Common mullein is a useful biennial plant. The height of its erect stem can reach one and a half meters. The large, pubescent leaves of mullein have an oblong shape. Gently- yellow flowers collected in a solid spike-shaped inflorescence. The elegant tubular-funnel-shaped corolla has a falling appearance. Five stamens attached to it give the plant a unique image. Mullein common blooms often at the end of summer - in July and August. This grass can be found in middle lane Russia on forest edges and clearings, in ravines and clearings, as well as along river banks.
Useful properties of mullein
Mullein is rich in carotene, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, sugars, tannins and essential oil. It is known that this herb is an excellent expectorant with anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and analgesic effects. Along with this, mullein boasts unique wound healing capabilities.
Applications of mullein
An infusion of common mullein flowers is often used for severe cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, as well as pneumonia and hemoptysis. It perfectly removes thick mucus from the bronchi and lungs due to the mucus it contains. Traditional medicine recommends using this herb for severe runny nose, asthma and shortness of breath. Moreover, this wonderful plant copes well with diseases of the spleen and liver, inflammation of the stomach and intestines. To achieve a noticeable effect in treatment, mullein is almost always used in combination with other herbs.
Mullein for hemorrhoids
Common mullein can be called one of the the best means in the treatment of hemorrhoids. This medicinal plant promotes normalization of functions gastrointestinal tract, and most importantly, it is able to quickly stop bleeding, removing the inflammatory process from hemorrhoids. A decoction of mullein roots is used for sitz baths. You can also make a poultice on the anus from pre-crushed leaves and flowers of this medicinal herb.
Mullein tincture
Mullein tincture is made from 100 grams of freshly picked flowers and 250 grams of alcohol. The product must be infused for at least 20 days and only then strained. This medicine is indispensable as a rub for rheumatic, nervous and arthritic pain.
Mullein leaves
Mullein leaves should be stored along with the collection of flowers on sunny days. Well-dried leaves long time store gray-green color. They taste slightly bitter and have no odor.B medicinal purposes It is recommended to boil the leaves in milk to relieve pain from burns or hemorrhoids.
Mullein flowers
Healing mullein flowers are used as a relief for coughs and shortness of breath, and they are also included in the well-known chest collection. collected flowers needs to be dried thoroughly fresh air, stirring gently. If the drying technology is not violated, they will not lose their yellow tint and will have a pleasant honey aroma.
Common mullein
To prevent common mullein from losing its healing qualities and light golden color during the collection and drying process, it is necessary to collect it during the dry time of day. Good raw materials should not have flower calyxes. Drying can be done indoors, but then it must be well ventilated. Immediately after harvesting, it is recommended to place the flowers in a hermetically sealed container or use them as required component as part of various fees.B folk medicine mainly leaves and flowers are used, which are collected at the end of summer.
Scepter mullein
It is no secret how widely scepter mullein is used to treat hemorrhoids. In addition, it is this type included in various medicinal tinctures. This plant has such medicinal properties as an expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory. It is the scepter mullein that cures pulmonary diseases even in advanced form.
Mullein "royal scepter"
This plant is really very similar in shape to the majestic royal scepter This grass can have impressive dimensions, growing up to 2 m. This species blooms almost all summer long. The blossoming flowers are collected, dried and made into unique tinctures that cure many internal organs person. And most importantly, mullein “royal scepter” perfectly relieves pain of various types.
Mullein "bear ear"
Mullein " bear ear» differs from other species of similar plants small in size corolla and two lower stamens. This herb, indispensable for traditional medicine, grows on sandy slopes and forest clearings. Flowering continues from July to August.
Purple mullein
Purple mullein is graceful perennial plant with delicate purple flowers. The erect stem can be either multi-leaved or leafless. The flowers are collected in sparse, simple clusters. The fruit is presented in the form of an egg-shaped capsule, most of which is bare. This grass blooms in June and early July. An infusion of violet mullein perfectly stimulates cardiac activity and motor activity of the human intestine.
Hybrid mullein
Hybrid mullein is an unpretentious biennial plant with erect stems and petiolate basal leaves collected in a rosette. Yellow inflorescences are presented in the form of a panicle or spike. This grass is drought and frost tolerant and also loves light. Hybrid mullein produces abundant self-seeding, often weeding adjacent areas of land.
