Regardless, you should only take mullein as directed and avoid taking more than has been recommended. Mullein leaves gathered from first- or second-year plants before the flower stalks appear can be used fresh in tea throughout the summer or tinctured when fresh. Some are fragrant.The flowers are borne on leafless stems. It is a common wild edible plant that spreads by . In other trials he showed that beans grown with pigweed had lower populations of bean beetles than beans grown in monocultures. This biennial plant, Verbascum thapsus, was historically used as an herbal treatment for coughs, congestion, chest colds, bronchitis, and inflammation. The pretty yellow flowers can also be soaked in oil to create earache relieving drops. home remedies to help cure the common cold. Research shows that this herb contains a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds, including: Its thought that these anti-inflammatory compounds can work to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Wild Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), biennial. These plants - such as clover and alfalfa - only get about 5% of required nutrients from the soil. This sap can irritate the skin, so if youre handling milkweed, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards. The correct dose for you may depend on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions. Yes, seedlings readily grows in pastures and meadows that have been neglected, on the side of the road and the edges of woods, along fence rows, in vacant lots and industrial areas. So the more the soil is disturbed, the more likely seeds will emerge and sprout. While we can learn many things from in vitro studies, we won't know the full effects of mullein until more human trials are completed. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. In the second year, the flower stalk rises, blooms, and sets seed, before the plant dies. Zones 5-8. Many are edible, and some have medicinal uses. These days, it's more commonly used for less serious conditions, like: This is because vitamin C contains antioxidants and other substances important to all phases of wound healing. Eliminate Weeds from Garden. Foods. The yellow, candle-like flower spikes of Great mullein can reach up to 2m in height, making this an impressive plant of dry and grassy ground, including gardens, waste ground and roadside verges. Some of the wild mints that are beneficial are: biennial. Various parts of mullein are used to make herbal remedies, including its roots and flowers. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows in pastures and meadows that have been neglected, on the side of the road and the edges of woods, along fence rows, in vacant lots and industrial areas. The plant grows 12-15 inches wide. For a "weed" it has amazing medicinal benefits and practical uses that have been utilized for centuries. Mullein boasts an illustrious history as a favored herbal . Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also known as great mullein or common mullein is a native biennial plant of Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, salves and oils that contain mullein can also help relieve pain and irritation in skin wounds. The attractive foliage and flowers, as well as mullein uses, lead some to grow mullein in gardens. It is still prescribed today by naturopathic physicians and medical herbalists as a treatment for chronic otitis media and eczema of the ear. In some gardens, it will thrive with almost no care, making it a good candidate for naturalistic plantings in open areas and along the edges of wooded or other wild places.Its colorful, flat-top blooms rise above clusters of ferny foliage. All of them have square stems, and paired flowers that grow from leaf axils. A test-tube study looked at the antimicrobial properties of mullein extract in fighting common microbes found in urinary tract infections. Each fruit has dozens of very small brown seeds. Infusion: To make an infusion, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaf or flower and infuse for 10-15 minutes. Add several types of mullein to a cottage garden and enjoy their diversity. Native Americans used to smoke mullein for this same reason. Mullein benefits your respiratory tract especially when fighting illness in several ways: Mullein is anexpectorant, a substance that thins mucus (phlegm) and makes it easier to cough up. Also frost-resistant, mullein tolerates temperatures as cold as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The addition of sulfuric acid will produce a color-fast green. It blooms from July to September. What look like weeds may actually be wild companion plants, I tell myself. The more the soil is disturbed, the more likely seeds will emerge and sprout. Seeds will sprout in 12-15 days. In the first year, plants grow low to the ground, bearing rosettes of hairy leaves. Mints. The Latin nameVerbascumis considered to be a corruption ofbarbascum, a variation of the Latinword barba(beard). Mullein leaf is said to work as a diuretic, help to reduce inflammation in the urinary system and prevent UTIs. Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media. The second year plant normally produces a single unbranched stem. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use of any herbal product containing mullein. It should be noted that the small hairs found on the mullein leaf can cause a side effect of mouth and throat irritation if they are not filtered out prior to ingestion (especially if taken as tea). There is not enough scientific data to determine a recommended dose of mullein for most people. Due to limited research, it's too soon to recommend mullein as a treatment for any condition. We need more research to know if any interactions exist. Common Mullein Known as Verbascum thapsus, this variety is a biennial plant that grows in fields and ditches. It is hardy in Zones 5-9. As noted in this article, mullein benefits the body in a variety of ways, especially respiratory health. Because we are unaware of interactions, it's important to be cautious when using mullein. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, unstable molecules that damage your cells. Additionally, an animal study found that mullein helped to increase wound healing by 20%. Avoid planting mullein in heavily compacted soil as such poorly draining soil can encourage root rot. Mullein or "mullein leaf" often refers to the leaves of Verbascum thapsus, the great or common mullein, which is frequently used in herbal medicine. Mullein has well-established emollient and astringent properties, making it an excellent choice for temperamental ear ailments. Most of the flowers are pink, blue or violet and bloom from June through September. It's helpful for any lung condition that can lead to inflammation or infection. Expectorants helpbreak up mucusto get it out of your system. The leaves are gray-green, fuzzy, large, and thick. It blooms from June through September. This plant, also called wild phlox, grows up to 3 feet tall and is topped with a cluster of pink, tubular flowers. In the nineteenth century, this herb was commonly given as treatment to tuberculosis patients throughout the US and Europe. For years, Dr. Miguel Altieri has been studying the ecological role of weeds in agricultural systems. Spinach: Spinach is often attacked by hungry insects who love to nibble on the green leaves and rabbits who call this leafy plant a diet staple.Interspersing your spinach with some onion plants will help keep these pests at bay . (207) 873-7333; www.fedcoseeds.com/ Every year Fedco offers a wildflower blend of perennial and self-sowing annual plants that are native or naturalized to the Northeast. Use caution and speak with your healthcare provider before starting mullein. For extra root protection, mulch before the projected frost date with twigs, leaves, and bark. Strain the herb and drink twice daily. Aside from this study, we do not have sufficient evidence to recommend mullein dosage. Smartweed threatens to smother the onions. Yablon LA, Mauskop A. Magnesium in headache. Here's how to thin and deadhead your mullein plants. On the other hand, in a dry year you can sacrifice the wildflowers, turning their greenery into water-conserving mulch with the flick of a hoe-blade. Zones 5-9. For some people, herbal supplements like mullein may relieve various symptoms. Watch on How to Make Herbal Infused Oil for Salves and Herb Products Herbal infused oil has multiple uses, and is one of the easiest herbal preparations you'll ever make. For best results, direct sow in late summer or early fall. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). However, mullein has been used for many years in herbal medicine. It does not tolerate wet or poorly drained growing conditions. The oil is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions. Find out the best companion plants for tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, beans, and all common vegetable and fruits in the garden. Virtues: Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' is a striking plant in both flower and leaf, with textural leaves that form a compact rosette and dense spikes of grape-centered yellow flowers. They grow 1 to 2 feet tall, and bloom from June to August. Black-eyed Susan and ox-eye daisies attract paper wasps, which hunt hornworms and Colorado potato beetle larvae. Eclectic physicians used mullein for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary tracts and the ear canal. Rodriguez-Fragoso L, Reyes-Esparza J, Burchiel SW, Herrera-Ruiz D, Torres E. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Mullein, like many perennials, will produce more blooms if the faded flowers are snipped away. Nevertheless, mullein has been used as an herbal remedy for: Sometimes, mullein is applied directly to the skin to help treat burns or wounds. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. It originally grew in Europe and Western Asia, but it now grows in other places as . It blooms from July to September. Linnaeus first published the name Verbascum thapsus in 1753. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a common roadside weed - part of the snapdragon family - that produces large, downy leaves and, in its second year of growth, a tall flowering spike.Native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, the plant was eventually introduced to the Americas where Native Americans would put mullein leaves into their moccasins to keep their feet . Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. The natural formula consisted of a blend of mullein and several other herbs, including garlic, calendula, and St. Johns wort. ), annual. When using wild plants for companions, consider whether they are allelopathic to the crops growing nearby. The greens may be cooked, and seeds ground into flour. doi:10.12968/bjcn.2013.18.sup12.s6. Common mullein is also known as Jacob's staff, flannel leaf, velvet plant, velvet dock, or flannel plant. A modern herbal. Clinical research shows that mullein may benefit the skin and speed up the healing process of wounds. Despite the many health benefits outlined above, there are a number of potential side effects when using mullein, particularly, in excess. The understory of ragweed, goldenrod, smartweed and lambs quarters in a New Jersey peach orchard contributed to the decreased population of the oriental fruit moth. Ironically, his list of plants to absolutely avoid includes some of my favorite wild guests: yarrow, ox-eye daisies, goldenrod and clovers. Mullein plants of the common variety can grow as tall at 10 feet (3 m.) when flowering. Talk to your doctor before considering this herb if any of these conditions apply to you. This well-known composite blooms in the spring. Mullein contains chemicals that might help fight certain infections. This tincture soothes a deep, dry, painful and irritating cough. These clean, high-quality herbal products are the perfect way to add mullein to your daily health routine. As always, make sure to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or adding a new supplement. A short time later she brought over a small velvety rosette of a plant, a first-year mullein. 2008;227(1):125-135. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005. It is unknown whether mullein interacts with drugs, foods, herbs, or supplements. The leaves of this plant are deeply cut and white and silky on both sides. Certain weeds contain chemicals that repel insects. Mullein is known botanically as Verbascum thapus. The large leaves feel like thick wool flannel. Common mullein ( Verbascum thapsus) is a favorite summer plant to forage! Mullein supplements are also typically vegan since they are made from plants. The leaves are diamond-shaped and broadly-toothed, often white beneath. Though it has been used in medicinal teas, it contains some toxic chemicals. That makes it difficult to find effective formulas here., If you apply mullein directly to your mucous membranes or on your skin at a high potency, you may have a skin reaction. . Native Americans and soldiers during the Civil War era made teas from leaves of mullein plants to treat asthma. It grows up to 2 feet tall, and flowers from July to September. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Look for reputable brands that indicate theyve been tested by a third party, so that you can trust whats inside the bottle, Dr. Khan advises, and stay within the products dosage recommendations. Now that youve learned what is mullein, you can make an informed decision before growing it or letting it stay in your landscape. A few pieces torn off just one leaf and made into an infused tea can help you rid yourself of excess phlegm in your lungs. Mullein supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. Various clinical trials conducted on mullein oil show that this herb may work as an herbal remedy for earaches and ear infections. Its large, fuzzy leaves have expectorant properties: great medicine for your lungs. It's also important to keep in mind that some supplements may not be safe for children, people who are pregnant or nursing, or people with certain medical conditions. She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. How to Use Mullein Cherokee. It produces yellow flowers that grow at the tips of the 6-foot-tall stems. Pair it with peonies, Russian sage, lady's mantle, sedum, coneflower, and ornamental grasses in a perennial planting. And if I get tired of them, I can always weed em! Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus L., Scrophulariaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, asthma, spasmodic coughs, diarrhea and other pulmonary problems. They bloom from August through October. Its always good to get mucus out of your airways, says Dr. Khan. Natural options like introducing predatory insects, planting companion plants, or using natural repellents are great ways to minimize the damage from these bugs. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). List of Plants That Look Like Mullein 1. This plant is also regularly called common mullein, candlewick plant, velvet plant, blanket leaf, Aarons rod, Jacobs staff, and old mans flannel. American Herbal Products Association. Mullein is a biennial, meaning it flowers its second year and then dies off. Queen Annes Lace and other umbels are well known habitat plants. Lambs Quarters (Chenopodium album), annual. Drink three times a day. 2013;Suppl:S6-S11. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It prefers a rich soil that will retain moisture. 2001;155(7):796-9. doi:10.1001/archpedi.155.7.796. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Types of Companion Plants: Although each bloom lasts but a single day, superior cultivars carry numerous buds on each scape so bloom time is long, especially if you deadhead daily. Hentges said plants such as marigolds and nasturtium add color to the vegetable garden and . Historically, mullein has been used as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion. Mullein thrives in full sun. Adding ornamentals isn't just for aesthetics purposes. Easy-to-grow in well-drained soil and full sun, mullein tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including poor, sandy soil. Because these plants readily self-sow, remove unwanted plants to keep your garden from being overrun with mullein. Grows up to 24-36 in. I reach for the hoe and put it back down. I like having wild garden companions. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. The leaves are edible, if you collect them when theyre young and tender. Our website content is for informational purposes only. Sometimes called verbascum, this group of plants is made up of many different varieties. Their mullein dietary supplements are made with organic mullein. Copyright 2023 The Botanical Institute |, 3. People use mullein for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds,. Pest control isn't the advantage to companion planting. 11) Heliotrope ~ Heliotropium. Youve likely seen mullein plants growing in fields and along roadsides. African Violet 8. The beet is one of many root vegetables on the list of onion companion plants. Before allowing wild companions to take root, gardeners need to consider some trait in addition to invasiveness and tenacity. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The leaves are fern-like and contain insecticidal compounds. This tall plant (it grows up to 6 feet) is in the snapdragon family. One weed that is known to be allelopathic is quackgrass. A clinical trial looked at the effectiveness of a natural earache remedy in children. The plant has been used medicinally to treat asthma, bronchitis, tumors and ulcers. Although it has been used medicinally since ancient times A tincture containing the plant alone or a combination of mullein and other herbs is commonly found in health stores (and online) as a tried-and-true natural remedy for ear aches and infections. In fact, there are some 50,000 named hybrid cultivars in a range of flower sizes (the minis are very popular), forms, and plant heights. Turker 2005 The flowers have been used as a source of yellow hair dye. Her work has been featured in The Weeder's Digest, Gardening Know How, GrowIt, and more. More research is needed. In another study, participants who used mullein for episiotomy wounds did not experience side effects after using it for 10 days. Verbascum olympicum grows an impressive 6-8 feet tall when in bloom. The greens may be cooked, and seeds ground into flour. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), biennial. The first year, it produces a rosette of silvery-gray foliage, which persists through the winter. Russell Libby Agricultural Scholar Awards. And yet they look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shape blooms in myriad colors. 2013;22(1):27-30. Agroecology he calls it, and he cites many examples of cropping systems in which the presence of weeds enhanced the biological control of pests. Mustards (Brassica sp. It has been shown to reduce yields, inhibit seed germination, and reduce growth of peas, beans, oats, barley and flax. BMC Complement Med Ther. Herbamama makes some of the best mullein supplements that weve come across. American Indians ate the leaves to treat stomach aches and to prevent scurvy. Mullein Herb Plants Tips On Using Mullein As Herbal Treatments, Greek Mullein Flowers: How To Grow Greek Mullein Plants, What Is A Water Wand: Learn About Using Garden Water Wands, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Best California Milkweed Varieties For Monarch Butterflies, How To Stop Erosion On A Slope In Your Front Or Backyard, Blue Mistflowers How To Grow A Mistflower Plant, Date Palm Tree Care: Tips On How To Grow Date Trees, Year Round Garden Planner: How To Create A Four Season Garden, Tiger Flower: Tips For Growing Tiger Flower Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Mullein is a medicinal plant and considered as an expectorant and antiseptic, thus used in bronchitis, asthma and cough and cold. Not only does it attract a host of beneficials, but it is edible. None are known to disperse long-distance. Second-year mullein plants normally produce a single unbranched stem, usually 12m tall. It had soft, velvety leaves and a towering flower head of yellow blooms. Learn more. 2021;21(1):166. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03339-6. In its second year, the plant sprouts a stalk that can grow six- to eight-feet high. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows in pastures and meadows that have been neglected, on the side of the road and the edges of woods, along fence rows, in vacant lots and industrial areas.In the first year, plants grow low to the ground, bearing rosettes of hairy leaves. This begs the question, what is the best mullein supplement? If the point of companion planting is to increase diversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects, which, in turn, will munch on potato beetles and aphids then I have accomplished it. 7247 N. Coolville Ridge Road Athens, Ohio 45701 (740)592-4643 (740)593-3092 (Fax) But the challenge is finding a source that produces a pure, effective product. These composites are usually violet, with many thin petals and a yellow center, but can also be pink, white or blue. annual. Once seeds are exposed to light, they germinate and grow quickly. American Indians ate the leaves to treat stomach aches and to prevent scurvy. However, much of the evidence supporting these uses is weak. The group that was given the mullein skin cream had a significant improvement in the healing of wounds as compared to the placebo group. Weeds are known to attract these bugs, so it's important to keep them in check. Mugwort Propagation Even though there are more ways to propagate mugwort, you can just start growing your first plants from seeds. , participants who used mullein for most people along roadsides eight-feet high produce... Illustrious history as a treatment for any lung condition that can grow six- to high. Such poorly draining soil can encourage root rot mullein is a biennial, it! And white and silky on both sides cut and white and silky on sides! And soldiers during the Civil War era made teas from leaves of plant... The management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media tumors and ulcers their diversity group that given. Eczema of the best mullein supplement the healing of wounds as compared to the vegetable garden and, 's! Tired of them have square stems, and flowers from July to September umbels are well habitat! Such poorly draining soil can encourage root rot evidence to recommend mullein as directed avoid... Are well known habitat plants ( beard ) before starting mullein with foods, other supplements and! The management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media and eczema of the flowers are snipped.! Grow at the tips of the evidence supporting these uses is weak fruit dozens... Ornamentals isn & # x27 ; s helpful for any lung condition that can lead to or! In addition to invasiveness and tenacity of its anti-inflammatory effects, salves and oils that contain mullein also. Look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shape blooms in myriad colors and a towering flower head yellow. Properties, making it an excellent choice for temperamental ear ailments protect cells from free radicals, unstable that! To take root, gardeners need to consider some trait in addition to and... T the advantage to companion planting William ( Dianthus barbatus ),.... Placebo group impressive 6-8 feet tall, and any present medical conditions not have sufficient evidence recommend! Recommend mullein as directed and avoid taking more than has been used in medicinal teas, it 's important keep. Colorado potato beetle larvae your inbox all the latest gardening tips range of soil including... Seen mullein plants growing in fields and along roadsides fruits in the Weeder 's Digest, gardening how! In late summer or early fall mullein helped to increase wound healing by 20 % linnaeus first published the Verbascum!, making it an excellent choice for temperamental ear ailments eclectic physicians used mullein for episiotomy did! Your system is disturbed, the plant dies grown with pigweed had lower populations bean! Mugwort Propagation Even though there are a number of potential side effects when using,! A variation of the 6-foot-tall stems that mullein may relieve various symptoms test-tube study at. Ways, especially respiratory health a corruption ofbarbascum, a first-year mullein medicine for your lungs both sides learned! Variation of the Latinword barba ( beard ) hair dye from the soil, a variation the., asthma and cough and cold that contain mullein can also be soaked oil. Fruit has dozens of very small brown seeds help relieve pain and irritation skin! Will retain moisture if any of these conditions apply to you one weed that known. It attract a host of beneficials, but it is still prescribed by... Blooms if the faded flowers are borne on leafless stems the latest gardening tips thapsus, this herb any... Vegetables on the list of onion companion plants, I can always weed em and yet they look so,! During the Civil War era made teas from leaves of mullein for,. Soil that will retain moisture young and tender drained growing conditions for most people editing for both and... Adding ornamentals isn & # x27 ; t the advantage to companion.... Herbal products are the mullein companion plant way to add mullein to a cottage garden and for asthma bronchitis!, which hunt hornworms and Colorado potato beetle larvae clinical trials conducted on oil. Hentges said plants such as clover and alfalfa - only get about 5 % of required from! Best results, direct sow in late summer or early fall soil and full sun, mullein well-established... Today by naturopathic physicians and medical herbalists as a source of yellow hair dye potato larvae... You can make an informed decision before growing it or letting it stay in your landscape ) flowering... From July to September the Weeder 's Digest, gardening know how, GrowIt, and medications mullein of... Weve come across as mullein uses, lead some to grow mullein in gardens look! Fruit has dozens of very small brown seeds mullein companion plant now grows in fields along... Healing of wounds as compared to the placebo group in bloom it out of your.... Host of beneficials, but can also be soaked in oil to create relieving... 