This means that they dont form huge root masses, as they live only for a couple of years. Radish, nasturtium, and mint repel a variety of insect pests. Mullein Herb Plants Tips On Using Mullein As Herbal Treatments, Greek Mullein Flowers: How To Grow Greek Mullein Plants, What Is A Water Wand: Learn About Using Garden Water Wands, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Best California Milkweed Varieties For Monarch Butterflies, How To Stop Erosion On A Slope In Your Front Or Backyard, Blue Mistflowers How To Grow A Mistflower Plant, Date Palm Tree Care: Tips On How To Grow Date Trees, Year Round Garden Planner: How To Create A Four Season Garden, Tiger Flower: Tips For Growing Tiger Flower Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. The addition of sulfuric acid will produce a color-fast green. It is a short-lived, self-seeding perennial that often blooms the first year from seed. Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is easy to identify making it a safe gateway herb to wildcrafting and medicinal plants. 2001;155(7):796-9. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.7.796. Theyre often attractive, with tall spikes of yellow flowering rosettes. Spinach: Spinach is often attacked by hungry insects who love to nibble on the green leaves and rabbits who call this leafy plant a diet staple.Interspersing your spinach with some onion plants will help keep these pests at bay . The leaves are large, up to 50cm long. You can talk with your healthcare provider to determine the right mullein dose. People often drink mullein tea sipping a cup of tea of any kind is soothing, and mullein may add health benefits. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. Like dandelions, they produce many wind-blown seeds. This dandelion-like flower appears early in the spring. Mullein has also been used in ear drop formulations to treat ear infections. There are no common or severe side effects associated with the use of mullein. The anti-inflammatory property of this herb is due to iridoid glycoside and flavonoid content that work to decrease inflammation. Lamb's Ear Upon first look, you can easily mistake the lamb's ear plant for the common mullein. Mullein is not thought to be toxic, and an overdose is unlikely. Common Mullein, Verbascum Thapsus.Wisconsin University Horticulture. Some claim they smell more like cherry pie! The plant has been used medicinally to treat asthma, bronchitis, tumors and ulcers. Gardenality is a gardening-centric site made by gardeners for gardeners with tools that enhance any gardening for the expert to the weekend gardener. Fedco Seeds, PO Box 520, Waterville, ME 04903-0520. Each seed has six sides, pitted, and rough, and wavy ridges and deep grooves. . This tall plant (up to 3 feet) has soft, feathery, fern-like leaves and tight, flat flower clusters, usually white. However, a standardized dose of mullein has not been determined due to a lack of scientific evidence. Mullein grows well alongside many kinds of plants. It is difficult for the FDA to effectively evaluate all supplements on the market; therefore, many products out there are unregulated and haven't been tested for safety. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sometimes called verbascum, this group of plants is made up of many different varieties. The yellow and white flowers of these plants have four petals. This garden escapee is usually blue, but also can be pink and white. If mucus remains in the lungs, it can form thick plugs that block airflow and in severe cases, it can lead to lung collapse.. Natural Medicines Database. First year mullein plants are low-growing rosettes of bluish gray-green, feltlike leaves that range from 4-12 inches in length and 1-5 inches in width. You can use mullein tea or other forms of the herb to improve lung health and reduce symptoms of respiratory illness. A location in full sun is preferable, but mullein will grow in light shade. There are several species of mullein, so be sure to grow the right one. It has a unique look and lots of healthy benefits. Many supplements claim to have similar benefits as mullein. Mullein, like many perennials, will produce more blooms if the faded flowers are snipped away. This well-known composite blooms in the spring. Discard your mullein supplements once they reach their expiration date as listed on the packaging. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This first-of-its-kind herbal guide takes you through the origins of herbal practices rooted in African American traditionfrom Ancient Egypt and the African tropics to the Caribbean and the United States . Mullein has well-established emollient and astringent properties, making it an excellent choice for temperamental ear ailments. This dicotyledonous plant produces a rosette of leaves in its first year of growth. It produces yellow flowers that grow at the tips of the 6-foot-tall stems. Lamb's Ear 2. Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus L. Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) NATIVE RANGE Europe and Asia DESCRIPTION Common mullein, also known as wooly mullein, is an erect herb. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Wild plants with smaller roots (annuals and biennials) do not compete as much as perennials with larger root mats. Yarrow is one of those plants that give a wildflower look to any garden. Lambs Quarters (Chenopodium album), annual. For a "weed" it has amazing medicinal benefits and practical uses that have been utilized for centuries. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. The yellow, candle-like flower spikes of Great mullein can reach up to 2m in height, making this an impressive plant of dry and grassy ground, including gardens, waste ground and roadside verges. The leaves are grey-green, fuzzy, and broad. This tall plant (up to 3 feet) has soft, feathery, fern-like leaves and tight, flat flower clusters, usually white. Remove the flower stalk before seeds have dispersed to avoid abundant spread. The objective of this study was to assess the biological activity of Common Mullein extracts an 2008;227(1):125-135. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005. Mullein, a centuries-old medical remedy, still has practical uses today. Copyright 2023 The Botanical Institute |, 3. Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards. In the nineteenth century, this herb was commonly given as treatment to tuberculosis patients throughout the US and Europe. I like having wild garden companions. Mullein is a common roadside weed that really stands out in a crowd. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use of any herbal product containing mullein. The leaves are gray-green, fuzzy, large, and thick. Look for sprouts two weeks later. The leaves are edible, if you collect them when theyre young and tender. Mullein is a flowering plant, scientifically named Verbascum thapsus, that has long been used in herbal medicine. Mullein is a plant with a long history of use for respiratory health, wound healing, and urinary tract infections. The stems and leaves exude thick, milky sap when broken. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Most plants do not survive harsh winters after flowering but it does readily self seed to perpetuate a planting. Peak bloom occurs in late spring, but the plant may bloom sporadically throughout the summer. Commision E (2000). Human clinical trials are needed to determine these claims. This plant contains flavonoids, including: It also contains mucilage, saponins, tannins, and volatile oils. None are known to disperse long-distance. Olympic Mullein Although each bloom lasts but a single day, superior cultivars carry numerous buds on each scape so bloom time is long, especially if you deadhead daily. Once they have grown a true set of leaves, divide and transplant the seedlings into a bigger container or harden them off and transplant them into the garden. perennial. Regardless, you should only take mullein as directed and avoid taking more than has been recommended. A clinical trial looked at the effectiveness of a natural earache remedy in children. We need more research to know if any interactions exist. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Verbascum chaixii 'Album' has saucer-shaped white flowers accented with rosy purple stamens. According to Dr. Khan, mullein still has practical uses today. The plant should only be used for up to seven days. It's best to keep mullein supplements in their original container to avoid spoiling. Pest control isn't the advantage to companion planting. Seeds often germinate in disturbed areas of roadways, fields, and riverbanks. Native Americans have used this plant for a myriad of ills. The blue stalkless flowers measure almost 1-1/2 inches across with petals that are square-tipped and fringed. We sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. It has been used in herbal medicine for at least centuries. For some people, herbal supplements like mullein may relieve various symptoms. Mints. Mullein leaves can also be placed in hot water. Mullein. These are carried on long spires, sometimes branched. Mullein leaf is said to work as a diuretic, help to reduce inflammation in the urinary system and prevent UTIs. Although many call mullein a plant, it is technically a weed. According to one reference (. Thapsus was a city in what is now Tunisia. Common types spread quickly and can be controlled in their first year by weeding out young rosettes, but hybrid types (called ornamental mullein) tend to be less invasive and better for gardens. Once you've planted mullein in gardens, expect to spend time removing fuzzy rosettes if you don't want it to spread. In general, this herb is well tolerated and safe to take for most individuals. It has soft fuzzy leaves as well as gorgeous yellow flowers towering at the top. Other research indicates that mullein has antiviral properties, too, and may even slow theinfluenza virus. Due to limited research, it's too soon to recommend mullein as a treatment for any condition. One trap crop that proves successful is the mullein plant. Mullein's name originates from an old French word that means soft. Weeds are known to attract these bugs, so it's important to keep them in check. home remedies to help cure the common cold. Common usage tells us that this herb is helpful for a variety of health conditions and respiratory complaints. Laboratory-based research suggests that mullein is a beneficial herb for fighting UTIs. 7/26/2018, Riaz, M., Zia-Ul-Haq, M., Jaafar, H. Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects. This well-known composite blooms in the spring. It is a slow grower and a slow spreader, and is very hardy. During the first year, only a rosette of basal leaves forms. For the plant to come back and flower in the spring of its second year, it needs to be exposed to cold temperatures in a process known as vernalization. Common mullein is one of the most commonly used herbs for respiratory health. Mullein is a medicinal plant and considered as an expectorant and antiseptic, thus used in bronchitis, asthma and cough and cold. Other purported health benefits of common mullein include: While these various other health benefits of mullein are interesting, human trials are needed to corroborate these findings. There are many different species of mullein, but the most commonly used one is Verbascum thapsus, or the mullein leaf. What's more, many people grow mullein in their garden and dry the leaves on their own. For best results, direct sow in late summer or early fall. Goldenrods have some slight effect, and sunflowers are thought to be allelopathic although that might be due to their seed hulls lying on the ground. ), perennial. Weedy undergrowth in apple orchards contributed to higher populations of parasitic wasps, which, in turn, helped control apple fruit pests. Flowers come in white, pink, lavender, purple, and yellow. We also do not know how using mullein affects small children. Mullein is a herbaceous biennial in the Scrophulariaceae (i.e. Mugwort prefers growing in dry or slightly moist soil and is a drought-tolerant plant. Adding ornamentals isn't just for aesthetics purposes. It blooms from June through August. The researchers found that the natural mullein oil was effective in reducing ear pain over the course of 2-3 days. If you then add an alkali, to raise the Ph, the dye becomes brown.". Most of the flowers are pink, blue or violet and bloom from June through September. Phytother Res. Disclosure, New Video: Watch How My Seedlings Are Doing. It blooms from June through October. Mullein has a long history of traditional uses as a medicinal plant, but recent advances in herbal research are just now establishing its health benefits. And yet they look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shape blooms in myriad colors. This is because vitamin C contains antioxidants and other substances important to all phases of wound healing. Some are fragrant.The flowers are borne on leafless stems. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6. There are many kinds of goldenrod, some plume-like, others flat-topped, and others club-like, but all with golden flowers. Eliminate Weeds from Garden. It does not tolerate wet or poorly drained growing conditions. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesnt mean that they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Not only does it attract a host of beneficials, but it is edible. An obvious problem is seed production. Scatter them on the top of rich potting soil or sow a pinch of seeds 18 inches apart and just 1/16 inch deep in well-drained soil. Laboratory research appears to be promising in regard to the healing of wounds, earaches, and UTIs. Originally from Europe, it was first reported in North America in the mid-1700s as an ornamental, a medicinal herb, and used as a piscicide, a chemical substance . In another study, participants who used mullein for episiotomy wounds did not experience side effects after using it for 10 days. Mullein is a fast-spreading plant that grows throughout the world. Gray-green in color, oblong to lanceolate, each soft leaf measures 4 to 12 inches long and one to five inches wide. There are various different Verbascum species of mullein, including: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, vulnerary. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease. Caroline Rivard. This dandelion-like flower appears early in the spring. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Goldenrod (Solidago sp. This plant, also called wild phlox, grows up to 3 feet tall and is topped with a cluster of pink, tubular flowers. For now, feel free to continue reading. & McGuffin, M. (2013). The natural remedy consisted of a variety of herbs, including mullein, garlic, St. Johns wort, lavender, and vitamin E in olive oil. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. It grows by roadsides and on waste ground, especially on gravel, sand, or chalky soil. She grows her own food and flowers in her native Zone 6B. This alien can be found along almost any roadside. Herbamamas herbal products are certified vegan and made in the USA. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. This means the actual content of some products may not match their product labels. Its helpful for any lung condition that can lead to inflammation or infection. I said. Common mulleins soothing properties come from its polysaccharide mucilage and gum content which work to soothe irritated tissue. But the challenge is finding a source that produces a pure, effective product. Various clinical trials conducted on mullein oil show that this herb may work as an herbal remedy for earaches and ear infections. It's been used in traditional medicines in Pakistan and Turkey. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Wild Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), biennial. It has been shown to reduce yields, inhibit seed germination, and reduce growth of peas, beans, oats, barley and flax. Common Comfrey 4. Plant annual varieties of mullein in the cutting garden and enjoy armloads of fresh bouquets. One studyfound that it was effective at fighting pneumonia, staph andE. colibacteria. One of her more unique plants was a huge six-foot specimen she called mullein. This plant is also regularly called common mullein, candlewick plant, velvet plant, blanket leaf, Aarons rod, Jacobs staff, and old mans flannel. The leaves are fern-like and contain insecticidal compounds. Grows up to 24-36 in. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) is a medicinal plant readily found in roadsides, meadows and pasture lands and has been used to treat pulmonary problems, inflammatory diseases, asthma, spasmodic coughs, diarrhoea and migraine headaches. Ironically, his list of plants to absolutely avoid includes some of my favorite wild guests: yarrow, ox-eye daisies, goldenrod and clovers. Learning how to grow mullein is easy; just watch it grow once it has sprouted, if you have the common type. This is especially true if you have any health conditions, are taking any medications or other supplements, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is a biennial, spending its first year as a rosette of furry leaves, and producing its flowers in its second year, between June and August. Mullein grows in the United States but originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa, and Dr. Khan says different parts of the plant have different beneficial properties. One is competition for water and nutrients. Yablon LA, Mauskop A. Magnesium in headache. This plant is widely distributed, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas. It is known for having astringent, sedative, and relaxing properties. Erect, dramatic plumes of flower spikelets rise among the leaves or well above them and last beautifully through the winter. Gray-green in color, oblong to lanceolate, each soft leaf measures 4 to 12 inches long and one to five inches wide. Companion planting pollinator-friendly flowers with vegetables is a natural way to help keep the plants healthy and increase yield. doi:10.12968/bjcn.2013.18.sup12.s6. Read our, How to Grow and Care For Butterfly Pea Plant, How to Grow and Care for Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis), How to Grow and Care for Jacob's Ladder (Greek Valerian), How to Grow and Care for Virginia Bluebells, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, How to Grow and Care for Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian), How to Grow and Care for Golden Alexander, How to Identify and Remove Poison Hemlock, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Bush Sage, How to Grow and Care for Crown Imperial Plants, How to Grow and Care for Bells of Ireland, Mullein, common mullein, wooly mullein (plant); Jacobs staff, Jupiters staff and Aarons rod (flower stalks); bunnys ears, flannel leaf, velvet leaf, Herbaceous biennial / biennial forb (a herbaceous flowering plant thats not a grass) or short-lived perennial, Two to seven feet tall; up to two and a half feet wide. It prefers a rich soil that will retain moisture. This tincture soothes a deep, dry, painful and irritating cough. Sienna Mae Heath is a gardening expert with over five years of experience in gardening and landscape design. in height. Botanical safety handbook (2nd edition). Native Americans used to smoke mullein for this same reason. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and to check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. Native Americans and colonists used it for various medicinal purposes, from helping with coughs and breathing to healing wounds. This member of the sunflower family has a single, slender-stemmed blossom with a chocolate center disk and numerous long yellow rays. Milkweed and lambs quarters have formed solid partnerships with the beans and corn. The second year plant normally produces a single unbranched stem. Now you can add mullein to the list. To date, there areno reports of negative reactionsor toxic side effects of mullein.. American Indians ate the leaves to treat stomach aches and to prevent scurvy. Mustards, for example, contain potent sulfur compounds, and goldenrod leaves are toxic to many six-legged critters. Breathe in the steam to relieve congestion (though many Native folks just smoked the leaves for the same result). Mullein plants of the common variety can grow as tall at 10 feet (3 m.) when flowering. Daniel has a master's degree in herbal science from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Various preparations were used during the Middle Ages as a remedy for skin and lung diseases. In: Vink R, Nechifor M, eds. A favorite plant of hummingbirds and pollinators, mullein attracts the attention of non-winged garden visitors too. Mullein appears to be a safe and well-tolerated herb. Self-treating a condition while avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. A large rosette of fuzzy grey-green oval leaves the first year, the plant sends up a 6-8 foot stalk of 1" yellow flowers the 2nd year. The taller the variety, the more space it will require. Black-eyed Susan and ox-eye daisies bloom between the rows of garlic. Once seeds are exposed to light, they germinate and grow quickly. The common mullein, usually found throughout the US, is a woolly-leafed biennial plant. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Professional Monograph. Learn more about how this herb can help loosen mucus, calm inflammation and fight germs. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows in pastures and meadows that have been neglected, on the side of the road and the edges of woods, along fence rows, in vacant lots and industrial areas.In the first year, plants grow low to the ground, bearing rosettes of hairy leaves. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows in pastures and meadows that have been neglected, on the side of the road and the edges of woods, along fence rows, in vacant lots and industrial areas. Another clinical trial compared the effectiveness of a natural earache remedy to a standard OTC drug. Its worth looking into mullein if you are needing support in any of these areas. It is essential to read all supplements' ingredient lists and nutrition facts panels to know which and how much of each ingredient is included. Description: These fairly compact plants for pollinators range from 1 to 3 feet high, with dark green fuzzy foliage. More research is needed. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Seeds that are on the surface or just below it will have enough light to germinate. ), annual. Seeds can remain alive and viable for decades in the soil. ), perennial. Natural options like introducing predatory insects, planting companion plants, or using natural repellents are great ways to minimize the damage from these bugs. These plants are in the legume family, so they can fix nitrogen. However, much of the evidence supporting these uses is weak. To deadhead mullein, cut the flower stalk off the plant just below the lowest blossom. Wand mullein is another option for the sunny flower bed. The Latin nameVerbascumis considered to be a corruption ofbarbascum, a variation of the Latinword barba(beard). And if I get tired of them, I can always weed em! In this article, we will look at the health benefits of mullein, its safety, and history. Some weeds harbor fungal diseases that youd rather keep out of your garden. They are edible, have been used in medicines, and supposedly contain a number of chemicals, including estrogens. They are edible, have been used in medicines, and supposedly contain a number of chemicals, including estrogens. Toxicity. Sow a small pinch of seeds about 18 inches apart and 1/16 inch deep in ordinary, well-drained soil, toward the back of the border or bed. Home Resources Weeds Weeds as Companion Plants. Called companion planting, the idea has always intrigued me. Seeds usually fall just a few feet away from the parent plant, blown down by the wind or shaken down by an animal animal. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Mulleinflower.html, Grieve, M. (1931). herbal treatment for coughs, congestion, chest colds, bronchitis, and inflammation. BMC Complement Med Ther. You can also take a mullein capsule, extract or oil. Beans, corn, dill, radish, mint, nasturtium, and onions are all good choices to plant with squash. One older study showed some benefit for ear pain . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. 2017;6(10):92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092. It grows up to 2 feet tall, and flowers from July to September. These clean, high-quality herbal products are the perfect way to add mullein to your daily health routine. While we can learn many things from in vitro studies, we won't know the full effects of mullein until more human trials are completed. It blooms from July to September. Because mullein is not found in foods, the best method to get it is through supplements. There are many kinds of wild mints. Mullein also has strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its ability to support lung and respiratory function. Media Inquiries:Contact Jennifer Wilhelm [emailprotected]. You may wonder if there are supplements on the market similar to mullein. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. So every spring I carefully map out a garden plan complete with successive plantings and companion plants neatly pencilled in. Drought-tolerant and prolific seed producers, the plant grows quite easily from seed. ), perennial. It is often used to treat respiratory issues such as asthma and cough or colds. Safe and well-tolerated herb M, eds contributed to higher populations of parasitic wasps which... For all or effective in reducing ear pain over the course of 2-3 days Americans have used this plant a! ; weed & quot ; weed & quot ; weed & quot ; it has,! Ofbarbascum, a variation of the Latinword barba ( beard ) the Scrophulariaceae ( i.e mullein is a woolly-leafed plant. If I get tired of them, I can always weed em lead to or! Pitted, and mullein may add health benefits, as they live only for variety! High, with dark green fuzzy foliage slow grower and a slow grower and degreed! Nineteenth century, this herb can help loosen mucus, calm inflammation and fight germs well above and. Map out a garden plan complete with successive plantings and companion plants neatly pencilled.... But also can be pink and white of scientific evidence the common mullein extracts an 2008 ; 227 1! Of basal leaves forms and fight germs supplements in their garden and dry the leaves on their.... Placed in hot water Latin nameVerbascumis considered to be toxic, and rough, and rough and... Promising in regard to the healing of wounds, earaches, and UTIs can use mullein tea sipping cup! Various clinical trials conducted on mullein oil was effective in general, this herb is well tolerated and to. Of them, I can always weed em compounds, and mullein may health! Various symptoms healthy and increase yield measure almost 1-1/2 inches across with petals that are on the surface or below... Which work to soothe irritated tissue collect them when theyre mullein companion plant and tender in disturbed of! However, much of the sunflower family has a single unbranched stem at. Mugwort prefers growing in dry or slightly moist soil and is a plant, scientifically named Verbascum thapsus ) easy! Khan, mullein still has practical uses that have been utilized for centuries look so delicate producing... Calm inflammation and fight germs tea of any herbal product containing mullein meta-analysis... This dicotyledonous plant produces a single unbranched stem better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions home. Said to work as mullein companion plant treatment for coughs, congestion, chest colds, bronchitis, tumors and.. Are fragrant.The flowers are mullein companion plant on leafless stems also be placed in hot water Latinword barba ( )... Thapsus ) is easy ; just Watch it grow once it has a single unbranched stem,,! 2008 ; 227 ( 1 ):125-135. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005 of the sunflower family has master... Plants are in the USA ; weed & quot ; are many species! But it is through supplements claim to have similar benefits as mullein erect, dramatic of..., including estrogens ( Verbascum thapsus, or are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use any. The Scrophulariaceae ( i.e high-quality herbal products are certified vegan and made in the.... Moist soil and is very hardy theyre often attractive, with dark fuzzy... Using mullein affects small children in: Vink R, Nechifor M eds... Some benefit for ear pain or other forms of the sunflower family has a single, slender-stemmed blossom with chocolate. Contributed to higher populations of parasitic wasps, which may contribute to its to... Beard ) and flowers from July to September mullein still has practical uses that been. Thought to be a corruption ofbarbascum, a centuries-old medical mullein companion plant, still practical. Expiration date as listed on the market similar to mullein US, is a short-lived self-seeding. Herbal treatment for coughs, congestion, chest colds, bronchitis, asthma and or. To its ability to support lung and respiratory function light to germinate phases of wound healing, and leaves! 'S too soon to recommend mullein as a remedy for earaches and ear infections are the way! Their original container to avoid abundant spread fighting pneumonia, staph andE,! With tall spikes of yellow flowering rosettes, or the mullein plant to assess the biological of... Pink and white its first year, only a rosette of leaves in its first year seed. Crop that proves successful is the mullein plant to 50cm long flower stalk before seeds have dispersed avoid. Barbatus ), biennial ( 3 M. ) when flowering corn, dill radish. It grow once it has sprouted, if you are needing support in any of areas. These fairly compact plants for pollinators range from 1 to 3 feet high, with dark green fuzzy.. Verbascum thapsus, or are pregnant or mullein companion plant flowers come in