Paniculata mullein
Paniculata mullein is a special variety of mullein, which is distinguished by its erect stem height of up to 130 cm and the presence of serrated leaves. The flowers of the plant are collected in a kind of raceme, and the fruit is in a box. The panicled mullein is found both in the Urals and in the Volga region, mainly on hillsides and dry meadows. This herb blooms from June to August. It has been established that infusions from it can lower blood pressure.
Black mullein
Black mullein is characterized by a spindle-shaped root and an erect stem not exceeding 1 m in height. This plant has alternate leaves and flowers mullein are collected in unusual bunches. This grass blooms all summer, from June to the end of August. Typically used in medicine to treat upper respiratory tract only black mullein flowers, which have a sweetish smell even when dried.
Mullein densely flowered
The two-year-old densely flowered mullein in the second year of life has a flowering stem, the average height of which is about 70–80 cm. This plant is covered with tomentose pubescence, and the basal leaves are striking in their oblong shape. Dense apical racemes form inflorescences. The fruit is an elliptical capsule, the size of which does not exceed 1 cm. This plant blooms all summer, and the seeds ripen in early autumn.
Olympic mullein
Olympic mullein is a large perennial plant that reaches 2 m in height. This herb has large elongated leaves of a grayish tint. The flowers do not exceed 3 cm in diameter and are collected in a simple paniculate inflorescence. Olympic mullein blooms in July.
Contraindications to the use of mullein
There are no serious contraindications to the use of mullein in medicine. But it is worth taking into account the individual intolerance of each individual person.
Family Norichnikov (Scrophulariaceae).
Botanical characteristics
A vigorous herbaceous biennial plant. It grows in forest clearings, along river banks, roadsides, and wastelands. In the first year of life it forms a rosette of basal leaves. In the second year, a tomentose-pubescent stem up to 2 m tall appears. The root is taproot, thickened, branched. The leaves are oblong, tapering towards the top of the stem. The lower ones are short-petioled, the upper and middle ones are sessile. The flowers are large, golden-yellow, forming a spike-shaped raceme at the top of the stem. The fruit is a multi-seeded capsule covered with stellate hairs. The seeds are cylindrical-pyramidal, dark brown. Blooms in June - August, bears fruit in August - September.
Plant parts used
Medicinal raw materials are flowers, seeds, leaves, and less often roots, collected in the usual way.
Chemical composition
All parts of the plant contain alkaloids, iridoids (aucuban, catalpol), flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates and related compounds (stachyose, glucose, sucrose, melibiose, raffinose, verbascose, ajugose, pectin, mucilage, starch, galactose).
The aerial parts and flowers contain steroids, vitamins, organic acids, essential oils, and tannins.
Seeds and fruits contain fatty oil, higher fatty acids and their derivatives and their esters, phenolcarboxylic acids (veratric acid), heterocyclic compounds (fur-fural).
Application in medicine
In folk medicine in many countries, decoctions and infusions of mullein leaves and flowers are used for various diseases as an analgesic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, enveloping, decongestant, hemostatic, emollient. They are used for epilepsy, bronchial asthma, respiratory diseases, diseases of the liver and urinary tract, diseases of the pancreas, spleen, whooping cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia; externally - in obstetric practice for cracked nipples in nursing mothers, hemorrhoids, for gargling and mouthwash, panaritiums, burns, various diathesis. The infusion of flowers is effective means for diabetes mellitus, hypotensive, sedative.
Aboveground part flowering plant used in homeopathy, for respiratory infections, headaches, rheumatism, neuralgia, as a diaphoretic.
Root decoctions are used for urolithiasis, gout, edema of renal and cardiac origin, dysentery, enteritis, as a diuretic; externally – for hemorrhoids, neuralgia of the facial nerve, scrofulosis, eye diseases.
In an experiment, a decoction of flowers has an effective inhibitory effect on the development of influenza A and B viruses.
IN lately In folk medicine, vodka tincture (1:10) is used in the form of rubbing to treat rheumatism, radiculitis, joint pain, and neuralgia. In this case, before rubbing, the affected and sore areas are lubricated with carrot juice.
Preparation
- For cooking infusion 6 g of leaves or flowers, usually a mixture of them, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, cool for 45 minutes, bring to the desired volume by straining. Apply 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day after meals.
