In dry steppe and forest meadows, in clearings in light pine and birch forests, here and there tall stems of Mullein, strewn with flowers, can be seen. Mullein Bear's ear- such a noticeable plant, beautiful in bloom, with a pleasant sweetish aroma, and even with many healing properties! There are several types of mullein, we will talk about the most common - the common mullein or the Bear's ear mullein.
Names of Mullein
Common mullein is popularly called: Bear's ear mullein, Ataman (stands alone, towering above other herbs), royal candle, fire-grass, torch-grass, golden flower, Mary's candle.
Where does Mullein grow?
You will also find Mullein among bushes, on forest edges, on sunny rocky and sandy slopes, on railway slopes, often on old plowed land, in pastures. Usually these are solitary plants, but sometimes they are found in islands. Mullein has so much unusual look that you can easily recognize him.
What does Mullein look like?
Mullein stands proudly above other herbs. The height of its erect stem can reach one and a half meters. The large, pubescent leaves of Mullein have an oblong shape. Pale yellow flowers are collected in a solid spike-shaped inflorescence.
The stems and leaves of Mullein are pubescent, and the leaves below are grayish-felt.
Mullein flowering time
Mullein common blooms usually in the second half of summer - in July and August.
Collection and preparation of mullein
The corollas (petals) of Mullein flowers are collected during full bloom, when the corolla is easily separated from the calyx. The raw materials can be dried directly in the sun, spread on cloth or paper in a thin layer. Dried petals should be light yellow. The browned petals are discarded. Mullein leaves are also collected when the plant is in flower. Dry them under a canopy or in a well-ventilated area.
Features of collection Mullein flowers. It is best not to collect flower calyxes, but to separate the corollas with attached stamens. Store dried mullein flowers in glass jars, as they are able to quickly absorb moisture from the air.
Healing properties of mullein
Mullein is rich in carotene, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, sugars, tannins and essential oil. This herb is known to be an excellent expectorant with anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and analgesic effects. Along with this, mullein boasts unique wound-healing capabilities.
Mullein flowers and leaves ordinary have expectorant, emollient, enveloping, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound-healing properties. The flowers also have anticonvulsant properties. An infusion of mullein flowers is used for coughs, hemoptysis, whooping cough, inflammation of the lungs and bronchi, severe runny nose with lacrimation, shortness of breath, and asthma. Also for liver disease, spleen and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Mullein often used as one of the components various medicinal teas from cough, and in addition to its direct effect, we must also recognize the effect of improving the taste of tea.
Application of Mullein
Infusion of mullein flowers. 1 tablespoon of dried flowers per 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1 tablespoon every 3 hours for respiratory diseases and as an emollient.
Tea with Mullein. Mullein flowers and leaves (usually flowers) are added to tea and herbal infusions.
If you apply it to the site of injury fresh flower mullein (or dry, soaked in a minimal amount of water), the pain goes away and a bruise does not form.
Mullein. Interesting facts
It still remains inexplicable interesting fact that mullein seeds thrown into water can put fish to sleep.
Common mullein is beneficial 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. Pale yellow flowers are collected in a solid spike-shaped inflorescence. The elegant tubular-funnel-shaped corolla has a drooping appearance. Five stamens attached to it give the plant a unique image. Common mullein often blooms at the end of summer - in July and August. This herb 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. This herb is known to be 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. It is necessary to infuse the product for at least 20 days and only then strain. This medicine is indispensable as a rub for rheumatic, nervous and arthritic pain.Mullein leaves
Mullein leaves should be stored along with flowers on sunny days. Well dried leaves long time store gray-green color. They taste slightly bitter and have no odor. IN 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. IN folk medicine mainly leaves and flowers are used, which are collected at the end of summer.Scepter mullein
It is no secret how widely used mullein is used to treat hemorrhoids. Besides this, 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-shaped mullein that cures pulmonary diseases even in advanced form.Mullein "royal scepter"
This plant is indeed 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 a 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 mullein flowers 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, average height 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 grass 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.Whatever people call it: fur leaf, ataman-grass, Peter’s cross, Egor’s spear, and cloth whip. In the Tambov region, mullein has long been called “splinter”, because the dry stems, peeled, were used for splinters. But most often the plant was compared with the ears of various animals: bear ear, wolf ear, deer ear.
