Dry mullein leaves. Useful properties of mullein herb, methods of application internally and externally. Healing properties of mullein

The plant Verbascum, also known as Mullein, (lat. Verbáscum) from the Norichnikov family is widely used in folk medicine. With its help you can cure asthma, various colds, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, skin problems, and cardiovascular diseases. Mullein has a beneficial effect on diseases gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, spleen.

In nature, there are about 116 species of this plant, but several are used for medicinal purposes: Royal scepter, Bear's ear, Scepter-shaped, Mullein officinalis, Paniculata, Violet, Olympic, Black.

Royal scepter mullein is one of the most commonly used species. The flowers are small, collected in large inflorescences up to 1 meter in length, completely covering the stem. Grows on sandy soils, found along roadsides, in gardens, parks and forests.

Pharmacological action: analgesic for pain of various origins; anti-inflammatory. Used in the treatment of coughs, bruises, wounds, atherosclerosis, bronchial asthma, inflammatory processes of various etiologies, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, dental problems.

Scepter-shaped mullein, the second name is “dense-flowered.” The flowers are large, five-petaled, bright yellow color. The shape of the flower is irregular, reaching up to 5 cm in diameter. The height of the plant is about 2 meters. The buds densely cover the stem. Grows on sandy soils and is found everywhere.

Pharmacological action: diuretic, expectorant, emollient, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic. Used in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and lungs, inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen, and skin problems.

Mullein Bear's ear Mullein Purple Mullein Black Mullein officinalis

Bear's ear mullein (pictured above). The second name is “ordinary”. Differs in smaller corolla sizes. Habitat: sandy slopes, open forest areas.

Pharmacological action: enveloping. emollient, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, wound healing. Mullein preparations Bear's ear are effective for whooping cough and pathologies respiratory system, stop hemoptysis in tuberculosis, treat inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, stop diarrhea. Eat positive experience treatment of rheumatism and migraine.

Mullein is distinguished by a low stem, up to 1 meter, whitish felt leaves, and yellowish flowers collected in spike-shaped inflorescences.

In folk medicine, preparations for treatment are prepared from mullein. nervous disorders, rickets, scrofula, for liver pathologies, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, edema, for physical fatigue, BUG problems, diarrhea, rheumatism.

Purple mullein is different unusual flowers light purple hue. There are leafy and leafless forms. The clusters of inflorescences are sparse and simple.

Pharmacological action of violet mullein: stimulation of cardio-vascular system, increased pressure in blood vessels, stimulation of intestinal motility.

Panicle mullein is distinguished from other species by its serrated leaves. It grows everywhere in dry meadows and hillsides. Area of ​​application: inflammatory diseases of the female and male genital area, respiratory diseases. neuralgic pain, rheumatism, inflammatory processes of internal organs.

Black mullein is distinguished by unusual flowers collected in bunches with a sweetish aroma. The root is spindle-shaped, the stem is erect, the leaves are alternate. Only flowers, without green sepals, are used as medicinal raw materials. The raw materials are used to treat inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Recipes for the treatment of various diseases

4. Herbal infusion. 1 tablespoon of fresh herb or 1 dessert spoon of dry herb is poured with a glass of boiling water. infuses for 10 minutes. The infusion is filtered and drunk 2 times a day, half a glass, 30 minutes before meals.

The infusion is taken orally and used externally for vitiligo and psoriasis. Orally for diseases of blood vessels, nervous system, atherosclerosis, hypertension, neuralgia of various etiologies. About the treatment of vitiligo folk remedies.

5. Herbal decoction. It is used internally for kidney and bladder stones, inflammation of the genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal diseases. It is prepared like this: pour 1 tablespoon of dry herbs with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 2 minutes. infuse covered for 30 minutes. then you need to strain the broth and squeeze out the herbs.

Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

6. Seed powder. dried mullein seeds are kept in a closed glass container before use, crushed into powder, and sprinkled on wounds. To treat purulent wounds, the powder is mixed with sea ​​buckthorn oil until it becomes an ointment.

7. Decoction for bathing. For scrofula and rickets, it is useful to bathe children in baths with mullein infusion. To do this, prepare a decoction - 2 tablespoons of dry herb per 0.5 liter of boiling water, boil for 5 minutes, strain. Pour into a baby bath and add water to the required volume. bathe the child for 15 minutes at a temperature of 38 degrees.

8. Tincture. 1 tablespoon of flowers is poured with 10 tablespoons of 40% alcohol, infused for 3 days. Used as a rub to relieve pain due to radiculitis. arthritis, gout, rheumatism.

