Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Common Names:

Great Mullein
Common Mullein
Velvet Plant
Aaron’s Rod
Hag’s Taper
Torches
Candlewick Plant

Botanical Description:

Mullein is a biennial plant with a tall, erect flower spike that can grow up to 2 meters high. In its first year, it forms a basal rosette of large, woolly, silver-green leaves. In its second year, it sends up a flowering stalk with densely packed yellow flowers. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it grows widely in disturbed soils, roadsides, and open fields.

Parts Used:

Leaves – Traditionally dried and used for respiratory ailments.
Flowers – Used for oils and teas; gentle and soothing.
Roots (less common) – Occasionally used in traditional preparations for pain and inflammation.

Constituents:

Mucilage
Saponins
Iridoid glycosides (aucubin)
Flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin)
Triterpenes
Volatile oils (especially in flowers)

Actions:

Expectorant
Demulcent
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Mild analgesic
Vulnerary

Equine Use:

Respiratory Support: Mullein leaf can be fed dried or steeped in water and offered to horses with chronic coughs, congestion, or inflammatory respiratory conditions.
Calming: May be used in calming blends for anxious horses, especially those with respiratory-linked stress.
Topical Use: The flowers infused into oil can be used to soothe sore skin or insect bites.

⚠ Cautions: Ensure clean, chemical-free sourcing. Mullein is generally well tolerated, but introduce gradually.

Canine Use:

Respiratory Conditions: Dried leaves (well strained when infused) can support dogs with kennel cough or bronchial irritation.
Ear Health: Mullein flower oil, often combined with garlic, is traditionally used to ease ear infections (consult vet before use).
Anti-inflammatory Use: Occasionally included in herbal anti-inflammatory or calming blends.

⚠ Cautions: Always strain well due to tiny leaf hairs that may irritate mucosa. Use oil in ears only when the eardrum is intact.

UK and Isle of Man Folklore:

In British folk tradition, Mullein was believed to ward off evil spirits and was often hung in doorways or used in protective charms.
The tall flowering stalks were dipped in wax or tallow and used as torches—hence the nickname "Hag’s Taper".
Isle of Man traditions often associated Mullein with faery protection and herbal knowledge passed down through generations of wise women or "herb wives".
It was also thought to guide lost souls or travelers, perhaps due to its illuminating use and erect growth.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) Neem (Azadirachta indica)