Features of growing mullein
This plant is biennial. In the first year it forms a rosette of large, up to 50 cm, light lanceolate leaves, in the second year a flowering stem appears, often up to 2 m in height. Blooms in June-July. The plant can simultaneously have flowers, buds and boxes with green seeds. The seeds are yellowish-brown and ripen in September-October.
This torch plant can decorate any flower garden. It glows with a golden-yellow flame and is visible from afar from all sides. Mullein flowers are shaped like violets, but are bright yellow in color. The half-fused corolla is five-lobed, inside
Five stamens. The raceme of mullein flowers is powerful, thick, tapering upward into a cone. Perhaps this explains something else popular name plants - royal scepter.
The plant is completely unpretentious, tolerates drought well, its powerful taproot goes deep into the soil. In order for the mullein to show itself in all its glory, give it sunny warm place, the soil should be fairly fertile, but not wet.
The violet mullein is a very decorative species. A cluster of large purple flowers is spectacular against the background of green grass. In horticulture, varieties and forms have been developed with red, white, pink and purple flowers.
Modern man is becoming further and further from nature. And maybe that's why lately Many gardeners try to “invite” interesting wild plants to their plots. Among them is mullein, a heroic plant from the Noricaceae family.
Mullein reproduces only by seeds. Before sowing, it is better to mix them with finely sifted sand (1:10) and sow them without covering them with soil before winter. The plant can only be replanted at a very young age.
Flowers are used for medicinal purposes, namely the corollas of flowers, which are easily pulled out. They contain quite a lot of useful substances, including some essential oil. Collect flowers during full bloom in dry weather every day, because a blooming flower lives only one day and then falls off (and is not suitable for medicinal purposes).
Place mullein flowers loosely in a basket or cardboard box. They suffocate in a plastic bag, darken when dried and turn into useless raw materials. They must be dried as quickly as possible - in a thin layer on paper or fabric, in attics with good ventilation or in the shade under awnings. Be sure to stir periodically to prevent mold. Usually in good weather they dry in 4-5 days.
Drying is completed when the corollas become brittle, do not lose their yellow color and have a delicate honey smell. When pressed in the palm of your hand, it should not form a lump.
Medicinal use
The leaves are also stored for medicinal purposes at the same time as the flowers. Dry in the sun or in a ventilated area. Dry leaves ready for storage crumble easily when squeezed. Raw mullein is very hygroscopic, easily becomes damp and moldy, so it must be stored in a dry place in glass jar with screw cap. Shelf life - 2 years.
Of the more than forty species of mullein growing in our country, mulleins are officially used for medicinal purposes - hairy or medicinal and scepter-shaped.
There is a lot of confusion in the species names of this plant. Outwardly, they are very similar and can only be distinguished during flowering: by the shape and size of the flower, and the growth of the plant. Mullein with orange pubescent stamens are considered medicinal. Plants with purple pubescent stamens are not suitable for treatment.
The action of mullein preparations is similar to the action of marshmallow root. Infusion of flowers: 1 -2 tbsp. l. pour flower corollas with 1 tbsp. boiling water, leave in a thermos for 2 hours. Strain. Take 1/3 tbsp. (warm) 3 times a day for influenza, acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, whooping cough, bronchial asthma.
It is also prescribed for dyspepsia, gastritis, and colitis. Doctors often recommend taking mullein along with coltsfoot leaves, licorice root, and linden flowers. Mullein flowers are included in many breast teas.