9. Royal oil. . A mixture of 3 tbsp is infused in the sun in a glass container for 30 days. l. dried mullein flowers and 100 ml olive oil.

Composition and medicinal properties of mullein

The wide range of medicinal effects of mullein is due to its rich composition:

• Mucus - enveloping, emollient, expectorant, anti-inflammatory.
• Glucose is a source of energy and normalizes metabolism.
• Saponins - fight cancer cells, thin and remove thick mucus, have an anti-sclerotic, sedative, healing, diuretic effect.
• Flavonoids - strengthen blood vessels, neutralize free radicals.
• Essential oils - harmonize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, have a beneficial effect on the separation of mucus when coughing, improve intestinal motility and gastric juice secretion, and calm the nervous system.
• When used externally, they have a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, healing effect, and stimulate cell regeneration.
• Gum - lowers blood lipid levels, normalizes the gastrointestinal tract, reduces appetite, and removes toxins.
• Coumarins thin the blood. which is important if you are prone to thrombosis, it prevents heart attack and stroke. Acts as an antiseptic and astringent. diuretic.
• Carotene is an antioxidant that stimulates the immune system. Protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
• Iridoids have antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimutagenic, analgesic, and antitumor effects. Relieves spasms, fights viruses.
• Organic acids. Their main effects are antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, and expectorant.
• Tannins relieve inflammation and act as a bactericidal and astringent agent.
• Vitamin C stimulates the endocrine system, activates hematopoietic processes, restores the functioning of the central nervous system, and promotes the absorption of iron.
• Tannin - disinfects, knits, relieves inflammation, heals.
• Alkaloids relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, soothe, and stop bleeding.
• Ash has an anti-inflammatory effect, slows down blood clotting, and dissolves blood clots in blood vessels. It disinfects well and heals wounds.
• In addition to the above important components, mullein contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and a complex of microelements.

Mullein for hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids require long-term persistent treatment. There is successful experience of traditional healers who recommend using mullein for this purpose. A plant that has hemostatic and healing properties is suitable for this purpose, even if the disease is advanced. Improvements occur already on the 5-7th day of treatment.

Preparing the infusion. Take 1 tbsp. l. dried mullein flowers, pour 300 ml of boiling water into a thermos. Let it sit for 1 hour. Strain through a strainer. Take 1/3 cup of infusion 3 times a day after meals.

Suppositories for hemorrhoids:

• common toadflax – 1 part;
• scepter-shaped mullein – 1 part;
• chamomile flowers – 1 part.

Take 3 tbsp. l. collecting herbs crushed to a minimum fraction. Pour into heated butter (about 100 g). Leave in a water bath for 1 hour, stirring occasionally with a wooden spatula. The warm mass is infused until it cools completely. Then it is reheated, then strained.

Add 10 g of beeswax to the warm mass and place it in a water bath again until the wax is completely dissolved.

The warm mass is poured onto a flat plate to cool. When it becomes thick enough, we make candles with our hands and place them in the refrigerator for storage.

Suppositories are used at night after bowel movements, hygienic rinsing of the anus until painful symptoms are completely eliminated. Usually 5-10 procedures.

Thank you

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Description of the mullein plant (verbascum)

IN medical practice apply the following types mullein:
1. Royal scepter.
2. Scepter-shaped.
3. Bear ear.
4. Drug.
5. Violet.
6. Paniculate.
7. Black.
8. Olympic.

Mullein royal scepter

The growth area of ​​the royal scepter is sandy soils, roadsides, forest areas, courtyards, parks and gardens.

Action:

• withdrawal pain syndrome of various origins;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• treatment of bruises and difficult-to-heal wounds.

• cough;
• bronchial asthma;
• inflammation of various etiologies;
• jaundice;
• gingivitis;
• gastrointestinal diseases.

Scepter-shaped mullein (dense-flowered)

Properties of mullein scepter:

• expectorant;
• diuretic;
• diaphoretic;
• emollient;
• anti-inflammatory.

• bronchitis;
• cough;
• inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• tuberculosis;
• pneumonia;
• diseases of the liver and spleen;

Bear's ear mullein (common)

Properties of common mullein:

• expectorant;
• emollient;
• enveloping;
• anti-inflammatory;
• pain reliever;
• diuretic;
• wound healing;
• anticonvulsant.

