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These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Mullein
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Verbascum thepsus
Mullein, with its velvety leaves, rod-like stem and bright yellow flowers, has a long history in herbal medicines.
It contains a substance, called mucilage, which has a soothing action on irritated mucous membranes. It also contains another substance, saponins, which has an expectorant effect, making it a most useful herb for chest complaints, especially for persistent cough and chesty colds. It soothes not only the respiratory tract but also the digestive system.
Mullein tea, made up of the leaves, treats asthma, croup, bronchitis, other lung infection, difficult breathing and hay fever. Mullein tea can be used as a lotion to bathe cuts and abrasions, for mild burns and skin rashes, as a gargle for sore throat and toothache.
A tea made from the flowers, will induce sleep, relieve pain, and in large doses act as a laxative. A poultice, made from fresh leaves and milk, can be applied onto boils, whitlows and virulent spots. Formenations, infused with a strong mullein tea, are helpful for skin ulcers, inflammation of the tonsils, mumps, tumours, and swollen testicles or scrotum.
Mullein oil is also good for treating chillblains and relieving the irritation of haemorrhoids. An inhalation of mullein flowers and hot water can relieve stuffy head cold and congestion. Mullein has been found to be an excellent pain killer without being habit-forming, and it helps to calm the nerves as well. But it may cause irritation (because of the hairy nature of the plant), discontinue usage if irritation does occur.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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