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Verbascum thapsus
Some may consider this hardy biennial to be a weed, but it is a magical herb of antiquity with a huge range of uses, making it a great plant to have around.
Mullein has medicinal uses as a respiratory remedy, a poultice of the leaves can be used to heal wounds and draw out splinters, and an infusion of the flowers in olive oil can be used as drops to relieve earache. An aromatic bitter tea can be made from an infusion of the leaves; a slightly sweeter one can be made from the fresh or dried flowers.
A yellow dye, which can be used as a hair dye, can be obtained by soaking the flowers in water. The flowering stems can be dipped in wax and used as torches, and the dried leaves and stems make an excellent tinder and can be used for the hand drill method of friction fire-starting. The whole stem can be used as a spindle in this method. The central stem of the dried leaves can be used to make wicks for candles. The soft thick fresh leaves can be used as insulation in shoes to keep feet warm, emergency bedding when camping or as emergency toilet paper!
The plant accumulates sulfur, magnesium, potassium and iron and is therefore great added to compost heaps or liquid fertilisers. The dried flower heads left on the plant make a great shelter for over-wintering ladybirds, and finally mullein is used as an ingredient in some herbal cigarettes.
9cm pot. Certified organic plant.
Freight: full list of freight and packing charges
Photos: Kahikatea Farm
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