• cough;
• hemoptysis;
• bronchitis;
• asthma;
• pneumonia;
• rhinitis accompanied by lacrimation;
• tuberculosis;
• chronic cystitis;
• rheumatism;

Mullein officinalis

In folk medicine, mullein is taken for the following pathologies:

• nervous disorders;
• rickets;
• scrofula;
• diseases of the liver and spleen;
• catarrh of the upper respiratory tract;
• nervous fatigue;
• physical exhaustion;
• haemorrhoids;
• burns;
• arthritis;
• rheumatism.

Purple mullein

Action of violet mullein:
1. Increased blood pressure.
2. Stimulation of cardiac activity, namely increasing the amplitude of heart contractions and enhancing its bioelectrical activity.
3. Stimulation motor activity intestines.

Paniculata mullein

Paniculata mullein is used for the following pathologies:

• gynecological diseases of inflammatory origin;
• bronchitis;
• dyspnea;
• arthritis;
• whooping cough;
• hemoptysis;
• neuralgic pain;
• hoarseness of voice;
• haemorrhoids;

Black mullein

Only black mullein flowers, which have a sweetish odor, are used primarily for medicinal purposes. Decoctions and tinctures are prepared from the petals and are intended to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Collection and storage

It should be noted that the collection of raw materials is carried out every day, since each plant blooms only for one day. At the same time, the collection of raw materials from each individual plant is possible over a period of months.

Important! For best quality medicinal raw materials, it is necessary to ensure that flower calyxes do not get into it.

Mullein is dried in the shade (under a canopy) or in dryers at a temperature of 50 degrees, spread out in a thin layer. The possibility of drying raw materials indoors is not excluded, but provided that the room is well ventilated. But it is impossible to dry raw materials in the sun, since it loses its natural color, and, consequently, its healing properties.

Immediately after drying, mullein flowers are placed in a tightly closed glass container (a hermetically sealed tin container can be used to store raw materials), while the leaves and stems of the plant can be stored in paper bags or boxes.

The shelf life of raw materials is no more than two years.

Important! Mullein flowers provide an extremely low yield of finished raw materials: so, to obtain 1 kg of dry medicinal product, it is necessary to collect and dry 8 kg of fresh flowers.

Treatment with mullein

This plant, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa, throat, stomach and urinary tract.

Mullein effectively fights bruises: thus, by applying a fresh flower of the plant to the site of a bruise, you can not only relieve pain, but also prevent the appearance of a bruise. If it was not possible to avoid the formation of a bruise, then under the influence of mullein it will resolve in two to three hours.

Important! When using dried plant flowers, which are soaked in a small amount of water to prepare a compress, it is necessary to remove from the flower, without exception, all stamens, the hairs of which can cause skin irritations, before using the raw material.

This plant is used as compresses, rubs, ointments and powder in the treatment of the following diseases:

• arthritis;
• gout;
• rheumatism;
• inflammation of the facial nerve;
• haemorrhoids;
• cracked nipples of the mammary glands in nursing mothers;
• ulcers;
• purulent wounds;
• burns;

Mullein grass

Also, herbs (infusions, decoctions, tinctures) are used for:

• vitiligo (to eliminate depigmented spots);
• psoriasis;
• dystrophy;
• atherosclerosis;
• nervous disorders.

Flowers

Mullein flowers are widely used in folk medicine as an enveloping agent. In addition, they are distinguished by anti-inflammatory and softening properties, therefore they are used for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by cough.

Action of mullein preparations:

• mitigation of catarrhal phenomena on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
• relieving the inflammatory process;
• protection of the mucous membrane from irritating factors;
• eliminating pain at application sites;
• reduction of painful reflexes, spasms and tissue swelling.

Leaves

Fresh leaves of the plant help heal wounds, ulcers, and boils.

Mullein leaf baths are indicated for diseases such as rickets and scrofula.

Seeds

Composition and properties of mullein

Slime

Glucose

Saponins

Properties of saponins:

• expectorant;
• antisclerotic;
• diuretic;
• sedative;
• antiulcer.

Flavonoids

• inhibition of enzymes that negatively affect the formation of cartilage tissue;
• strengthening capillaries and vascular walls;
• improving the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
• neutralization of free radicals;
• normalization of the central nervous system.

Essential oils

• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• cough mitigation;
• increased mucus separation;
• improvement of motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gum

• normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
• stabilization of the gastrointestinal microflora;
• lowering blood cholesterol levels;
• removal of toxins.

Coumarins

Carotene

Iridoids

• antioxidant;
• choleretic;
• hypoglycemic;
• painkiller;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antimutagenic;
• antispasmodic;
• antitumor;
• antiviral;
• immunomodulatory.

