Mullien or Verbascum can be commonly used for: chest colds, asthma, expectorant, demulcent, antispasmodic, diuretic,bronchitis, coughs, kidney infections,tuberculosis, ulcers, tumors, hemorrhoids. Science confirms it has expectorant and is strongly anti-inflammatory, also antiviral against herpes simplex and influenza viruses. Contains verbascoside which has antiseptic, antitumor, antibacterial, and immunosuppressant activity. Be warned that the seeds of this plant contain rotenone and coumarin. The plant leafs have small hairs which may also cause irritation to some.
The leafs of the plant will have a velvet hairy feel to them yet they are very soft. The leafs are also absorbent and can be used as a bandage or gauze and as a poultice. In a pinch the leafs can be used as a substitute for cloth in making charcloth due to the thickness of the leaf. Most commonly the leaves are used both externally and internally on the body. Externally they can be applied directly to wounds or skin affected areas. Internally a tea can be made which can be drank for internal issues. Vapors from teas can also be inhaled to help with breathing and coughing.
They are biennial and perennial plants. There are more than 300 species of the plant which can be found across the globe. In the first year the plant forms a dense rosette of leaves and within the second year a stalk which can reach up to 8 ft tall. The top of the stalk will have flowers which when in bloom most commonly are yellow. The leafs of the plant can grow to be 5 to 6 inches across and at about a foot long.
Note that the stalk of the plant is sturdy enough to be used as an effective hand drill. Also be advised that the seeds from the plant should never be used for any purpose whether it be food or medicine. Native Americans used the seeds from this plant as a fish paralytic due to the high levels of rotenone that are found. When crushed and added to water the fish would float to the surface within a contained or controlled area.