Medicine Traditions
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Brief Overview of Traditional Medicine
    • Timeline
    • Authors and Sources
    • Glossaries
    • Articles on Traditional Medicine
    • Photos
    • Medicine Pictures
    • Substitute Medicines
  • Theory
  • Materia Medica
    • Ayurvedic Materia Medica
    • Chinese Materia Medica
    • Tibetan Materia Medica
    • Unani Materia Medica
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine FREE
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine PRO
    • Animal Materia Medica
    • Mineral Materia Medica
    • Chinese Classification
    • Western Classification
    • Humoral Medicine
    • Herbal Combinations
  • Formulas
  • Treatment
    • Types of Treatment in Traditional Medicine
    • Treatment of Specific Conditions
    • Diseases and Formulas
  • Patient Resources
  • Links & Texts
  • Contact Us
  • Store
  • Blog
Sentry Page Protection
Please Wait...

Verbascum, Mullein

High Taper, Torchweed
Mao Rui Hua (TCM)
Gyug pa'i gser bye གགྱུག་པའི་གསེར་བྱེ
(Tibet)
Picture
Tapsus
Ortus Sanitatis
, Meydenbach, 1491
Picture
Della Materia Medicinale Andrea Valuassori, 1562

Picture
Kurtzes Handtbuchlein, Ryff, 1599

Picture
Koehler's Medizinal Pflanzen, 1887

Picture
Atlas der Officinellen Pflanzen, Berg & Schmidt, Leipzig, 1893


Botanical name:
Verbascum thapsus (syn. V. thapsiforme), V. phlomoides
Various local species are used including V. lasianthum., V. speciosum (Turkey), V. nubicum (Egypt), V. altanticum (Algeria)
It has been used in TCM (Mao Rui Hua) but is a rarely used medicine.

Parts used:
Leaf; Flower; Root
Seed is used in Tibetan Medicine

Temperature & Taste:
Neutral, dry. Sweet, Bitter

Classifications:
2L. EMOLLIENT.    2Q. ANODYNE
3L. ANTI-TUSSIVE

Uses:
1. Clears Heat and Phlegm, Moistens Dryness, Stops Coughs: (West, Tibet, TCM)
-‘Coughs, Ulcers of the Lungs, Spitting of Blood, Asthmas’
(Salmon).
-
Culpeper listed it for old Coughs; used old, hacking and spasmodic Coughs, unproductive Cough, chronic Bronchitis
-Asthma, Emphysema, Consumption, Blood in the Sputum; Pneumonia (TCM)
-Congestion, Sinusitis, Hay Fever, especially when used in the form of an inhalation.


2. Clears Phlegm, Resists Poison, Resolves Swellings: (West, Tibet, TCM)
-‘The decoction of the root and the leaves, is of great effect to dissolve the tumors, swellings, or inflammations of the Throat’
(Culpeper)
-Tonsillitis, Malignant Sore Throat, and various swellings and tumors of the throat (internally, and as a gargle);
-Scrofula, Lymphadenitis, various Nodes, Tumors and Cancer; Toxic Sores in TCM
-chronic appendicitis in TCM.
-root is an effective Febrifuge, effective in various Fevers (decocted in water and wine)
-Also for Chicken Pox, Measles and Mumps


3. Nourishes the Sinews, Stop Wind and Spasms:
-stiffness of the Sinews, Cramps, Convulsions (esp. Root); inflammatory
conditions of the bones, sinews and joints
-Epilepsy; most used for Convulsion and Epilepsy in children


4. Clears Heat, Stops Leakages and Bleeding:
-leakages or bleeding from the Lungs or Bowels;
-painful Diarrhea, and Dysentery, with or without blood.
-listed by
Gerard as being ‘good for them that are broken internally’. (Often decocted in Red wine)

5. Benefits the Heart and Circulation, Moves the Blood:
-Palpitations, irregular heartbeats and Angina.
-varicose veins and ulcers.
-Long used for the pain and swelling of Hemorrhoids.


6. Clears Heat and Damp, Promotes Urine:
-promotes Urine, helps clear Gravel and Stones;
-inflammation or irritation of the Urinary system, Orchitis, Chronic Cystitis, and Painful Urination.
-internally and externally for Rheumatic condition.