In folk medicine, a decoction of the plant is taken orally when nervous disorders, epilepsy, and the infusion of flowers is drunk as tea for edema, diseases of the liver and spleen, nervous fatigue, and exhaustion.
Mullein is widely used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It is advised to brew the flowers as tea - the bleeding stops after 2-3 days. Sitz baths are also helpful. For a bath you need to prepare a decoction: 0.5-1 kg of mullein flowers per 10 liters of water (single dose).
Bring to a boil, leave for half an hour and pour into the bath. They accept such medicinal baths(water temperature +37 degrees) for 15-20 minutes. every other day also in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, diathesis, neurodermatitis, and various allergic skin diseases.
A thick decoction is used to lubricate deep-pigmented spots with vitiligo and rashes with psoriasis. An aqueous extract from flowers has activity against the herpes virus. Externally, an infusion of flowers and leaves is used to rinse the mouth and throat for various inflammations (stomatitis, gingivitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sore throat).
Used for washing hair for baldness and seborrhea. An alcoholic tincture of flowers is used for rubbing in for joint pain, as an anesthetic for rheumatism, arthritis, and especially for nerve pain (inflammation of the facial nerve).
Fresh leaves, boiled in water or milk, are applied to wounds and burns. If you apply a fresh mullein flower (or a dry one, soaked in a minimal amount of water) to the site of the bruise, the pain goes away and a bruise does not form. This interesting fact still remains inexplicable: mullein seeds thrown into water can put fish to sleep.
Scientific study useful properties"royal scepter" continues.
Thanks to numerous healing properties Mullein grass, or verbascum, is widely used in traditional and folk medicine. plant in medicinal purposes has been used since the time of Hippocrates. The Central Asian philosopher and physician Avicenna used decoctions of verbascum in the treatment of tumors, toothache, muscle ruptures, cough, and conjunctivitis. In the herbal book published in 1611 by Simon Sirensky, it is noted that decoctions and tinctures from the roots of the plant relieve helminths and diarrhea.
Composition and healing qualities of mullein
Mullein has many beneficial properties:
- wound healing;
- sweatshop;
- painkillers;
- diuretic;
- cardiotonic;
- hemostatic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- enveloping;
- astringent;
- sedative;
- antibacterial;
- anticonvulsant;
- hypotensive;
- expectorant.
The mucus contained in the plant has an anti-inflammatory, enveloping, expectorant effect, resulting in improved sputum separation. Glucose is the main supplier of energy for the body; it stabilizes metabolic processes, thereby contributing to the normalization of the activity of all organs and systems. Saponins help liquefy and remove sputum, prevent the proliferation of cancer cells, and have antisclerotic, sedative, diuretic, and expectorant properties. Flavonoids improve the elasticity of blood vessels, strengthen capillaries; neutralize the effect free radicals; normalize the activity of the central nervous system.
Essential oils contained in mullein normalize cardiovascular and digestive system; soften cough; enhance mucus separation; have bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, sedative effects.
Gum stabilizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes its microflora; removes toxins; reduces cholesterol levels. Coumarins thin the blood and have a diuretic, antiseptic, and astringent effect. Carotene is a natural immunostimulant; it increases the body's resistance to infections; neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals.
Iridoids in the plant have the following properties:
- oxidative;
- antimutagenic;
- hypoglycemic;
- immunomodulatory;
- antiviral;
- painkillers;
- antispasmodic;
- choleretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antitumor.
Organic acids relieve inflammation, have an antiseptic effect, and promote sputum separation. Tannins have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, bacteriostatic and astringent properties. Alkaloids help reduce blood pressure, have analgesic, hemostatic, sedative properties. In addition, verbascum contains tannin, potassium, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Use in folk medicine
Mullein tinctures and decoctions effectively treat coughs, stomach and duodenal ulcers due to the mucus and saponins they contain. Help treat skin conditions including eczema, vitiligo and psoriasis. The decoction helps well for the following diseases:
- gingivitis;
- colitis;
- atherosclerosis;
- angina;
- stomatitis;
- neuralgia;
- cystitis;
- dystrophy;
- hypertension.
