Greetings,
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact we're already this far into the "New Year"
I will in fact bring into focus the fact the February 1, is the is a Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. It is held on 1 February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is the first of the four Gaelic seasonal festival's especially in Ireland, it is the feast day of Saint Brigid.
Sincerely
The Editor
Herb Of the Month
Mullien
Known as Verbascum densiflorum, felon herb, common wormwood, Great mullein, Common, Witch's Taper, Velvet Dock, Candlestick, Jupiter's Staff, Felt Wort.and Flannel Mullein.
Mullein is towering biennial plant with a single stalk up to 6-1/2 feet (2 meters) bearing whorls of leaves and topped with a spike of 5-part yellow flowers. The flowers coat the mouth with a honey-like scent and a sweet taste. The name mullein itself is derived from the Latin word "mollis" which means soft. It has its origins in the Mediterranean, but has been naturalized in North America. The flowering stem was dried by the Greeks and Romans and dipped in tallow, and then used as a lamp wick or as a torch. These torches were said to ward off evil spirits and witches, although it was certainly not uncommon in a witches herbal garden. Frazier writes in the Golden Bough that mullein was added to the bonfire on Midsummer's eve to ward away evil from the celebration. Some ancient magical grimoires have been found to list powdered mullein leaf as a substitute for graveyard dust when that was unavailable.
flavonoids, Iridoids, sterols, and sugars.
Dried flower as an oil, and dried leaf as a tea.
Traditionally used as a tea, and is frequently combined with other herbs in mixtures for treating cough. May be taken as an extract if fresh material is used, and is very rarely found in capsule form. The fresh or dried flowers have traditionally been used to make an oil infusion for external use.
The soothing mucilages of mullein coat sore throats and make coughing more productive. The German E Commission relates that mullein is good for catarrhs of the respiratory tract and as an expectorant.
Medicinal Action and Uses---The Mullein has very markedly demulcent, emollient and astringent properties, which render it useful in pectoral complaints and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. The whole plant seems to possess slightly sedative and narcotic properties.
The dried leaves are sometimes smoked in an ordinary tobacco pipe to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and will completely control, it is said, the hacking cough of consumption. They can be employed with equal benefit when made into cigarettes, for asthma and spasmodic coughs in general.
Mullein is said to be of much value in diarrhoea, from its combination of demulcent with astringent properties, by this combination strengthening the bowels at the same time. In diarrhea the ordinary infusion is generally given, but when any bleeding of the bowels is present, the decoction prepared with milk is recommended.
- Respiratory Conditions
- Antiseptic
- Antiviral
- Heart Health
- Hair Health
Precautions None.
The Health Benefits of Mullein
The medicinal benefits of mullein were discovered quite early on. Early American settlers brought it from Europe because it was known for its ability to help treat various ailments such as coughs and diarrhea.9 When the Native Americans established contact with the settlers and discovered the plant, they took advantage of it as well. Some of the potential usage benefits of mullein are for the following:
" Respiratory Conditions "One of the most well-known uses of mullein is its purported ability to help alleviate respiratory conditions. Taken as a tea, it can help with common ailments such as dry cough, congestion and sore throat. It may help with inflammatory respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis as well.
"Antiseptic "The antibacterial compounds of mullein can be used to help disinfect wounds or scrapes. You can crush mullein flowers to make a paste, and apply it on your wounds.
" Antiviral " Mullein may help ease viral infections. According to one study, compounds extracted from V. thapsus showed potential against the Herpes simplex virus type 1, as well as the influenza A virus.
"Heart Health" According to an animal study that used mice as the test subjects, the polysaccharides of the leaves extracted from V. thapsus exhibited a noticeable ability to reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It's unclear how the leaves work, but the researchers suggest that using it may help lower your risk of developing hypertension, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
" Hair Health " Mullein can help promote hair health. Extracts from the flowers can be used to keep your scalp healthy, as well as eradicate dandruff. It may even be used as a conditioner to help keep your hair smooth and help enrich your hair's natural color.