Organic acids

• anti-inflammatory;
• astringent;
• antiseptic;
• antifungal;
• expectorant.

Tannins

Vitamin C

• restores the full functioning of the central nervous system;
• stimulates the functioning of the endocrine system;
• helps improve the process of iron absorption;
• activates the process of hematopoiesis.

Tannin

• pharyngitis;
• weeping ulcers;
• burns;
• bedsores;
• poisoning with alkaloids and metals.

Alkaloids

Ash

Macronutrients

• normalizes metabolism;
• normalizes water balance;
• eliminates swelling;
• strengthens the heart muscle;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• eliminates spasms;
• removes toxins;
• prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

• participates in the formation of bone tissue;
• helps normalize metabolism;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• promotes the release of insulin;
• increases immunity;
• regulates the functioning of the central nervous system.

• calms the nervous system;
• strengthens the heart, capillaries and blood vessels;
• removes toxins;
• normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract;
• relieves inflammatory processes;
• strengthens the skeleton;
• prevents the formation of kidney stones.

• strengthens the immune system;
• participates in the formation of red blood cells;
• synthesizes thyroid hormones;
• protects the body from the effects of pathogenic bacteria.

Useful properties of mullein

• emollient;
• expectorant;
• hemostatic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• enveloping;
• painkiller;
• anticonvulsant;
• astringent;
• cardiotonic;
• hypotensive;
• sedative;
• antibacterial;
• diaphoretic;
• diuretic;
• wound healing.

Applications of mullein

This plant is widely used in dermatology. Thus, an infusion of mullein flowers is used for baldness, skin diseases of allergic origin, vitiligo and psoriasis.
Mullein preparations are also used for diseases and conditions such as:

• stomatitis;
• gingivitis;
• colitis;
• enterocolitis;
• neuralgia;
• hypertension;
• atherosclerosis;

Decoction

Externally, this decoction is used in the treatment of skin diseases.

Infusion

• ARVI;
• upper respiratory tract diseases;
• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• pneumonia;
• hoarseness and loss of voice;
• epilepsy;
• whooping cough;
• dyspnea;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines of inflammatory origin;
• migraine;
• angina.

Mullein has hemostatic properties, therefore it is used to treat hemorrhoids (the infusion is added to water when taking sitz baths).

Tincture

The recipe for the tincture is as follows: 1 tbsp. dried flowers pour 10 tbsp. vodka and infused for three days. Used as a rub for:

• rheumatism;
• neuralgia.

Oil

• relieves inflammation of the middle ear (including chronic);
• eliminates ear pain;
• eliminates eczema localized in the external auditory canal;
• accelerates wound healing;
• kills pathogenic microbes.

To prepare the oil, pour 3 tablespoons into a transparent container. mullein flowers, pouring them with 100 ml of olive oil (purified vegetable oil can be used). Next, the resulting mass is placed in the sun, where it infuses for 30 days, shaking once a day. The oil is then filtered and placed in the refrigerator.

The oil is taken in the form of lotions for:

• bruises and inflammation of the mucous membrane;
• treatment of gums and oral ulcers;
• ear pain;
• inflammation of the middle ear;
• boil in the ear.

Ointment

6 parts of ground mullein seeds should be mixed with 12 parts of butter.

Mullein royal scepter: preparation, application - video

Mullein for hemorrhoids

Infusion for hemorrhoids

Important! Despite the fact that when the specified dosage is observed, no side effects Before using the infusion, you must consult a doctor who, taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient, will adjust the regimen, duration and dosage of taking the infusion.

Suppositories for hemorrhoids

• butter – 100 g;
• common toadflax – 1 part;
• mullein flowers - 1 part;
• chamomile – 1 part.

And a few more tips to help cope with hemorrhoids:

• normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, which will eliminate constipation;
• do not strain during bowel movements;
• balance your diet by excluding spicy foods, alcoholic drinks, brown bread, and fatty foods;
• exclude sexual activity during periods of exacerbation of hemorrhoids;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene in the anal area.

Contraindications

Recipes with mullein

Baths for hemorrhoids and skin diseases
1 kg of plant flowers is boiled in a bucket of water, then the broth is infused until it cools to an acceptable temperature for the body, filtered and poured into the bath. Therapeutic baths can be taken every other day for 20 minutes.

• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• exudative diathesis;

Infusion for baldness and seborrhea
1 tbsp. herbs are poured with 500 ml of boiling water and infused in a thermos for two hours. An infusion of 150 ml is taken three times a day. You can also wash your hair with this infusion.