Pour a tablespoon of plant leaves into 250 ml of water, bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Leave for 30 minutes, strain through several layers of gauze. Take 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. For treatment skin diseases It is recommended to use this product externally. Mullein infusion is used to treat:
- ARVI;
- whooping cough;
- tuberculosis;
- epilepsy;
- pneumonia;
- migraines;
- seizures;
- hoarseness;
- jaundice;
- inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- bronchial asthma;
- bronchitis;
- upper respiratory tract diseases;
- shortness of breath;
- tonsillitis.
Brew 1 part in 250 ml of boiling water. l. dried raw materials. Strain the product left for 10 minutes. After meals, drink 150 ml 3 times a day. For diseases of the respiratory tract, spleen and stomach, it is recommended to use verbascum tincture with vodka. Pour 1 tbsp. l. dried flowers 10 tbsp. l. vodka, leave for 3 days. This remedy can be used for rubbing in the treatment of neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism, radiculitis.
Mullein oil eliminates ear inflammation and pain, heals wounds, and destroys pathogenic microelements. Put 3 tbsp in a jar. l. flowers of the plant, pour 100 ml olive oil, leave in the sun for 30 days. Shake the mixture daily. Strain the infused mixture and store in the refrigerator. The product can be used as a lotion to treat ear pain, infections of the oral cavity, gums, bruises, and inflammation of the mucous membrane.
Mullein ointment treats purulent wounds and ulcers. Grind the plant seeds into powder and mix in a 1:2 ratio with butter. A decoction of mullein “royal scepter” successfully fights colds, bronchitis, bronchial asthma. Pour 300 ml of water or milk into 20 g of plant flowers, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Take before bedtime. You can add honey.
Mullein for hemorrhoids
Mullein, which has a wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, softening, and hemostatic effect, is effectively used to get rid of hemorrhoids.
To do this, you can prepare a decoction. Pour 1 tbsp into a thermos. l. flowers, pour in 1.5 cups of boiling water, leave for about an hour. The resulting composition must be carefully filtered. You should drink the medicine 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals. Bloody discharge stops after a week of using the medicine. An advanced disease will need to be treated for up to 2 weeks.
Candles are effective. Mix 100 g butter with mullein flowers, chamomile, toadflax, taken 1 tbsp. l. The butter must first be melted. Heat the mixture in a water bath, stirring for about an hour. Cover the container with the mixture with a lid, wrap it up, and cool. Then heat the mixture again, strain thoroughly, add 10 g of beeswax, heat again until it is completely dissolved. From the prepared mass, slightly cooled, form candles and place them in the refrigerator to harden. Treatment with such suppositories helps to heal cracks and eliminate inflammation. They need to be used at night.
For hemorrhoids, it is useful to take medicinal baths with mullein decoction every other day for 20 minutes. A bucket of water will require 1 kg of plant flowers. Boil the broth, leave, cool to the desired temperature, strain. Such baths also help with skin diseases.
Restrictions on use
There are no serious contraindications for the use of medicinal products from mullein, with the exception of pregnancy, lactation, and individual intolerance. But the plant should be used carefully. Mullein seeds should not be ingested - they are poisonous. The plant contains talin, which has carcinogenic properties, as a result of which medicinal products, prepared from mullein, are contraindicated for malignant tumors. Decoctions and tinctures from verbascum flowers must be carefully filtered through several layers of gauze to prevent the finest hairs from entering the body, which can cause irritation to the stomach and esophagus.