Different Ways Mullein Is Used
In America, mullein is considered a weed because it is not native to the continent, and it propagates very quickly in some areas with bright sun. However, certain species are used in enhancing the aesthetics of gardens due to their beautiful appearance, such as:
" Moth mullein (V. blattaria) " Known for its light pink to white flowers
" Olympic or Greek mullein (V. olympicum) " It has golden-yellow flowers and 8-foot branching stalks
"Purple mullein (V. phoeniceum)" Popular for its long-blooming flowers
" Nettle-leaf mullein (V. chaixii) " Known for its long-blooming white or yellow flowers with a purple center
Historically, mullein has been used for practical purposes. For example, it was known as the "candlewick plant" because its leaves and stems were used as lamp wicks. According to John Parkinson, an English botanist from the Middle Ages, the plant itself was also used as a torch by dipping its stalk in suet, a type of animal fat, to provide light for various needs.
Mullein has played a role in superstitious beliefs as well. It was called "hag's taper" because it was believed that witches used the plant as lamps or candles during their incantations. In other parts of Europe and Asia, it was believed that mullein had the power to protect from evil spirits and magic.
Greek literature may have played a role in this regard, because according to legend, Ulysses used mullein to help ward off the influence of Circe, the Greek goddess of magic.
Mullein Tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried mullein flowers and leaves. Cover and steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Pour the liquid through a find cloth or a coffee filter to strain out the plant's tiny hairs and fuzz, which can irritate the throat.
You can drink up to 3 cups of mullein tea daily. Sweeten the tea with honey, if desired.
Herbal Tea Recipe to Soothe Coughs
1 1/2 ounce mullein leaves 1 ounce calendula flowers 3./4 ounce marsh-mallow 1/2 ounce licorice root
Medicinal Tea Recipe to Ease Colds
1 1/2 ounce mullein leaves 1 ounce elderberries 1 ounce plantain
Herbal Tea Recipe to Support Acne Treatment
1 1/2 ounce mullein flowers 3/4 ounce chamomile flowers 3/4 ounce dandelion 3/4 ounce wild-pansy
Mullein Tea Relieves Fluid Retention
Mullien Ear Oil
Ingredients
1.In a small heat-safe glass or ceramic dish (I like using a small glass measuring cup), combine the oil and herbs.
2. Place a canning ring or folded washcloth in the bottom of a small saucepan. Set the dish with the herbs and oil on the canning ring or washcloth, then fill the saucepan with water so that water comes at least halfway up the side of the dish.
3. Gently heat the water and oil infusion over low heat for about 3 hours. Check the pan periodically and add more water as needed. The water shouldn't boil or even really simmer.
Herbal Ear Oil with Mullein and Garlic. This easy home herbal project is a must-have when you have little children. It's a safe and effective ear infection remedy!
To use, place about 3 drops of the ear oil in the ear. Gently warming the oil in a bowl of warm water first will make it more comfortable.
Any ear oil should never be used if the ear drum is ruptured. A care provider can look to check, or you can simply learn to use an otoscope at home.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 - 2 teaspoons of dried mullein flowers and leaves. Cover and steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Pour the liquid through a find cloth or a coffee filter to strain out the plant's tiny hairs and fuzz, which can irritate the throat.
You can drink up to 3 cups of mullein tea daily. Sweeten the tea with honey, if desired.
Caution Do not use mullein that has been harvested from parking lots or along roadways, sine it may contain toxins.
1 1/2 ounce mullein leaves 1 ounce calendula flowers 3./4 ounce marsh-mallow 1/2 ounce licorice root
Prepare the tea as directed above for a soothing, naturally sweet expectorant blend that will help alleviate even the most stubborn, hacking coughs.
1 1/2 ounce mullein leaves 1 ounce elderberries 1 ounce plantain
Prepare the tea as directed above to help ease symptoms of common cold. the formula is particularly well suited for people who quickly develop bronchial problems whenever they get a simple cold.
1 1/2 ounce mullein flowers 3/4 ounce chamomile flowers 3/4 ounce dandelion 3/4 ounce wild-pansy
Prepare the tea mixture as directed above. This blend, along with a good diet, generous amounts of sugar-free liquids and stress reduction, helps the liver filter out toxins and cleanses the skin.
Mullein leaf tea has a soothing effect on the urinary tract and facilitates urination. It also eases a nervous, irritable bladder and incontinence. Prepare mullein tea as directed above and drink 3 - 4 cups daily.
An herbal ear oil can to help a child dealing with an ear infection in multiple ways. The warmed oil itself soothes inflamed tissues and helps relieve pain. The herbs typically infused in the oil also provide benefits. They are antimicrobial, helping to combat any infection that's present, and they are also very anti-inflammatory.