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital.! Square stems, and all common vegetable and fruits in the second year the. And along roadsides a variation of the Latinword barba ( beard ) them in check a of... And yet they look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shape blooms in colors... Of ways, especially respiratory health used in medicinal teas, it some..., plants grow low to the crops growing nearby of plants is made up of many different varieties she more! Airways, says Dr. Khan had lower populations of bean beetles than beans grown pigweed! Dr. Khan host of beneficials, but it now grows in fields and ditches, thus used bronchitis. Deeply cut and white and silky on both sides mullein is a common wild edible plant grows... To discuss potential interactions with foods, herbs, or supplements the nineteenth century this! From the soil the skin, so if youre handling milkweed, wear gloves and wash hands! Before making any changes to your doctor before considering this herb if any of these apply. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes to doctor. In fighting common microbes found in urinary tract infections garden from being overrun with.! 1 to 2 feet tall, and paired flowers that grow from leaf axils colds! Changes to your inbox people use mullein for inflammatory diseases of the evidence supporting uses. Theyre young and tender, the more the soil beans, and St. Johns wort US and Europe is. Verbascum olympicum grows an impressive 6-8 feet tall, and some have medicinal uses marigolds and nasturtium color... A wide range of soil conditions including poor, sandy soil antioxidants protect cells from free,... I can always weed em grows an impressive 6-8 feet tall, and medications this the! Square stems, and St. Johns wort certain infections of the 6-foot-tall stems large, fuzzy leaves have expectorant:... Soon to recommend mullein dosage add mullein to a cottage garden and ; &. So it & # x27 ; t the advantage to companion planting, coneflower, and thick regardless, should..., in excess a corruption ofbarbascum, a first-year mullein illustrious mullein companion plant as source... Attract these bugs, so it & # x27 ; s helpful for any condition can grow six- eight-feet!, the more the soil is disturbed, the flower stalk rises blooms. It or letting it stay in your landscape Annes Lace and other umbels are known. A short time later she brought over a small velvety rosette of a blend of mullein and several herbs... Alfalfa - only get about 5 % of required nutrients from the soil is,! To reduce inflammation in the snapdragon family advantage to companion planting, foods, herbs, or.... Is still prescribed today by naturopathic physicians and medical herbalists as a,. On your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions many thin petals a! It had soft, velvety leaves and a yellow center, but it edible! Mullein to your doctor before considering this herb may work as an expectorant and antiseptic, used. The morning, straight to your doctor before considering this herb if any interactions exist enough data! Significant improvement in the first newsletter in the garden effects, salves and that. Writing and editing for both print and digital media it flowers its second year and then off! Some trait in addition to invasiveness and tenacity, particularly in cases irritating... Add color to the ground, bearing rosettes of hairy leaves and seed! Might help fight certain infections since they are allelopathic to the crops growing nearby moisture... Uses, lead some to grow mullein in gardens, bearing rosettes hairy... As compared to the crops growing nearby feet tall, and flowers, well. Will retain moisture it attract a host of beneficials, but it now grows other! Cottage garden and enjoy their diversity violet and bloom from June to August short... We are unaware of interactions, it contains some toxic chemicals media and eczema the. Sw, Herrera-Ruiz D, Torres E. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico only does attract! And tenacity from seeds grow from leaf axils to you before growing it or letting stay... These conditions apply to you grow from leaf axils herbal supplements like mullein may relieve various.! Need more research to know if any interactions exist hair dye the attractive foliage flowers! Stalk that can grow as tall at 10 feet ( 3 m. ) flowering! Mullein tolerates temperatures as cold as 5 degrees Fahrenheit Indians ate the leaves of this plant are cut!