Decoction for insomnia
1 tbsp. Add 300 ml of boiling water to the flowers of the plant and simmer over low heat for another three minutes. The broth is wrapped and left to infuse for 2 hours. The medicine is taken with honey, 1 - 2 tbsp. for the night. You can rinse your mouth with this decoction for toothache.

Infusion for bronchitis
2 tsp mullein flowers should be poured with 250 ml of boiling water and left to infuse, tightly wrapped for 1 hour. Take 1 tbsp infusion. no more than four times a day (for children, a single dose is one teaspoon or dessert spoon, depending on age). This infusion is also indicated for rinsing the mouth.

Decoction for colds and coughs
This decoction is prepared with milk, to 300 ml of which 2 tbsp is added. dried mullein flowers. The mixture is brought to a boil and boiled for 5 minutes, after which the broth is wrapped and infused for another hour. The strained broth is drunk with honey or sugar, 250 ml at night.

Decoction for urolithiasis and cholelithiasis
1 tbsp. crushed raw materials, pour 300 ml of water room temperature, then the broth is brought to a boil and simmered over low heat for 10 minutes. The strained broth is drunk one tablespoon three times a day, regardless of food intake.

Decoction for tracheitis
Mullein leaves and flowers (3 tablespoons of each type of raw material) are poured into two glasses of boiling water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, after which the broth is infused for another 20 minutes, cooled and filtered. Take 2 tablespoons of the product. four times a day.

Nature is rich in various beneficial medicinal plants, which can independently develop and reproduce in the numerous fields and forests of our homeland. One of such medicinal representatives of the world of flora is mullein - a herbaceous plant of the Norichinaceae family.

What kind of culture is this? What is its habitat? What properties does it have? And how is it used in medicine? Let's find out.

Botanical species

Despite the fact that mullein (or bear's ear, or royal scepter) is a wild herb, its appearance, especially during the flowering period, is very attractive.

The stem of the plant is single, erect, densely covered with downy, ashy hairs. The pointed leaves of common mullein are fifteen to thirty centimeters long and five to ten centimeters wide. They grow along the entire stem, proudly rushing upward.

Typically, the Royal Scepter blooms with a thick, spike-shaped inflorescence in the shape of a cylindrical brush.

However, the description of the common mullein would be superficial if we focused only on the characteristics listed above. The most beautiful thing about this plant is its flowers, crowned with a straight, long stem, the height of which can vary from fifty centimeters to three meters.

It's time to bloom

The common mullein flower has a bright yellow color. It is very small and delicate in appearance. Here is its structure:

• bract (has a pointed shape in the form of a lancet);
• peduncle (thick and short, attached to the solid axis of the inflorescence);
• calyx (has pointed lobes converging at the base);
• corolla (fifteen to twenty millimeters in diameter, yellow);
• stamen (there are only five of them, the front two are slightly thicker and longer than the others);
• pestle (in the form of short thin threads).

The royal scepter begins to bloom from the second year of life.

Habitat

Where does common mullein grow? This plant can be found in almost all countries of the world, although its natural areas of distribution are considered to be Eurasia and the archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean near Europe and Africa.

Common mullein is unpretentious to soil; it can develop and bloom freely along roadsides, in sandy and rocky areas. When placed on chernozem or other types of fertile soil, the plant gets sick and dies.

Chemical composition

As mentioned above, mullein is a plant often used in medical purposes. Therefore it chemical composition very rich in all kinds of useful microelements.

These include: tannins, saponins, beta-carotene, sugars, ascorbic acid, essential oils, fatty oils, alkaloids, iridoids, glycosides, harpagide, arcubine, catalpol, coumarins, phenolcarboxylic acids.

The elements listed above have a positive effect on various organs and systems of the human body. They are easily extracted from the plant itself and can be used in the manufacture of pharmacological agents.

What does a bear's ear help with? Which ones exist? effective means on its use?

Medicine for many diseases

Extracts from common mullein are used for diseases of the nerves, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract; they can cure hemorrhoids, rheumatism and even tuberculosis. The plant has diuretic, expectorant, antifungal, sedative, analgesic, hypoglycemic, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and other effects.

Diseases and conditions

For example, initial stage urolithiasis It is quite possible to cure mullein with enzymes. Such important elements of the plant as saponins have a diuretic effect on the body and remove small stones and sand, and essential oils and iridoids reduce inflammatory processes and protect against infectious damage to the mucous membrane.

