoid saponins are triterpenes that belong to the group of saponin compounds; among these is verbascosaponin.
At least three of its active principles are iridoid in nature. Iridoids are monoterpenes and possess pharmacological activity; the main ones are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and amebicidal.
Iridoids can also trigger allergic processes such as contact dermatitis. In addition, all monoterpenes have antiseptic properties and are credited with stimulating effects. Some monoterpenes have sedative and relaxing properties.
Flavonoids are antioxidant molecules that prevent degenerative diseases. They also play a role in plants, protecting them from insects, bacteria, fungi, and parasites..
Mullein leaf helps to expel the excessive bronchial secretions that accompany many respiratory diseases. Has a lubricating effect, relieving irritation in the throat.
In addition, it reduces inflammation in the airways; hence its traditional use in the treatment of asthma, laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) and also whooping cough, pneumonia, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
In this sense it acts in two ways. On the one hand, the relaxing quality of mullein when inhaled helps reduce anxiety and the desire to smoke when you want to quit; on the other, both the tea and the tincture keep the lungs healthy.
When rubbed on the skin, mullein leaves act as a natural insecticide and insect repellent.
In laboratory tests the activity of mullein extract against bacteria has been verified K. pneumoniae Y S. aureus.
K. pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes pneumonia, urinary tract and soft tissue infections. S. aureus usually causes skin infections and eventually pneumonia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis.
The treatment with the aqueous extracts of mullein was tested, proving to be highly effective; this action can be attributed to saponins.
The infusion (that is, soaking in hot water) or the decoction (putting the plant in boiling water), as they are made in traditional medicine, are the best way to take advantage of it in the treatment of respiratory infections, skin and urinary tract.
In in vitro tests, the leaf extract kills the parasite known colloquially as tapeworm (Taenia).
In some studies, activity against the herpes virus, mumps (mumps) and influenza has been reported. The elimination of warts of viral origin on the skin by rubbing mullein leaves on them has also been documented..
- Mullein relieves inflammation of the prostate, as well as irritation in the urethra. Has a diuretic effect.
- In the form of oil or soaked in compresses it is used for skin disinfection.
- Externally, a poultice made with the leaves is applied to relieve sunburn, tumors and ulcers..
- The tincture or infusion is used to relieve joint pain and rheumatism, particularly when pain and inflammation are localized, as in bursitis..
The shot depends on the form of presentation. You can have the dry powder, tea, tincture or oil, or a part of the plant (flowering branches).
The appropriate dose is not clearly established and depends on factors such as age and general health, among others. If you have dried leaves and flowers, it is customary to take about 1 to 2 teaspoons, add them to the boiling water and strain after a quarter of an hour..
The amount of leaves consumed can range between 10 and 30 grams per day. With the root you can also make the decoction.
If you have branches with fresh flowers, take approximately 20 grams for a liter of water. Once the water boils, add the herb and boil in the covered pot for about 5 minutes over low heat..
When turning off the fire, let it rest, strain and sweeten, preferably with honey. Eventually you can add flavor with cinnamon and oregano. It is recommended to warm up when eating and take about three cups a day.
The tincture is usually made with the flowers, with the roots and with the leaves, fresh or dry, and they are prepared in alcohol. If the tincture is available, the dose is about 20-30 drops three times a day..
Mullein is also used in ear drops when there is acute middle ear otitis. In children, one drop is applied to the affected ear, two or three times a day. In adults, 2 drops are administered.
Mullein leaves rolled in suitable paper can be smoked to treat lung congestion; relief is temporary. This practice is harmful if done for a long time.
It is normally considered a safe product if it is administered properly and for a short time. There is no record of serious side effects; therefore, it is unknown if its consumption generates undesirable consequences that could put health at risk..
- It is known to be toxic at high concentrations, greater than 2.5 to 10 g / liter.
- When the decoction of the plant is made, it is important to strain well, since the dense and woolly hairs that cover the leaves and stems can be irritating to the throat if they are infused..
- Mullein is a plant in which heavy metals are deposited that may be present in the soil or water. Heavy metals are toxic chemicals, even in very low concentrations. Therefore, it is important to know the origin of the herb to avoid this contamination that affects health.
Heavy metals usually result from activities such as mining, the improper disposal of industrial waste, the use of polluted water, the indiscriminate use of chemical inputs in agriculture, among other practices..
- It is preferable to avoid its use during pregnancy and lactation, as there is not enough reliable information on the undesirable effects it may have..
- Allergic people can develop contact dermatitis if they are exposed to the plant.
- In the case of otitis, the drops should not be used if there is suspicion of perforation in the eardrum.
- You should consult your doctor if you are being treated with diuretics, lithium, or muscle relaxants, as mullein can increase the effects of these medications..
- Mullein is known to inhibit the effectiveness of antidiabetic medications.
- The seeds should never be used to make tea.
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