7. Tonic:
-Potter, in his Compend of Materia Medica (1902) said ‘highly praised as a substitute for Cod-liver Oil in phthisis and other wasting diseases’. (decocted in Milk or taken with Honey for this purpose)

8. Externally:
-catarrhal Deafness, degeneration of hearing
-Earache, sores and ulcers of the Ear.
-juice is rubbed onto Warts
-juice was used to draw Thorns and Splinters from the flesh
-wash or poultice for heat and swelling of the Eyes (flowers steeped in Rose Water is good).
-mouthwash to eases Toothache (esp. Root decoction).

-leaves boiled in Vinegar and applied to Foul Sores and Ulcers, as well as various Swellings and Tumors.
-contracted Sinews and Rheumatic complaints
-‘The seed bruised and boiled in wine, and laid on any member that has been out of joint, and newly set again, takes away all swelling and pain’
(Culpeper).
-Ashes of the herb made into a wash restore grey hair to its original color.


DOSE:
1. Decocted in Milk for chest or bowel disorders including bleeding of these organs, and to nourish the Yin.
2. Decocted in Wine for pain, inflammation and to move the Blood, both internally and externally.
3. Decocted in Vinegar for topical application to Swellings and Tumors and acute Sore Throat.

Of the INFUSION or BRIEF DECOCTION of the Leaf: 3–9 grams, up to 15 grams. The Decoction or Infusion may be taken freely, and it may be decocted in Milk or Wine;
Of the INFUSION of the FLOWERS: 2–7 grams, usually 1 teaspoon;
Of the TINCTURE (1:2 in 25% alcohol): 4–12 mls, 2–3 times daily;
Of the FLUID EXTRACT (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 3–9 mls;
Of the POWDER of the LEAF: 300mg–1.5 grams, up to 3 grams, 2–4 times daily.
Used externally in oils, plaster, poultices, ointments and in douches, enemas and baths. As an enema for Intestinal infections, or to clean the bowels, a handful of the mixed leaves and flowers, fresh or dried, may be simmered, then steeped, strained and used.

Main Combinations:
1. Cold, Flu, acute Cough, the flowers of Mullein, Linden, Violet, Poppy, Coltsfoot, Mallow, Marshmallow (as in Infusion of Seven Flowers)
2. Cough:
i. Mullein, Coltsfoot
ii. Mullein
with Plantain and Licorice
iii. Mullein with Licorice, Marshmallow (Ulrich)
iv. Mullein, Hyssop, Coltsfoot, Marshmallow root, Licorice
v. Dry Cough, Mullein, Marshmallow, Violet, Licorice
vi. Chronic Cough, Mullein with Rue
vii. Chronic Cough, Mullein, Comfrey root, Licorice (1 oz. each), Thyme (half oz.). Simmer the first 3 herbs in 3 pints of water for half an hour. Strain and pour hot onto the Thyme and infuse, then strain again and keep.
viii. sore Throat, Hoarseness, Mullein with Fennel seed (Hildegard)
3. Whooping Cough:
i. Mullein, Hyssop, Raisins, Licorice
ii. Mullein, Peppermint, Cowslip, Soapwort, Violet root, Thyme
4. Bronchitis:
i. Mullein with Horehound and Coltsfoot
ii. Mullein with Elecampane and Yarrow
iii. Mullein with Coltsfoot and Lance-leaf Plantain (Müller)
iv. acute Cough and Bronchitis, Mullein with Coltsfoot, Marshmallow root, Aniseed (Weiss)
5. Croup:
i. Mullein, Thyme, Aniseed
ii. Mullein, Elecampane, Elder flower, Hyssop
6. Asthma:
i. Mullein with Thyme
ii. Mullein with Coltsfoot, Calamus, Asarum, Juniper berry
7. Hemoptysis or Consumption:
i. Mullein with Comfrey
ii. Mullein, Comfrey, Plantain, Shepherd's Purse
8. Diabetes, peeled Acorn, Sweet Almonds (6 of each), Infusion of Mullein (6 oz.), Syrup of Ground Ivy (1 oz.). Mix. Take every evening. (Formulaire de Montpellier, 1822)
9, Cancer:
i. Mullein with Figwort, Mullein root, Filipendula, Agrimony, Tormentil, Elder flower, Rosemary and Nettle seed (as in Decoction for Cancer)
10. Worms, Mullein juice, with leaves or bark of Walnut, Nettle juices, Vinegar and Honey (Hildegard)
11. Fomentation for bleeding Hemorrhoids, Mullein with Yarrow, Plantain, Elder leaf and Pomegranate peel
12. Wash for Stiffness and Cramps, Mullein with Sage, Marjoram and Camomile
13. Fomentation for Pleurisy, Mullein, Marshmallow, Pellitory of the Wall (Herbarium Horstianum, 1630)

Major Formulas:
Infusion of Seven Flowers
Decoction for Cancer (Fuller)
Universal Vulnerary Decoction (Joseph Du Chesne)
Warming Pearl Powder (Diamargariton Calidum) (Avicenna)
Powder to Purge in Ascites (Nicholas)

1. Emollient Powder
  Mullein Flower
  Marshmallow Flower
  Mallow Flower
  Pellitory of the Wall


Cautions:
Generally Safe.
Seed and fresh root are toxic in large doses.