Cystitis (like others inflammatory diseases Bladder) can also be cured using preparations based on this plant. The medicinal properties of common mullein lie in the action of enzymes such as essential oils, iridoids, acids and potassium. They relieve inflammation and act as pain relievers.

Bear ear can also deal with swelling easily. Thanks to saponins and its other components, the plant is able to remove human body all excess liquid.

Bronchitis, pneumonia and even asthma are quite amenable to adjustment with drugs based on the components of the royal scepter. First of all, these are mucus, saponins, essential oils, organic acids. They relieve inflammation of the respiratory system, cleanse the lungs, thin mucus and promote its removal from the body.

Thanks to elements such as saponins and iridoids, mullein is able to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and even eliminate them.

Diseases associated with the nervous system (stress, overexcitation, depression, insomnia, neuroses) can also be treated with this herb. Saponins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, alkaloids and magnesium, which are part of the plant, soothe and improve the functioning of the central nervous system. IN complex therapy they can even help in the fight against seizures and epilepsy.

Diseases of the joints, muscles and bone tissue are also effectively treated with bear's ear components such as flavonoids, calcium and magnesium, which strengthen bones, improve joint mobility and elasticity of connective tissues, restore damaged nerve fibers, etc.

Cardiovascular diseases can be effectively corrected with drugs that contain active ingredients common mullein. These are flavonoids, essential oils, coumarins, alkaloids, ash, potassium, calcium, magnesium, which strengthen the heart and blood vessels, cleanse capillaries, lower blood pressure, and reduce blood clotting.

The royal scepter also helps with purulent wounds, ulcers, burns and others serious damage skin. Thanks to the action of coumarins, iridoids, organic acids, tannins and other elements, you can get rid of bacterial and viral infection, thanks to which the wounds can be cleaned and healed.

Using a bear ear, you can completely recover from this serious illness like hemorrhoids. Plant extracts help reduce painful formation and reduce inflammatory processes.

As you can see, the range of uses of common mullein in medicine is very wide and specific. How can you cure certain diseases at home?

ethnoscience

So, we learned what diseases the royal scepter treats and how to use it. Now let's take a look at the tips and tricks for collecting and storing the plant.

Collecting herbs

This process can be carried out in the summer, in sunny weather, immediately after the dew has disappeared. If you want to collect flowers and leaves, then this is best done from June to August, but if it is seeds, then from September to October.

Since mullein blooms daily, you can collect new flowers from one bush every morning. And so on for many months!

Treatment

Storage

The collected material must be stored in containers made of non-synthetic materials. For example, stems and leaves can be stored in paper envelopes, and flowers in carefully sealed glass jars.

In terms of storage time, common mullein can be stored for no more than two years.

When harvesting a plant, it is important to take into account that during drying it loses a lot in weight and volume. Therefore, from eight kilograms of fresh raw materials you will get only one kilogram of dry.

Caution in use

Before using the plant, you should consult your doctor and also find out if you are allergic to any of the active ingredients.

It is also important to ensure that the seeds of the Royal Scepter (they are highly toxic) and small villi (which can cause irritation of the esophagus) do not enter the body.

Another important contraindication of mullein is its tannin component, which contributes to the occurrence of malignant tumors. Therefore, cancer patients are strictly prohibited from using drugs with this component.

As you can see, the Bear Ear should be used very carefully and cautiously.

However, if you do not abuse this remedy and adhere to the recommended dosage and instructions, you can quickly cure many diseases and significantly improve your well-being.

Mullein or verbascum is an open ground herbaceous plant that can be found in wildlife, and in well-groomed home flower beds. This unpretentious, stately beauty is noticeable everywhere thanks to its high growth and bright spike-shaped inflorescences. Its flowers do not last long, but their buds open alternately, which creates the impression continuous flowering. In terms of the number of popular names, it has few equals - this is the ataman-grass, and the cloth whip, and the golden flower, and the royal scepter (candle), and the archer, and the bear's (wolf's, deer's) ear. In addition to its spectacular appearance, the mullein plant also has outstanding medicinal properties, so it is also grown and collected for medicinal purposes. This universal flower is easy to grow on your own plot, and for a novice gardener it is simply a godsend.

general description

The plant belongs to the Norichnikov family and has about 300 varieties. Among them there are biennials, perennials, and even rare representatives of the same year of life. Sometimes they are not similar to each other even in appearance. Mullein is native to the Mediterranean and some regions of temperate subtropics in Asia. Its single species grow in mid-latitudes, but they are found everywhere in meadows and sunny forest edges. Domestic varieties are more similar in structure. The flowering stem is tall, straight, sometimes branched, in some hybrid varieties it can reach 2-3 m in height (usually about 1 m) and the same taproot, very strong rhizome. A dense rosette of pubescent leaves forms at the very base. The shoots of most varieties are also covered with thick pile.

