Mullein

Species: Verbascum densiflorum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Related Genera: Digitalis, Scrophularia, Selago

Names: Mullein, Aaron’s Rod, Candelaria, Candlewick Plant, Flannelplant, Graveyard Torches, Hag’s Taper, Our Ladie’s Flannel, Shepherd’s Clubs, Velvet, Witch’s Candle, Woolly, Königskerze, Himmelsbrand, Marienkerze, Wetterkerze, Wollblume, Wollkraut, Brennkraut

General: The biennial herb is native to Europe and Asia. It was imported into the United States around 1700 as a fish poison and has since naturalized. It grows almost anywhere in full sunlight and spreads easy via seed. The seeds can remain dormant and viable in the soil for several years until germination. It is sometimes considered a weed. Natural enemies are weevils and slugs.

The flowers attract butterflies, honey bees and other visitors. They are boiled and used to dye clothes and hair. Extracts of the leaves are used as a pesticide in the garden and against cockroaches. It is also said to prevent the growth of mosquito larvae. The dried leaves and stems were common to dip in resin or pitch and used as torches or as lamp wicks. Mullein powder was thrown into fish waters; fish would rise to the surface in need of oxygen and could be easier collected.

Mullein has been known as a healing herb since antiquity.

Folklore: The name mullein probably derives from the Latin mollis, soft. The Latin species name Verbascum is  derived from Latin– ‘ver’ meaning ‘spring’ and ‘barbascum' = ‘bearded plant’.


The leaves soaked in salpetre solution were dried and placed in the fire on Midsummer. Torches made from Mullein stalks were also part of Samhain celebrations. Mullein is believed to ward off evils spirits and black magic; during the 1930ies Mullein became also called ‘Graveyard Dirt’ as it was used as a substitute for real graveyard dirt.

Wearing Mullein as a charm is said to ward off wild animals. Mullein placed under the pillow protects from nightmares (or attracts good dreams). In India it is hung over doors for protection from bad spirits.

Mullein is named as one ingredient of the Anglo-Saxon Nine-Herb Charm

Odysseus may have used Mullein to protect himself from the enchantments of the witch Circe

Mullein is a symbol of long life

Mullein in associated with the planets mercury, jupiter and saturn, and the element fire.

Cowslip and Evening Primrose have also been called Petty Mullein and are attributed similar properties.

Medicinal & Toxiological: Mullein extracts act expectorant and show mild sedative properties. It is commonly used in teas for colds. Care should be taken as not ingest any of the tiny hairs, which can be irritating to the mucuous mebranes. Mullein tea combined with milk is also used to treat diarrhea; a sweetened infusion of the flowers is also used to treat cholics. If smoked it relieves chronic cough and asthma (asthma cigarettes). It has also been used as a tobacco substitute to quit smoking. Poultices with the leaves are used to trreat hemorrhoids. The leaves infused in olive oil are a cure for frost bite and burns. The warmed oil acts anti-bacterial and is used to treat ear infections. Mullein tincture is used to treat migraines and chronic inner-ear disorders.

The flowers contain glycyrrhizin compounds which act anti-bacterial and potentially anti-tumoral.

Mullein seeds contain rotenone which is used as a pesticide, insecticide, and as a non-selective piscicide (fish killer); it is also used to reduce parasitic mites on chickens and other fowl.

The hair covering the entire plant is irritating to the skin and should not be inhaled or ingested.

Sources: Wikipedia English, Wikipedia German, Mullein is not Graveyard Dirt, Herb of the Season, Verbascum Nomenclature, A Modern Herbal,