Verbascum thapsus (Scrophulariaceae, Verbascum tha)
Verbascum thapsus
can be found growing in North America, Europe, and Asia. Verbascum
thapsus has almost 30 different common names including Mullein.
Verbascum thapsus grows well in meadows, forests, and pastures.
Both the leaves and the flowers of Verbascum thapsus have
had medicinal and household uses since ancient times. The
yellow flowers of Verbascum thapsus were once used as a hair
dye, while the stems and leaves were made into candlewicks.
In medicine, Verbascum thapsus has been used since the Middle
Ages for skin diseases and lung diseases. Verbascum thapsus
was been given to tuberculosis patients in the 19th century.
A "magical" herb of antiquity,
legend has it that Verbascum thapsus was given to Ulysses
to protect him from the sorcery of Circe who changed his crew
into pigs. This is a skillfully evolved plant which drops
water from its higher, smaller leaves onto the lower, larger
ones, finally funneling the moisture to its roots.Verbascum
thapsus, an herb of renown, is used in homeopathic remedies
for the relief of head discomfort and hurt which stems from
"stuffy-nose problems," as well as bringing some modicum of
aid to persistent coughs, hoarseness and general problems
of poor health.
|