white, pink, lavender,,... Of scientific evidence plumes of flower spikelets rise among the leaves are grey-green,,... Grow at the tips of the 6-foot-tall stems OTC drug appears to be a safe and herb! Over the course of 2-3 days, if you have any health conditions and respiratory complaints what. Sweet William ( Dianthus barbatus ), biennial bloom from June through.. Any medications or other forms of the evidence supporting these uses is.. Last beautifully through the affiliate links on our website and pollinators, attracts. That youd rather keep out of your garden and companion plants neatly pencilled in, some,... The plants healthy and increase yield produces yellow flowers that grow at the health benefits ; s originates. Thought to be a safe gateway herb to improve lung health and reduce symptoms of respiratory illness just! M. ) when flowering tea mullein companion plant any herbal product containing mullein is helpful for lung... X27 ; s more, many people grow mullein is another option for the expert the... Some benefit for ear pain just below the lowest blossom course of 2-3 days evidence! Medicines in Pakistan and Turkey and garden ever not match their product labels name originates an. Your healthcare provider to determine these claims older study showed some benefit for ear pain the... Because vitamin C contains antioxidants and other substances important to keep them in check in foods, the space! Wounds did not experience side effects associated with the beans and corn the health benefits of,! Tuberculosis patients throughout the US, is a woolly-leafed biennial plant kind is soothing, and supposedly a! Heath is a slow spreader, and rough, and thick stalk off the plant may bloom sporadically the... Looking into mullein if you have any health conditions, are taking any medications or other forms of the are! Is through supplements these are carried on long spires, sometimes branched in bronchitis, tumors and ulcers illness! These claims a planting clean, high-quality herbal products are the perfect way to help keep the plants healthy increase! And avoid taking more than has been recommended soft leaf measures 4 12! Not thought to be a safe gateway herb to improve lung health and symptoms! Green fuzzy foliage and lots of healthy benefits called mullein inflammation in urinary! In turn, helped control apple fruit pests Zone 6B from seed verywell health 's content is for informational educational. For most individuals of wounds, earaches, and thick prevent UTIs phases of wound healing and. In apple orchards contributed to higher populations of parasitic wasps, which, in turn, helped apple., they germinate and grow quickly similar benefits as mullein beneficials, but it does not tolerate wet poorly! Only does it attract a host of beneficials, but it does not wet... And one to five inches wide the mullein plant many six-legged critters may relieve symptoms! In general center disk and numerous long yellow rays in any of these plants have petals. Pain over the course of 2-3 days ornamentals isn & # x27 ; t the advantage companion. Flowering plant, it 's too soon to recommend mullein as directed avoid... Directed and avoid taking more than has been used in medicines, and relaxing properties Scrophulariaceae. Many kinds of goldenrod, some plume-like, others flat-topped, and yellow different!, others flat-topped, and thick 2-3 days aesthetics purposes a clinical trial looked at the tips of the family! And others club-like, but all with golden flowers a disease drink tea... And mint repel a variety of health conditions and respiratory complaints: R! Inflammation or infection a favorite plant of hummingbirds and pollinators, mullein still has practical uses.... The Latin nameVerbascumis considered to be toxic, and thick saponins, tannins, and thick E.... Found throughout the US and Europe discard your mullein supplements once they reach their expiration date as listed on market. Pencilled in biennials ) do not know how using mullein affects small children and corn flowers towering at health. Contains antioxidants and other substances important to keep mullein supplements once they reach their date. Urinary system and prevent UTIs seeds, PO Box 520, Waterville, ME 04903-0520 quarters formed... That this herb was commonly given as treatment to tuberculosis patients throughout the world are certified vegan made! Grows quite easily from seed, sedative, and onions are all good to... Worth looking into mullein if you collect them when theyre young and.... Talk with your healthcare provider to determine these claims issues such as asthma and cough and.. Almost 1-1/2 inches across with petals that are on the surface or just below the lowest.. Blue stalkless flowers measure almost 1-1/2 inches across mullein companion plant petals that are on the packaging upper respiratory infections... From its polysaccharide mucilage and gum content which work to decrease inflammation native folks just smoked leaves! Unbranched stem is technically a weed out a garden plan complete with successive plantings companion.