- For decoction 5 g of roots or aerial parts of the plant are poured into 180 ml of boiling water, left in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes, cooled for 10 minutes, filtered, and adjusted to 180 ml. You should take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day after meals.
- For external use the concentration can be doubled or you can use prepared infusions and decoctions of the indicated concentrations.
Contraindications
There is evidence in the literature that the plant is poisonous, especially the seeds. In this regard, preparation medicines at home requires special care; It is not recommended to use seeds: strictly adhere to dosages; Store raw materials separately from other plants.
Nature presents us with many gifts. One of them is mullein, or verbascum. This plant has many varieties. The most common flowers are: common mullein, densely flowered, black, Olympic, purple, scepter-shaped, hybrid, paniculate, bear's ear, royal scepter, which will be discussed in this article. Sometimes mullein species are completely different from each other, you can see this by looking at the photo. But each flower is unique in its own way, has medicinal properties and is widely used in official and folk medicine. Depending on the variety, mullein can be a biennial or perennial plant. These flowers grow in wild environments: fields, meadows, and are also domesticated and planted by gardeners for later use.
Growing the royal scepter mullein plant
Royal scepter mullein is a biennial plant that grows up to 2 m in height and has a shape similar to a scepter. Small yellow flowers, about 1.5 cm in diameter, are placed densely on the upper half of the stem. They bloom alternately, starting approximately from the middle of the stem. Thus, mullein flowering occurs throughout almost the entire warm period.
Verbascum leaves are located horizontally above the ground, they are quite wide and pubescent. He has a powerful root system, this is especially true for perennial species.
Flowering variety of the Royal Scepter
Most often, this plant can be seen on roadsides, in courtyards, gardens and parks, in fields and forest areas. It also grows on personal plots, where it receives proper care and is subsequently used as a medicine.
Attention! Mullein grows best on sandy soil, although black soil is also suitable for him. You cannot sow royal scepter mullein in clay soil.
Mullein reproduces in several ways:
- Division of rhizomes. Since the royal scepter mullein is a biennial plant, by the end of the first year’s flowering last days September - early October, gardeners dig up rhizomes and separate shoots. They are treated with disinfectants and planted in the soil. In this way, mullein reproduces, and a person can control where the flowers grow so that they are not placed too close to each other. Even before the onset of frost, the divided rhizomes will produce small sprouts.
- Self-seeding Upon completion of flowering, seeds are formed in place of the flower, which, after drying under the influence of wind or rain, leave the mother plant and fall into the ground. This type of propagation does not require effort, but has a number of disadvantages: the impossibility of growing in rows; if there are several species in one area, self-seeding will lead to the degeneration of some of them.
- Growing the royal scepter mullein plant from seeds. This is the most suitable option. It is less energy intensive than dividing rhizomes and more human-controlled than self-seeding. The seeds are collected from the largest inflorescences and dried. In May they are sown in prepared soil and watered. After a few weeks, seedlings appear that need to be thinned out, leaving only the most strong plants at a distance of at least 30-40 cm from one another. Mullein flowers grown from seeds will bloom in the second year. After which it will be necessary to collect and sow the seeds again.
Attention! Don't bury the seeds too much. It is best to scatter them over the soil and then sprinkle them with a small amount of soil. As the root system grows, it will position itself at the required depth.
Mullein royal scepter is easy to care for
Like any plant, verbascum needs care. But gardeners don’t have to spend a lot of time on it.
- Fertilizer. Even before sowing, a small amount of mineral fertilizer is applied to the ground, and the soil is loosened with a hoe. Adult plants like to be fed with organic or mineral fertilizers, which should be applied to the root zone.
Seeds of the Royal Scepter variety
- Weeding. The plant will feel better in loosened soil. Weeds make things worse appearance plot, take nutrients from the ground, and also create shade, which can damage young mullein shoots. Therefore, weeds must be removed regularly.
- Mulching. Royal scepter mullein responds well to mulching. Sprinkling the soil with sawdust, bark, wood chips or other substances reduces the number of weeds, saturates the soil with useful substances and simply looks aesthetically pleasing.
- Collection of seeds. Having selected several flowers on the stem, they are not removed until the seeds are completely ripe. After the petals have completely dried, the seeds are collected, the remains of the flower are removed and dried in the sun - most often on a windowsill inside the house. Seeds should be stored in a paper bag in a room with low humidity.