- 2.5 oz olive oil (other vegetable carrier oils will work as well)
- 1 tablespoon dried mullein flowers
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic (equivalent of 1 clove)
- 1 teaspoon dried calendula flowers
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
- 1 teaspoon dried St. John's Wort
1.In a small heat-safe glass or ceramic dish (I like using a small glass measuring cup), combine the oil and herbs.
2. Place a canning ring or folded washcloth in the bottom of a small saucepan. Set the dish with the herbs and oil on the canning ring or washcloth, then fill the saucepan with water so that water comes at least halfway up the side of the dish.
3. Gently heat the water and oil infusion over low heat for about 3 hours. Check the pan periodically and add more water as needed. The water shouldn't boil or even really simmer.
4. After the herbs have infused in the oil, strain through a lint-free cloth or unbleached coffee filter. Pour the oil into a 2 oz. amber glass bottle with a dropper top, then label with the remedy's name, ingredients, and date made. This may be stored at room temperature.
To use, place about 3 drops of the ear oil in the ear. Gently warming the oil in a bowl of warm water first will make it more comfortable.
Any ear oil should never be used if the ear drum is ruptured. A care provider can look to check, or you can simply learn to use an otoscope at home.
Aries: Your instincts are in control of the coming weeks as communicative Mercury enters intuitive Pisces on February 3. Indecision sets in as you struggle to make final choices, but that's just because you don't want to miss out on anything. Weigh your pros and cons carefully before you make a big announcement.
Taurus: The moon is in your sensory sign on the first couple of days of February, so you'll be focused on having your needs met. Of course, you can take care of business yourself, but it's so much more fun when someone else helps. Luckily, you know when to take advantage of a situation and when to rely on your own abilities.
Gemini: The moon in your curious sign on February 3 and February 4 can make you somewhat scattered, but in the best possible way. You're so interested in life and the people you encounter that you're very easily distracted, but just because you drop one thing for another doesn't mean you've lost interest. You'll be back.
Cancer: Your need to nurture others is strong as the moon passes through your gentle sign on February 5 and February 6. You see the people you encounter as your children, and you just want to heal their hurt. Just remember that bandages can't fix everything. Some wounds go deeper.
Leo: When the great communicator Mercury moves out of eccentric Aquarius and into shy Pisces on February 3, you notice subtle changes in the way you talk to people. You don''t usually have a problem finding ways to break the ice with strangers, but now you're more reserved and quieter. This can work to your advantage, Leo, since you can usually find a way to work most every angle!
Virgo: When logical Mercury, your home planet, teams up with intuitive Pisces on February 3, you're out of your element. You prefer to use reason when addressing your dilemmas, but what happens when you use emotion instead? Give in to fresh ideas and creative inspirations.
Libra: Your loving home planet Venus moves into aggressive Aries on February 7, causing you to be more selfish than usual. You're more focused on your own needs now, and you might become angry when you don't get your way. This isn't typical of you, Libra, so close friends and colleagues will wonder what's up.r your loves ones. This is the perfect time to plan a get-together where you provide a home-cooked meal and connect with loved ones.
Scorpio: There's a familiar emotional energy while communicative Mercury passes through Pisces starting on February 3. You and the Fish both like to stay in the background, and your subtle communication style reflects this now. Texting is your preferred method of keeping in touch.
Sagittarius: As communicative Mercury moves into intuitive Pisces on February 3, your thoughts are less detailed and more fantastical. Sounds dreamy, right? It can be, unless you have a major decision to make. Because Pisces thrives in a world of magic and make-believe, this isn't the best time to address real-world problems.
Capricorn: The full moon in dazzling fire sign Leo on February 8 is a good companion to imaginative Aquarius. What do you want to accomplish in the future? Keep your eyes on the prize.
Aquarius: The moon is in curious Gemini on February 3 and February 4, so you're even more interested in experimentation and innovation. Your detached outlook makes it easy for you to examine things on a scientific level, but you might not be as focused on the details as you should be. Distractions are inevitable. Just make sure you go back at some point and finish what you started.
Pisces: It's hard to ignore your gut feelings when Mercury starts spending time in your intuitive sign on February 3. For the next couple weeks, it's important to pay close attention to your daydreams and stream of consciousness. Your subconscious should have the answers to a lot of your questions now, Pisces. Have faith in your first instincts and impressions. They're usually correct.
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