The buds on the peduncle are arranged in tiers, their size decreasing in height. The flowers open alternately throughout the summer. By autumn, spherical and oblong seed pods with small seeds are formed. The mullein plant is widely used in folk medicine.

The verbascum flower lives so short that, having bloomed in the morning, it can close and fall off by night. But the next day a new one will bloom in its place.

Types of mullein with photos

Not all varieties of verbascum have a decorative appearance; only some of its forms are planted in garden plots. This is mainly the result of selective crossing, hybrids with more striking external characteristics.

Scepter-shaped mullein (dense-flowered)

Large, up to 5 cm in diameter, five-petal inflorescences are bright yellow and irregular in shape. They are located tightly on the stem, the length of which can reach 2 m. The leaves are oval, tapering towards the top. The aroma is not strong, pleasant, when dried it intensifies and acquires a honey tint.

Common (bear ear)

A heavily pubescent variety covered with silvery hair. The spike-shaped inflorescence is short and cone-shaped, like the entire shape of this variety. The foliage is dark green, gradually becoming smaller and covering almost the entire stem. The flowers are small, no more than 2 cm.

Paniculate

Biennial. Grows in dry places - on slopes, high meadows, along roads. But in places with colder climates it prefers to settle along river banks. It has serrated leaves and blooms in June-July. Stem height up to 130 cm.

Black

The foliage of this variety is located only in the lower third. The inflorescence is long, yellow, the petals at the base are darker brown, the stamens have purple pubescence. The height of the stem usually does not exceed 1 m. The ovoid or heart-shaped leaves are interspersed with buds, which distinguishes this variety of mullein from others.

Drug

It has a densely leafy stem up to 1.5 m tall, crowned with a long branched spike-shaped peduncle. All parts of the flower are covered with thick pile. The leaves are oval, long, with a blunt ending. The anthers are red. The name mullein is often used to denote varieties, meaning medicinal properties plants.

Hybrid

The most decorative group, which includes many varieties with flowers painted in different palettes. There are both dwarf varieties and large varieties that grow more than 2 m.

The most popular varieties:

• Herry Helen - produces bright pink buds up to 10 cm in diameter.
• Mont Blanc is a large plant with large and expressive snow-white flowers and silvery leaves.
• Jackie is a dwarf hybrid, not exceeding 45 cm. The buds are a muted smoky pink color.
• Pink Domino - characterized by spectacular flowering in orange-crimson tones.

Planting and care

Mullein is a very unpretentious plant, so growing it should not cause difficulties, and errors should not cause irreparable problems.

The soil

This crop does not like soils that are too nutritious and rich in humus and may even die on them by the end of the first season. However, the soil for garden specimens should be loose and fairly light. To do this, garden soil is mixed with sand and peat and a little fine gravel is added to it. Clay areas should be avoided.

Illumination

Verbascum feels good in partial shade, although it loves light. In hot areas, it is better for him to find a place that is not exposed to the sun all day long. In complete shade, it will also not die from lack of light, but it will develop poorly and will not produce active flowering.

Watering

In summer with regular rainfall, watering is not required. In dry weather, verbascum is watered, but not abundantly, and only after the soil has dried well. The powerful taproot is capable of extracting moisture from great depths. If you allow moisture to stagnate, the flower may die.

Weeding, mulching

Neighborhood with a large number of weeds worsens the health and overall water quality of the plant, although it is not critical. But because of them, the decorative quality of the site and the quality of medicinal raw materials suffer, if the crop is grown for the purpose of harvesting it. Therefore, it is better to carry out weeding in a timely manner, especially at the beginning of flowering, when the vegetation in the area is actively growing. Weeding can be replaced by mulching and, partially, loosening the soil. Pine bark, wood chips, and small pebbles are suitable for mulch; in addition, it improves the aesthetics of planting.

Top dressing

The unpretentiousness of mullein also extends to its demands on fertilizers - it needs very little of them. The nutritional value that is in the soil at the time of planting lasts for a long time, and sometimes forever. On poor soils, you can limit yourself to a single application to the root circle. mineral complex or organics in small quantities. It is best to do this before flowering.