Mullein is a stately plant from the Norichinaceae family. Its homeland is the Mediterranean, USA and East Asia. The plant is also known by its Latin name- verbascum, but in our country it is not used so often. Attracts mullein abundant flowering. The tops of its stems are completely hidden under bright, fragrant flowers. Not a single passerby can pass by without admiring the yellow, pink or snow-white inflorescences. Bright flowers attract birds and beneficial insects, so the garden will be filled with chirping and buzzing from early morning. Mullein is completely unpretentious in care, and its beautiful flowers not only please the eye, but also help improve health.
Botanical description
Mullein is a biennial or perennial plant, although annuals are also found in nature. It has a strong taproot and an erect, almost unbranched stem 0.5-3 m high. At the base there is a rather dense rosette of basal leaves. Lower leaves have petioles half the length of the leaf blade. Sessile foliage is located higher up the stem. It is attached oppositely or in a spiral. The leaves have a whole sheet plate oval or heart-shaped. Their entire surface, as well as shoots and flowers, is densely covered with felt pile. The shoots and foliage are dark green or gray-green.
From the second year of life leaf rosette develops long stem, which is crowned with an inflorescence. A flowering spike consists of several tiers of buds. At the bottom there are bunches of 4-7 corollas, and at the top there is a bunch of 1-4 smaller flowers. The diameter of the corolla is about 2 cm. It consists of yellow drooping petals and has a tubular or funnel-shaped shape. Under the fluffy, wide-open petals are hidden 5 stamens, varying in size and shape. Flowering continues throughout the summer.
After pollination, a small oblong seed capsule ripens. It is also densely pubescent. Inside there are small oblong seeds. Their rough surface is yellow-brown.
Types of mullein
The mullein genus is very diverse, with more than 250 plant species recorded in it. Only a few are found on Russian territory. They are adapted to climatic conditions, and also have excellent medicinal properties.
Scepter-shaped mullein (dense-flowered). The plant is 20-120 cm tall and has a thick, straight stem that is densely covered with foliage. The lower oval leaves reach 10-40 cm in length, and the size of the upper ones is only 4-10 cm. The long spike-shaped inflorescence is dotted with bunches yellow flowers. For the resemblance of the inflorescence to the golden one royal scepter This variety got its name. The diameter of each corolla is 3.5-5 cm. Fresh flowers have a subtle pleasant aroma, and dried ones have a richer honey smell.
Common mullein (bear's ear). All parts of the plant are densely covered with long silvery hair. Dark green foliage is located almost along the entire length of the shoot and only the very top is crowned by a short spike-shaped inflorescence. The lower petiolar leaves are 15-30 cm in length. Their size gradually decreases upward. Due to the gradually smaller leaves, the plant resembles a cone from a distance. The inflorescence consists of many small flowers up to 2 cm in diameter.
The plant is 50-120 cm high and has erect stems. Large foliage is located only at the lower third of the shoot. The lower petiolate leaves are ovate or heart-shaped. They are 20 cm long. The long inflorescence is covered with bunches of small yellow flowers. At the base of the petals there are brown spots, and the columns of stamens are decorated with purple fibers.
Stems 0.5-1.5 m high are densely covered with foliage. At the top there is a long inflorescence, which sometimes branches into several shoots. All parts of the plant are covered with thick felt pile. Oval leaves with a blunt edge are 15-25 cm long. Flowers with soft, long petals are collected in groups along the entire length of the inflorescence. Their diameter is 3.5-5.5 cm. The anthers are colored red.
This decorative variety was obtained by interspecific crossing. Its advantage is its large flowers of a wide variety of colors. The height of the shoots depends on the variety and can be less than 50 cm or almost 1.8 m. Popular varieties:
- Mont Blanc – tall plant with large snow-white flowers;
- Herry Helen - the inflorescence consists of large (up to 10 cm in diameter) bright pink flowers;
- Jackie – dwarf variety up to 45 cm high, covered with smoky pink flowers;
- Pink Domino - orange stains are visible on large crimson flowers.