- Removing flowers. Since flowering of verbascum occurs in stages, you need to ensure that you remove it in time. wilted flowers. Otherwise, they will draw on the strength of the plant, slowing down the flowering process of the remaining buds, and after some time they will dump the resulting seeds into the ground.
- Removing the stem. After the end of the mullein flowering period, it is necessary to completely cut off all the stems, which, after removal, can be put into compost.
- Preparing for winter. Due to the low temperatures in winter, even before the onset of cold weather, care must be taken to ensure that the royal scepter survives the frost. To do this, the rhizomes are sprinkled with ash, sawdust, peat, fallen leaves and even branches.
Medicinal properties of mullein
The mullein royal scepter has healing properties with its help you can prevent diseases or alleviate their course.
Verbascum is used:
- for skin diseases, lichen;
- for problems with the stomach and intestines;
- for hemorrhoids;
- for diseases of the oral cavity;
- for asthma and throat problems;
- for cardiovascular diseases.
Mullein in nature
Royal scepter mullein has a soothing, expectorant, wound-healing, diuretic effect, will relieve swelling and puffiness. Therefore, it is included in many medicines.
In folk medicine, mullein tincture, decoction, oil and ointment are used.
Attention! When preparing products from mullein, it is necessary to carefully remove the stamens. They cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
Contraindications to treatment with mullein
Verbascum - very useful plant, but there are still a few caveats.
- It is very rare that a person is intolerant to this flower. Before use, do a test: spread a small amount of ointment or mullein decoction on a healthy area of skin. If after several hours redness, burning or other signs of rejection do not appear, you can safely use mullein as a medicine.
- During pregnancy and lactation, this plant should be used carefully. It’s better to completely eliminate it at this time.
Traditional medicine is designed to help people. But only in moderation and in sensible ways. Serious diseases can only be diagnosed and treated by a highly specialized specialist - a doctor, who should be contacted immediately. The mullein royal scepter has wide range medicinal properties and can prevent many diseases. But the main gift a person can give to their health is proper nutrition, mode and regular physical activity. In combination with verbascum products, they will bring health and longevity to the whole family.
Today, many plants are used in folk medicine to combat various diseases. In our article we will tell you what mullein is, what types of plants there are, and how to properly grow it and use it to treat diseases.
Botanical description
Mullein - two-year-old herbaceous plant, which has an erect stem, its height reaches 150 cm. It has large leaves that are ovoid in shape - the most large size have those located at the bottom.
Most often the plant has small flowers, which are colored light yellow and collected in a thick brush. There is also a purple variety of mullein, the flowers of which are collected in a cluster with a pyramidal shape.
Important! For planting mullein fertile soils are not suitable - the plant will practically not bloom on them and will soon die.
Paniculata mullein has white flowers with yellowish tint. It is distinguished by the fact that it is covered with thick down. The plant blooms all summer. The fruits are presented in round brown boxes and have a specific smell. 
Mullein grows best on sandy soil and under conditions good lighting. The most common places where it grows are meadows, upland hills and forest edges.
Chemical composition
Mullein is rich in various useful elements. It contains a large amount of:
- ash;
- saponins;
- tanning elements;
- essential oils;
- gum;
- alpha-crocetin;
- irinoids;
- glycosides;
- flavonoids;
- alkaloids;
- ascorbic acid;
- beta carotene.
In addition, mullein contains a lot of:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- gland;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- sulfur.
Popular varieties: what mullein looks like
Today there are several varieties of mullein. Let's look at the most common of them.
Common (bear ear)
The most common is the bear's ear. Its peculiarity lies in the dense pubescence of all parts of the plant with light gray pile. The leaves are colored dark green color and are located evenly throughout the shoot. At the top of the plant you can see a short inflorescence similar to a spikelet. 
Length lower leaves is 15-30 cm. Larger leaves are located in the root zone, and their size decreases upward. This arrangement of foliage gives the plant a cone-shaped shape. The inflorescence includes a large number of small flowers, the diameter of which is up to 2 cm.
Tall (royal scepter, densely flowered, scepter-shaped)
This species got its name thanks to high altitude: for the royal one - 1.5 meters, and for the densely flowered one it can reach 2 meters. The plant has large five-petal flowers, bright yellow in color and irregular in shape. 
