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Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Photo by Kathryn Higgins
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Mullein is a biennial that forms a rosette
of large, broad, velvety gray-green leaves the first year, and
a large stalk with clasping leaves the second year. The small,
5-petaled, yellow flowers are attached closely to the long stalk
and bloom only a few at a time. It grows in sunny, open areas
and along roadsides. Use the leaves around swellings, sprains,
on boils, or mastitis to relieve pain. Mullein tea or steam
loosens lung congestion and relieves a raspy, hacking cough
and swollen glands. Infuse the flowers in olive oil and use
warm drops to relieve earache pain.
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