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Though this herb's name happens to rhyme with
"sullen," it's certainly nothing to pout about. In fact, its multiple benefits
are worthy of celebration. Mullein is effective as a sore throat soother, cough
suppressant, wound healer and even hemorrhoid-pain reliever.
Mullein has the power to:
- Ease coughs and sore throats: The herb contains a substance
called mucilage, which swells and becomes slippery as it absorbs water. I may account for
mullein's soothing effect the throat. TO brew a medicinal tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of
dried leaves per cup and steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups per day. Mullein
tastes bitter, so you may have to add sugar or honey for sweetness and lemon for flavor.
With a tincture, take ½ to 1 teaspoon up to three times day.
- Soothe minor abrasions: "Crush a few mullein leaves and
apply them to the wound as a poultice. It's very soothing," suggests Daniel B.
Mowrey, Ph.D., director of the American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City
and author of The Scientific Validation of Herbs. Discontinue use if it causes skin
irritation.
- Relieve hemorrhoid pain: Mullein may do more than simply soothe
hemorrhoids. It contains tannins, which may reduce the swelling that causes the
discomfort. Make a compress for this purpose by soaking a clean cloth in cooled mullein
tea. Apply the compress to the tender area.
Safety Considerations:
The Food and Drug Administration includes Mullein on its list of
herbs generally regarded as safe. While Mullein seeds are toxic and may cause poisoning,
there have been no reports of adverse effects from using the herb's leaves, flowers and
roots. Tannins, which are found in Mullein, have both cancer-causing and cancer-fighting
properties. Anyone with a history of cancer should not take Mullein internally.
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