Their diameter is about 50 mm. This mullein is distinguished by a dense arrangement of flowers and buds on the shoot - the gaps between them are very small. The plant is found on sandy soils, roadsides, forests, and parks.
Cockroach
The height of this species is approximately 1 meter. It has a taproot and weakly branched stems. In the lower part of the stem there is dense foliage, in the upper part the leaves have an oblong-ovate shape. The inflorescences are quite large and pale yellow in color.
The plant has 5 stamens and one pistil. The fruit is presented in a spherical capsule. Flowering occurs in June and July. Harvesting flowers and foliage occurs during the flowering period of the plant. 
Drug
The height of the stems of this species reaches 1.5 meters, they are distinguished by a dense cover of leaves. Upper part has an elongated inflorescence, which in some cases can branch into several shoots. There is a felt-like pile on the surface of the entire plant. The foliage is oval in shape with a blunt edge.
The leaf length is on average 15-25 cm. The plant has flowers with soft long petals that are collected in inflorescences. The diameter of the inflorescences varies: from 3.5 cm to 5.5 cm. The anthers of the plant are red and clearly visible. 
Did you know? Before textile dye was invented, mullein was used to dye fabrics: the juice from the flowers could give them a rich yellow or green color.
Black
This type of mullein has a height of 50 to 120 cm and has erect stems. Large leaves located mainly in the lower part of the shoot. Petiolate foliage is egg or heart shaped. Their length is approximately 20 cm. On the long inflorescence there are bunches of small yellow flowers.
The center of the petals is covered with brown spots, and on the columns of the stamens there are purple fibers. The peculiarity of this type is that in therapeutic purposes Only flowers are used. 
Mealy
The plant has an erect stem, its height is about 130 cm. The leaves have a jagged, elongated shape. The flowers are usually collected in a raceme, after which they form a pyramidal panicle. The corolla is yellowish in color and has 5 lobes. The fruit is a capsule and has 5 stamens.
Bloom takes over everything summer months. This variety of mullein is most often found on hills or dry meadows. In folk medicine, the rhizomes, foliage and flowers of the plant are used. 
The height of the stem of a plant of this species can be from 1 to 2 meters. It has a strong structure, is distinguished by its erectness, and slightly branches towards the top. The magnificent mullein has entire foliage. The leaves, located in the lower part, have an oblong-lanceolate shape, their length is 20-40 cm, width - 3-6 cm.
The foliage located in the upper part has a heart-shaped-round shape. The inflorescences are represented by a pyramidal panicle. The corolla is yellow and the stamens are white. The capsule has an oblong-obovate shape. 
Medicinal properties of mullein
Mullein is often used to combat various ailments, as it has the following therapeutic properties:
- diaphoretic;
- diuretic;
- cardiotonic;
- astringent;
- anticonvulsant;
- hypotensive;
- antibacterial;
- enveloping;
- stops bleeding;
- eliminates pain;
- heals wounds;
- eliminates inflammation;
- calms;
- promotes expectoration.
Video: medicinal properties of mullein
Mullein contains mucus, which effectively eliminates inflammatory processes, perfectly envelops, promotes expectoration, resulting in better separation of sputum. Glucose is the main supplier of energy for human body, it is necessary for stabilization metabolic processes, as well as ensuring the normal functioning of all systems and organs.
Thanks to the saponins included in the plant, sputum is liquefied and removed, and the development of cancer cells is inhibited. In addition, they have an antisclerotic, sedative, diuretic and expectorant effect.
Thanks to flavonoids, blood vessels become more elastic, capillaries are strengthened, the effect of radicals is neutralized, and the functioning of the central nervous system is normalized.
Thanks to essential oils the functioning of the heart and gastrointestinal tract improves: they help soften cough and increase mucus secretion, have a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and sedative effect. 
The gum contained in the plant helps stabilize the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes microflora, removes toxins, and reduces cholesterol levels. Thanks to the effects of coumarins, blood thins - they have a diuretic, antiseptic, and astringent effect.
Carotene is a natural immunostimulant that helps increase the body's resistance to various infections and viruses.
The iridoids that make up mullein have the following effects:
- antimutagenic;
- immunomodulatory;
- resists viruses;
- hypoglycemic;
- choleretic;
- oxidative;
- eliminates inflammatory processes;
- antitumor;
- relieve pain;
- relieve spasms;
Thanks to organic acids, which are part of mullein, can be purchased for short time relieve inflammation: they have an antiseptic effect, improve sputum separation.