Reproduction methods
Mullein can be propagated by sowing seeds or rooting cuttings. The seeds remain viable for a long time and are resistant to frost, so they can be sown immediately open ground. The plant also often self-sows. Due to the taproot, which goes deep into the soil, it is not worth replanting mullein. Therefore, sowing seedlings is not practical. In open ground, seeds are sown immediately permanent place. This is done in mid-May or later, when average daily temperature will settle at +13…+18°C. Shoots appear in 1-2 weeks. In the first month, seedlings grow very slowly. Later they develop quite quickly and do not require great care. Flowering is expected in the second year of life. It should be remembered that mullein is easily pollinated, so seedlings can be very different from the mother plants.
Cuttings help preserve varietal characteristics. Cuttings should be cut after the end of the flowering period (August-September), then the likelihood of successful rooting will be much greater. The main plant with root shoots is dug up and freed from the ground. The root is cut into several parts with buds or small shoots. The length of each rhizome should be at least 5-7 cm. The cuttings are laid horizontally in prepared holes. First, they are covered with a layer of sand 5 mm thick, and on top with earth to a height of 15-20 mm. A distance of 40 cm must be maintained between seedlings.
Rules of care
Mullein is an unpretentious and easy plant. Even a beginner can take care of it. For normal development The plant needs an open sunny place. Minor shading is allowed, but with a significant deficiency sunlight the plant will develop worse.
The soil for planting should be loose and light. A sufficient amount of sand, gravel and peat should be added to clay soil. It is better if the land has moderate fertility. Then mullein can grow on it for several years. But on nutrient soils it develops worse and often dies at the end of the season.
Mullein only needs watering in dry weather. A small amount of water is enough. The soil should dry well between irrigations. For a root that goes deep enough into the ground, nourish groundwater it won't be a problem. But frequent and prolonged stagnation of moisture in the soil will certainly lead to rotting of the roots and death of the plant.
Mullein rarely needs feeding. One fertilizer is enough mineral complex during the flowering period. If the soils are fertile, then they can do without fertilizing at all.
In order for mullein to live longer than two years, it is recommended to cut off the inflorescence before the seeds ripen. Hybrid varieties After pruning, they are able to bloom again the same year.
Use in the garden
Tall plants with such large and beautiful flowers will not go unnoticed in the garden. Especially if we're talking about O decorative varieties with different colors of petals. Throughout the summer, mullein will attract insects and birds. It begins to bloom when the primroses have already faded and the later perennials have not yet formed buds. Thus, mullein fills the pause in flowering. It is important to choose the right neighbors so that the flower garden looks harmonious. They can be orchis, catnip, salvia, anafalis, sage.
Thickets of mullein are also used as a background in the background of a flower bed. It can be planted in small groups in the middle of the lawn, in rockeries or along paths.
Medicinal properties of the plant
Many varieties of mullein are used in folk medicine. Its flowers, roots and shoots are rich in tannins, vitamins, mucilages, essential oils, flavonoids. Oils, alcohol tinctures and decoctions from various parts of the plant are used as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, hemostatic and antimicrobial agent.
Flower decoctions are used to thin thick mucus in the bronchi and lungs. Fresh juice rubbed on warts to get rid of them. Compresses and masks based on decoction help fight acne. Alcohol and water tinctures taken for cystitis, bronchial asthma, hypertension, colds, rheumatism. Mullein is widely used for hemorrhoids, lichen, tuberculosis, as well as diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. To prevent infection from getting into wounds, burned tissues or cracks on the feet, they are sprinkled with dry mullein powder.
Medicinal raw materials are harvested during the flowering period. It is important to remember that each flower lives only one day and fades by evening. Whole corollas are collected in the first half of the day. They are dried under a canopy or in drying ovens at temperatures up to 50°C. Completely dry raw materials are stored in fabric or paper bags for two years.
Mullein has no contraindications, but it should be taken with caution by people prone to allergies. All drugs must be carefully filtered through several layers of fabric. Even a small amount of villi causes severe irritation of the stomach and mucous membranes.