View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Verbascum thapsus (Mullein), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States, Wild Edible Plants of Arizona, and Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico.
A passage from Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States:
Mullein is a mild remedy that influences two main areas: the lungs and the urinary tract. The leaf tea/syrup is soothing to inflamed mucus membranes of the lungs, particularly those of the bronchi and trachea. Use it when there is a persistent dry cough that verges on being spasmodic.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of the Arizona:
Select a second–year plant in early to mid–summer. Clip the last 8”–12” of flexible flowering stalk and carefully remove the adhering flower buds and outer rough layer. What’s left will be a tender and pliable inner stem, somewhat thinner than a pencil.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of the New Mexico:
Mullein is occasionally referred to as ‘toilet–paper plant’ by campers due to its leaf size and softness. Proceed at your own risk…itchy!