Tannins are distinguished by the presence of anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and astringent properties. Thanks to alkaloids, it decreases and normalizes blood pressure, they relieve pain well, have a hemostatic and sedative effect.
Application in medicine
In folk medicine, decoctions and infusions from this plant are actively used. The use of such medications helps to quickly get rid of cough, stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Important! When preparing infusions or decoctions, be sure to carefully remove the stamens, as they can cause irritation. skin and mucous membranes.
This is possible because mullein contains saponins and mucus. Decoctions are also used for treatment skin diseases, such as eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis. 
In addition, the use of tincture has a positive effect in the presence of:
- gingitis;
- colitis;
- atherosclerosis;
- tonsillitis;
- stomatitis;
- neuralgia;
- cystitis;
- dystrophy;
- hypertension.
Harm and contraindications
In general, mullein does not have a large list of contraindications, but before using it you should definitely consult a doctor. 
You should also pay attention to the following points:
- It is not recommended to use mullein infusions and decoctions during pregnancy and lactation;
- It is forbidden to consume mullein if you have an individual intolerance;
- You should definitely strain infusions and decoctions, since small hairs, once in the esophagus and stomach, can cause irritation;
- It is forbidden to ingest the seeds of the plant - they are toxic;
- in some cases, due to the presence of tannin, mullein-based preparations are prohibited for people with cancer.
How to brew and prepare healing potions
We bring to your attention recipes for medicinal mixtures made from mullein that will help cope with many diseases.
Decoction
In order to prepare the decoction, you need:
- 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried mullein leaves;
- 200 ml water.
The leaves must be ground, added water and boiled for 1 minute. After this, the broth is infused for half an hour. Then you should strain it using gauze folded in several layers - this will help eliminate unnecessary lint.
The decoction will help cope with diseases such as cystitis, and it can also be used as a lotion to eliminate ulcers. Take 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day.
To prepare the ointment you will need:
- mullein seeds;
- butter.
To prepare the ointment, you need to mix the seeds with oil in a ratio of 1 to 2 and grind thoroughly. This ointment will quickly get rid of purulent wounds and ulcers. It should be applied 2 times a day to the affected areas. 
Tincture
To prepare a tincture that will help with radiculitis, arthritis and rheumatism, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon of plant flowers;
- 100 ml alcohol.
You need to mix these ingredients, put the tincture in a dark place for 14 days, then strain. Use when pain occurs using the rubbing method.
To prepare a tincture for hair loss and seborrhea, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon mullein;
- 500 ml boiling water.
Did you know? Due to the fact that there are many fibers on the surface of the plant, in the western United States it is popularly called " toilet paper cowboy."
It is necessary to fill the herb with water and leave in a thermos for 1.5-2 hours. Drink 150 ml tincture three times a day. Except internal use, you can use it as an addition to shampoo.
To prepare an infusion for bronchitis, you will need:
- 2 teaspoons herb;
- 250 ml boiling water.
The grass is filled with water and left for 1 hour. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day. When treating children, it is worth giving 1 dessert spoon per day. The infusion is also used to rinse the mouth.
Mullein: care and growing from seeds
For those who want to grow a medicinal plant themselves, the following information will be useful.
Choosing a location and lighting
The plant is not demanding, so it can be grown in any soil, even low-fertility soil. 
However, it is not recommended to choose damp, clayey or loamy soil. Despite the fact that mullein grows normally in the shade, well-lit areas are better suited for sowing.
Preparation of substrate and fertilizer
It is worth adding sand, gravel and peat to the soil in which you plan to plant seeds, you can add mineral fertilizers. To feed adult plants, it is recommended to use organic or mineral fertilizers applied to the root zone.
Sowing and propagation
Sow seeds in open ground recommended in May or June. The seed material is randomly distributed throughout the bed and sprinkled with soil on top. After the seedlings appear, they must be thinned out so that the distance between the bushes is 20 cm. Flowering usually occurs in the second year.
Important! In order not to confuse the top and bottom of the cutting, make one cut oblique and the second straight.
The plant is propagated either by seeds or by cuttings. Using the second method, cuttings should be cut after the flowering period ends, in September - this will speed up rooting.
