Hello Friends,
My garden has loved the rain! My mullein plants are taller than me and blooming beautifully. Now is the time to begin harvesting your medicinal herbs. Here are a few instructions to help you.
Mullein flowers must be gathered daily, one little yellow flower at a time. I gather them every morning. Yes, it is ok to use the flowers that fall to the ground, just not muddy ones. I find them laying on the leaves, so look carefully. Then lay them out on a paper plate to dry. Mullein flowers are like gold, rare, they cannot be purchased for retail. You must gather them for yourself. Mullein does grow wild in Ohio, so you could find them free for the taking. The flowers are the best for earache oil. Simply place the dried flowers in olive oil and let set for 14 days, shaking daily. Strain. Mullein oil is anti-inflammatory and very soothing.
Mullein is a biennial plant. Meaning that it lives two years. The first year it is just a rosette of leaves. The second year it sends up a tall stalk of leaves and then flowers. Beautiful and majestic in your landscaping. I always lay down the stalk and break it up a bit in the fall, so as to scatter the tiny seeds and hopefully have more mullein next year. It will volunteer in the most astonishing places and loves poor soil.
Mullein leaves are used as medicine for the respiratory system. It is the perfect remedy for mucus draining down the back of the throat. It helps to rid the body of mucus and is gentle enough for children. This herb was my favorite for use during the pandemic. A reliable remedy to always have on hand. Mullein leaves are usually available for retail purchase, however, they are scarce at the moment. Probably due to demand in the past few years. It is always good to know how to grow your own or where to find them wild, just in case they are not available.
Mullein leaves may be harvested at any time. Technically, before they flower is the best time. However, if you want the flowers, it is fine to wait until they are done to harvest the leaves. First year plants can be harvested also, but always leave some leaves to provide food for the plant to make it through the winter. I like to lay the leaves out flat to dry and then tear them up into tiny pieces to store in quart canning jars, kept in a cool dark place. You can then make tea with them or make them into a tincture. To make mullein tincture simply fill a jar halfway and cover with vodka. Let it set for 14 days, shaking daily, and strain. Store in a dropper bottle. To use as a tea, use one tsp. herb to 1 cup of hot water. Steep 15 minutes. Strain and drink. The roots can be used too. Make a tincture of them to use with incontinence or bedwetting. Again, mullein roots cannot be purchased retail, you have to gather your own.
I hope this encourages you to go out and find some mullein, harvest it, and make your own herbal medicine. One of summer’s greatest joys is being in the garden, preparing for the next winter. Feel free to call me with questions. Have fun harvesting herbs and making medicine!
Lisa Purdy ND, MH
Healthy Life Solutions
740-689-1111