Wintering

winter different types this culture is experienced in different ways. Varieties close to wild-growing ones do not need shelter. Hybrid varieties may not survive severe frosts. It is enough to sprinkle their rhizome with a layer of sawdust, peat, fallen leaves or spruce branches. Even ordinary branches will help hold back the snow and provide the necessary shelter.

Trimming

After flowering has ended, the stem needs to be cut off. This will extend the life of the plant. It is also recommended to regularly collect wilted inflorescences so that they save strength and make room for new buds. If there is no goal to collect seeds, you need to cut off the peduncle immediately, without waiting for the seed pods to ripen. In this case, the plant can live longer than two years, and hybrid varieties can bloom again in the same year.

Collection and storage of seeds

To collect the seeds, one or more strong flower stalks are left uncut. After the capsules have ripened and the petals and valves have completely dried, they are removed by selecting the seeds and laying them out to dry in the sun. To avoid being blown away by the wind, it is best to place them on the windowsill at home. After drying, they are placed in a paper bag or canvas bag and stored in a dry room.

Seeds

Growing mullein from seeds is a simple process. Sowing is carried out using the seedless method directly in open ground when the soil is well warmed up (May-June). Scatter them over dug up, well-moistened and compacted soil in a chaotic manner, sprinkling them with a small layer of earth on top. The seedlings must be thinned out, leaving a distance of at least 20 cm between the sprouts. The first month they are characterized by very slow growth, this should not cause concern. In the future, the growth rate will increase.

In the first summer, the young plant forms a basal leaf rosette; flowering using the seed method, with proper care, can be expected in the second year after planting.

When sowing seeds, they should not be buried too deep, otherwise seedlings may not appear.

Dividing rhizomes

For division, rhizomes with shoots of the first year are selected, which are dug up after flowering in early or even mid-autumn. Separate them with a sharp knife, preserving the shoots with part of the root on each part, treating the cuts with wood ash or activated carbon. For rooting, parts of the rhizome are laid out horizontally in a sandy substrate, after which they are covered with a small layer of sand, and then with the substrate. The divisions should take root and produce small new shoots even before the onset of cold weather, but replanting them to a permanent place should be postponed until spring.

Self-seeding

The plant has a tendency to self-sow. If you do not remove the flower stalks before the seeds ripen and allow them to ripen and fall off quietly, then propagating the crop will not require any effort - all the work will be done by wind and rain. But this method has its drawbacks. New plants will sprout anywhere, will be less decorative and are unlikely to exactly repeat the characteristics of their parents. As a result, a complete degeneration of the culture may occur in a few years.

Transfer

Despite the fact that the plant is completely unpretentious, replanting is painful for it due to the long taproot. Therefore, it is better to immediately put it in a permanent place and not touch it again. If necessary, transfer specimens by digging up the roots as deeply as possible.

Medicinal properties of mullein

In folk medicine, all parts of the plant are used - rhizome with roots, shoots, leaves, but the flowers are of the greatest value in this regard. The list of their healing properties is very extensive and depends both on the type of plant and on the method of application. It contains tannins, mucus, flavonoids, essential oils, and entire complexes of mineral and vitamin substances. The raw material is used in alcohol tinctures, water and milk decoctions, oils, water infusions as an expectorant, enveloping, diaphoretic, hemostatic, antimicrobial agent.

It is also used against burns, arthritis, inflammation, diseases of the gums and oral cavity, herpes, warts, housing and communal services diseases, and tuberculosis. The list is far from complete.

If you boil fresh mullein leaves in milk and apply it to the wound, it will heal faster. A fresh flower applied to the bruise site will prevent the formation of a bruise.

It is amazing! Plant seeds thrown into water have a soporific effect on fish. So far this phenomenon has not been explained.

Preparation of medicinal raw materials

It is very important to follow the rules for collecting and drying medicinal raw materials. If during storage the yellow tint of the flowers changes to gray-brown, most of the beneficial properties of mullein can be considered lost. Flowers are collected in the morning, at 8-9 o'clock, when the sun has not yet entered full force, but the dew has already dried up. Neither rainy nor cloudy weather is suitable for collecting raw materials. Even yesterday's rain can cause excess moisture, which will lead to rotting.

Drying is done in a well-ventilated place, after which the product is stored in a glass container with a ground-in lid. Paper and fabric are not suitable for this, since dried raw materials tend to absorb moisture from the air and deteriorate. Only the corollas and stamens of flowers are collected, leaving the calyxes, because they degrade the quality of collection.

It should be borne in mind that the yield of the finished medicinal product is very low, no more than 10% of the weight of the collected material.