Mullein, formerly known as verbascum thapsus is also referred to as the velvet plant or the ore of an elephant due to the hairy leaves that are, rather than being prickly as the other fluffy-looking plants are rather smooth and supple.
This herb can abundantly be found in most environments including where no one intended it to grow, and like many plants that people call weeds. It has many uses in daily life and particularly in circumstances of survival. Looking back at how our forefathers used mullein, we can get a good idea of how it could benefit us if the world comes to an end, as we know it.
Practical Uses
Mullein’s soft fuzzy nature gives its leaves plenty of practical uses, both traditionally and in survival situations. In a SHTF situation, the rest of the plant could potentially play a role, as well.
TP – Before the introduction of toilet paper or just in a pinch in the woods, this leaf allows for a soft, pleasant alternative to toilet paper. In reality, the folk name of this plant is The Cowboy’s Toilet Paper. The broad leaves and soft texture make it a perfect solution, however, you should be careful to wipe with the hair grain to minimize discomfort caused by shedding fuzz. - Providing Warmth – They’re perfect just to provide extra water. Whether you’re lining your clothes with these leaves to provide extra cushion and warmth or preparing a blanket or little shelter from them to stay warm at night, the furry leaves are great for adding extra insulation.
- Fire Starting – Mullein has many uses in fire construction. The stalks make an excellent tool for the methods of starting the bow or hand drill explosion. The seed pods and dried leaves are fantastic tinder for starting fire. Dipped in some liquid fat, flammable sap, or beeswax, the seed heads attached to the stalks are perfect for torches, winning mullein, along with the yellow flowers, another of its nicknames: golden torch.
- Fish Tranquilizer – This plant’s seeds can be used as a paralytic fish agent. In a situation of survival, this may aid in the selection of fish for food or other purposes.
Shoe Insoles – When conventional insoles are no longer an option, the leaves can provide cushion in shoes. Combined with the leaves’ medicinal properties, mullein leaf insoles can help reduce friction that causes blisters, keeping feet free of infection.
Related: 9 Natural Remedies for Faster Wound Healing
Medical Applications
Such plants which are found all over the world in the wild and in herb gardens have been used for various uses by healers for centuries. As always, be vigilant when using herbal remedies to treat any condition and consult a physician before using herbal medicine (assuming you have one).
Chest Complaints – The mullein plant’s dried or fresh flowers are also used to boost cough and other lung and airway issues, such as bronchitis, asthma, or croup. Historically it has been used commonly to treat consumption or tuberculosis. Tea made with honey extracted from mullein provides a perfect remedy for the sore throat. This is a well-known treatment for the cold and flu. Because of its expectorant and calming properties, it is perfect for those things, plus its ability to combat infection.- Pain Reliever, Anti-Inflammatory, Soother – This plant is said to help reduce pain and inflammation when used topically in the affected area or in a tonic or tea with aspirin-like effects, or NSAIDs and acetaminophen of today. The ability to apply soother topically to this anti-inflammatory skin also makes it an effective treatment for hemorrhoids.
Infection Fighter – Cowboy’s bandages are called just that, as they make a perfect bandage, even when there are more modern alternatives. This is because it does have antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, and antifungal. That means, that along with providing a soft, gentle barrier, mullein plant leaves can help fight off wound infection. Tea made from the mullein plant has also been used to treat mild infections as a sort of internal antibiotic. Medical indications show that mullein, when placed directly into the ear as part of a herbal solution, can be an effective home remedy for ear infections.- Helps Heal Bruises and Other Injuries – A poultice of mullein leaves and flowers is often used to strengthen bruise condition and damaged connective tissue or bones. This plant’s pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable to support less painful broken bones and sprains, and strains.
Bladder Health Support – This herb, especially the root, is often used to help the urinary system. It is frequently used to treat urinary incontinence in bed-wetting children and adults with bladder control issues. Mullein can also be used to treat urinary tract infections.
In the Garden
- Adding Plant Life in Areas Ravaged by Animals – Most of the animals, like goats and deer, avoid eating mullein. This means that when these animals destroy the landscape, the hearty herb is a perfect way to prevent an area from being eaten down to soil. Maintaining plant life in the soil can help to avoid erosion and flooding in an area.
- Adds Nitrogen to Soil – This plant returns essential nitrogen to the soil, so it can be used to improve the soil conditions for other plants, particularly plants that need a lot of nitrogen. Because it’s so easy to find, identify, and grow, if you needed to produce more food in a small space, it would be an ideal way to build soil like an urban SHTF scenario.
- Attracts Good Insects, Deters Bad – Mullein blooms attract pollinators that help plants reproduce and that many do harm to your garden is repellent to many bugs. It’s easy to plant and it’ll grow almost anywhere, so consider planting it around your garden to provide an insect barrier.
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