Yellow Mullein Flowers cover photo - 94965767

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Versatile, fuzzy mullein is a gardenerâ€™s friend. Within the Scrophulariaceae family, the genus Verbascum consists of about 300 species native to Europe, West and Central Asia, and North Africa. Most are tall, stout biennials with large leaves and flowers in long terminal spikes. First-year plants form a rosette of large, velvety leaves up to 1 foot long. In the second year, a velvety flower spike grows to 8 feet tall. The plantâ€™s soft leaves are known commonly as â€œbunnyâ€™s earsâ€ and â€œflannel leaf`. Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties, as well. Leaf poultices were used to treat bruises, tumors, rheumatic pains and hemorrhoids. Mullein flower oil made by steeping the flowers in warm olive oil also has been used for treating hemorrhoids, as well as earaches.