Main Preparations used:
Distilled water of the Flowers, Infused Oil of the Flowers (repeated several times)

  • Extra Info
  • Research
<
>
Click the Tabs above for more information on this Medicine


GENERAL ./ REVIEW
–Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.
–Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research.
–Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae).

ANTIBACTERIAL
–Ultrasound Assisted Extraction and Characterization of Bioactives From Verbascum thapsus Roots to Evaluate Their Antioxidant and Medicinal Potential.
–The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of <i>Verbascum thapsus </i> L.
–Evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial effects and mineral levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham.

ANTI-VIRAL
–Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.
–Antiviral effect and mode of action of methanolic extract of Verbascum thapsus L. on pseudorabies virus (strain RC/79).

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
–Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.
–Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Osteoarthritic Bioactive Potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae) Leaf Extract Evaluated in Two In Vitro Models of Inflammation and Osteoarthritis.
–Biological activities, isolated compounds and HPLC profile of Verbascum nubicum

ANTIOXIDANT
–Ultrasound Assisted Extraction and Characterization of Bioactives From Verbascum thapsus Roots to Evaluate Their Antioxidant and Medicinal Potential.
–The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of <i>Verbascum thapsus </i> L.
–Evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial effects and mineral levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham.

ANALGESIC
–Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.

SEDATIVE & HYPNOTIC
–Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.
ANTI-AMYLASE
–Ultrasound Assisted Extraction and Characterization of Bioactives From Verbascum thapsus Roots to Evaluate Their Antioxidant and Medicinal Potential.

OSTEOPOROSIS
–Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Osteoarthritic Bioactive Potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae) Leaf Extract Evaluated in Two In Vitro Models of Inflammation and Osteoarthritis.

ANTI-TRICHOMONAL
–Induction of Apoptosis by Alcoholic Extract of Combination Verbascum thapsus and Ginger officinale on Iranian Isolate of Trichomonas vaginalis.
–Effect of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract on induction of apoptosis in Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE
–Biological activities, isolated compounds and HPLC profile of Verbascum nubicum

ANTHELMINTIC
–Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum Thapsus Mullein.

ANTIANGIOGENIC
–Isolation of chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Verbascum thapsus and their antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities.

CANCER
–Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.
–The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of <i>Verbascum thapsus </i> L.
LUNG
–Isolation of chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Verbascum thapsus and their antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities.
–Evaluation of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial effects and mineral levels of Verbascum lasianthum Boiss. ex Bentham.

WOUNDS
–The effect of the Verbascum Thapsus on episiotomy wound healing in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial.

Home
ABOUT
Brief Overview
RESOURCES
Timeline

materia medica – FREE
Materia Medica – PRO
Chinese Classification
Western Classification

Humoral Medicine

Diseases & Formulas
Resources
Theory
Links & Texts
Patient Resources

Shop
Texts for Sale
Contact us

TERMS OF USE
PRIVACY POLICY


© MedicineTradition 2015–2022
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
    • Brief Overview of Traditional Medicine
    • Timeline
    • Authors and Sources
    • Glossaries
    • Articles on Traditional Medicine
    • Photos
    • Medicine Pictures
    • Substitute Medicines
  • Theory
  • Materia Medica
    • Ayurvedic Materia Medica
    • Chinese Materia Medica
    • Tibetan Materia Medica
    • Unani Materia Medica
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine FREE
    • Materia Medica of Herbal Medicine PRO
    • Animal Materia Medica
    • Mineral Materia Medica
    • Chinese Classification
    • Western Classification
    • Humoral Medicine
    • Herbal Combinations
  • Formulas
  • Treatment
    • Types of Treatment in Traditional Medicine
    • Treatment of Specific Conditions
    • Diseases and Formulas
  • Patient Resources
  • Links & Texts
  • Contact Us
  • Store
  • Blog