Different names for a traditional garden plant
The mullein has been specifically cultivated in monasteries and cottage gardens for centuries due to its possible uses in traditional naturopathy. Hildegard von Bingen already described the positive effects of the ingredients contained in the flowers and leaves in her treatises. Over the centuries, a wide variety of popular names have been popularized for this plant, which is also in its wild form, which is covered with magnificent flowers:
- Thunder and lightning candle
- Kunkel
- Sky fire
- Fiend candle
- Weather candle
- Winter bloom
- Woolwort or woolly flower
also read
- The multiplication of the mullein
- The heyday of the mullein
- Cut the mullein properly in the garden
The special function of the leaves in the mullein
The designation as "woolly flower" or "woolly herb" can be traced back to the hairiness of the leaves of the mullein. This hairiness of the leaf rosettes with grayish yellow star hairs acts equally as protection against strong sunlight and against evaporation. In addition, the leaves are usually arranged around the stem in such a way that rainwater hitting the leaves is drained directly to the base of the plant. Overall, the wool-like-looking leaves are one of the prerequisites for mullein to be extremely hot and dry
Locations without special care can thrive.The use of the leaves in naturopathy
For use in naturopathy, not only are the petals plucked, but the leaves are also harvested from the leaf rosettes near the ground. So that these dry faster and do not go moldy while drying, you should remove the leaves in the late morning of a dry summer's day cut. Extracts and inhalation mixtures from mullein are sometimes made with high-quality oils, but tea is more often brewed from the well-dried leaves.
Tips & Tricks
The leaves of the mullein are used in gentle naturopathy for various purposes: This is how they should be a beneficial effect on colds and asthma, but also in the treatment of stomach and intestinal complaints unfold. If you are unsure about the identification of plants, you can get ready-made tea blends under the name "Verbasci flos" in the pharmacy.
