The Spirit of Mullein
“A decoction of the [mullein] leaves hereof….and the places bathed therewith, that have sinews stiff and cold or cramps, doth bring them much ease and comfort.” (Nicholas Culpeper)
Nicholas Culpeper was an English botanist, herbalist, physician and astrologer that lived in the 17th Century (October 18, 1616 – January 10, 1654).
Dioscorides first recommended Mullein 2000 years ago, considering it useful as a folk medicine for pulmonary diseases. Dioscorides was a Greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist, and author of De materia medica, a 5-volume Greek encyclopedia about herbal medicine that was widely read for more than 1,500 years. Mullein’s value has been known for a very long time!
Mullein has an interesting variety of uses….
Sometimes worn in the soles of shoes to keep colds and flu away
Sometimes worn to keep wild animals away while hiking in untamed areas
Used for pain relief since antiquity
Highly regarded in India for banishing negative spirits
And you can rub the hairy leaves on your cheeks to bring out a natural blush!
For me, mullein has a very grounding and stabilizing energy. The image of the rosette of large leaves anchored to the ground helps me to feel really connected to and rooted in the earth. And the tall, straight flowering stalk is steady and strong. It does have a protective quality.
Mullein is well known for its affinity for the lungs (notice how its large broad leaves look similar to lobes of the lungs!). It is moistening and soothing to the mucous membranes throughout the body, and is especially effective in soothing a dry irritative cough. It can create a thin layer of mucous in the lungs and airways to soothe a tickly throat, and has been used by singers experiencing hoarseness.
Another interesting use…many Native American tribes use dried mullein leaves in a smoking mixture to soothe the lungs and treat asthma. I have never tried this (as it goes against my logical mind!) but I have heard from many people that it is effective.
Because of these moistening and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can also be beneficial in soothing painful joints.
An oil made from the fresh flowers (particularly if garlic is added) is a well-known remedy for earaches, particularly in children.
Herbalist Matthew Woods speaks to some other interesting uses. “Experiments have been undertaken in burn-units with the external application of the leaves. They have given pain relief in major burns”. [soothes nerve pain] He also states “Mullein has the intelligence to set bones”. Check out his book The Book of Herbal Wisdom for some remarkable stories!
So many amazing qualities!
Throughout history, mullein torches have been made from the dried stalk dipped in beeswax. These torches were used by many cultures in various rituals and ceremonies, and for spiritual cleansing.
A tincture of the root is specific for low back pain. The straightness of mulleins stalk speaks to me of its support of the entire spinal column. And on the energetic level, of the ability to stand tall. Calling in the Spirit of Mullein can be supportive in gaining confidence, having courage to speak ones truth, and claiming ones ‘space’ in life.
In the chakra system, I see Mullein resonating with:
1st chakra: grounded to the earth and stabilizing the spine
4th chakra: healing of the lungs and the ability to breathe in life
7th chakra: I see the straight stalk as reaching toward the heavens, touching our divine essence
NOTES:
Mullein seeds are toxic – do not ingest.
The small hairs on mullein leaves can be irritating. Wash leaves if necessary, and strain tinctures well (I usually strain through filters twice).
My intention in sharing my knowledge and personal experience is to ignite your curiosity and encourage you to create your own relationships with these amazing plant spirits. I am not a medical professional. and make no claims for the medicinal actions of the herbs. Seek guidance from your healthcare professional if needed.
Have fun working with the herbs in this spirit-to-spirit way!
Photos by Nancy
That is a very informative post Nancy
I love learning more information about Mullen ☀️
It was fun to see Northern New Mexico, where you gather your herbs.
I have a great Mullen story.
One of my nieces had asthma. My grandmother was an herbologist and she would dry the Mullen leaves and put them in a paper bag. She would have my niece breathe deeply bringing the particles into her lungs when she had an asthma attack.
Today she does not suffer from asthma.
It is fun to hear all the different methods of using one herb.
Herbs are truly a gift from our planet Earth.
I love mullein, and what fun to see the actual plant!
Nancy suggested its tincture late last year for dry sinus' when I first returned to New Mexico---it was incredibly helpful both then and when I had a mild cold this last Winter.
In addition, I had a wonderful "herb-sprit-healing" session with her recently and mullein's energy came through as a potent healer and support for my spinal condition.
Magical...highly recommend Nancy's energy healing work!
💜