Watering and humidity
The plant needs to be watered only if within long period The weather is dry. Mullein does not need large quantities water - water only when the soil is thoroughly dry.
The fact is that the root system goes deep into the soil, so it is fed groundwater. If you flood the plant, stagnant moisture can cause the rhizome to rot and the plant to die.
Wintering and pruning
There is a fluffy coating on the stems and foliage of the plant that can protect it from light frosts. However, if you want the mullein to successfully survive low temperatures, before the onset of cold weather, it is worth sprinkling the rhizome using ash, sawdust, peat or fallen leaves and branches. 
It is also necessary to trim the grass in a timely manner: it involves removing faded flowers. If they are not removed, they will slow down the flowering of normal buds, and after a while they will drop seeds into the soil. After the flowering period is completed, mandatory it is worth cutting off all the shoots.
Diseases and pests
In most cases, the plant is resistant to diseases and pests, but occasionally it can succumb to attacks by gnawing insects. To get rid of them, they are treated with insecticides such as Fitoverm, Omite, Kemifos and Lepidotsid.
Procurement and storage of raw materials
The grass blooms in the summer months, but the seeds ripen between August and October. To collect flowers, you should choose dry, sunny weather: It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the morning, but after the dew has subsided, since wet corollas acquire a dark color and lose their healing properties. 
You need to dry mullein under a canopy or use dryers with a temperature of 50°C. The plant should be spread in a thin layer. You can dry the grass indoors, but it must be well ventilated. It should not be placed under sun rays, since the mullein will lose its natural color and medicinal properties.
Did you know? According to legends, it was believed that everyone would leave the house evil spirits , if you fumigate a hut with mullein smoke.
After the mullein has dried thoroughly, it must be sorted out, the leaves separated from the shoots, cleaned of the weeds with which it was collected, placed in glass containers and tightly covered with a lid. You should use paper bags to store leaves and stems. Raw materials can be stored for no more than 2 years. 
Use in landscape design
Quite often, mullein is used to create landscape compositions. It will look good on lawns. However, in order for the composition to look harmonious, you need to choose the right neighbors for the plant. Mullein gets along well with salvia, stachys, catnip, and orchis.
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Bear's ear mullein: medicinal plant, application.
Bear's ear mullein is a plant from the Norichinaceae family. Alternative names: royal candle, royal scepter, cloth. Distributed in the southern and central zones of Russia. There are 280 species of mullein.
Description
Grows on dry rocky soils and sunny slopes. The flowering period lasts from June to September. The top of the stem is covered with flowers with five petals. The flower has a bright yellow color. That is why mullein was nicknamed the “golden candle”. In the photo you can see its flowering.
Source: Depositphotos
Bear's Ear Bloom
The leaf plate is oblong, gray-green, covered with pile. It deviates from the stem at a certain angle. Long hairs protect mullein from excess evaporation of moisture from the surface.
Mullein reaches a height of 180 cm. Latin name The plant comes from the word “beard”. Bear's ear grows in places with low humidity levels. The root is deep and taproot. The plant is biennial. In the first year only leaves appear, and in the second a rosette with buds appears. The flowers taste sweet and have a pleasant honey aroma.
Application in medicine
Bear's ear herb is used in folk medicine:
- The plant is used folk healers as a diuretic and enveloping agent.
- There are known recipes for teas based on mullein.
- Crushed bear ear is used as a wound healing agent.
- A water tincture can cure herpes on the lips.
- Soothing decoctions are prepared based on the herb.
- A decoction of the roots treats cystitis, diarrhea, liver disease, rheumatism, and headaches.
- Prepare an infusion and apply compresses to festering wounds, lichen, and ulcers.
- Mullein is added to baths to treat rickets.
Mullein petals without pistils and stamens are collected in June-July. The following substances were found in the bear's ear:
- triterpene saponins;
- ascorbic acid;
- tannins;
- sugar and essential oils;
- coumarin.
Tincture of mullein with alcohol is used to treat gout, as an anesthetic poultice. Petals and leaves are used. If the raw materials are collected from one plant, then part of the mullein is left for later propagation. Dry mullein in a dark, ventilated area. The dried bear ear is placed in boxes.
Bear ear - golden plant. It can be grown on site and used in medical purposes, since it is completely unpretentious and easy to cultivate.