Warning, poisonous: the black mullein
In contrast to the woolly flower with yellow single flowers and a stature height of up to two meters, the black mullein (Verbascum nigrum) is usually smaller (up to about 120 centimeters in height) and is characterized by striking purple stamens on the pale yellow Flowers out. The herb, which is less hairy than the woolly flower native to cottage gardens, contains the poisonous sperm alkaloid verbacin and the iridoid aucubin.
also read
- The ideal care for the mullein in the garden
- Cut the mullein properly in the garden
- The heyday of the mullein
The poisonous effect of the yellow-flowered mullein on animals
Although it is valued for its healing properties and has therefore been in cloister and farm gardens for centuries planted wool flower is non-toxic for humans and was probably fed to cattle as a natural remedy, parts of the plant are said to be toxic to fish and other animals. Allegedly, Aristotle scattered Seeds of the plant in water, in order to facilitate the fishing due to the anesthetic effect of the contained saponins on fish.
Use for healing teas and inhalations
Hippocrates and Hildegard von Bingen already knew how to appreciate the properties of the mullein as a natural medicine. Areas of application for today's use are in the following areas:
- to dissolve mucus in colds and coughs
- used to treat asthma
- in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints
The dried leaves and flowers of the mullein are either extracted with high-quality oils or freshly brewed teas.
Tips & Tricks
Since recognizing the correct type of plant and completely drying the parts of the plant, certain knowledge mullein teas can also be purchased under the name Verbasci flos in the pharmacy will.
