ENGLISH NAME: Mullein
(Denseflower Mullein)
LATIN NAME: Verbascum
densiflorum
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Divizna
velkokvětá
Turkey: Sığırkuyruğu
Bulgaria: Лопен (Lopen)
Georgia: ვერბასკუმი (Verbaskumi)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Dry mountainous
regions, hillsides, and rocky plateaus
Elevation: 300–1,800 meters
Terrain: Stony hillsides,
dry meadows, roadsides, and rocky outcrops
DESCRIPTION:
Denseflower Mullein is a tall biennial herb reaching 1–2 meters in height. It
features a single, upright stem with large, lance-shaped leaves covered in
dense hairs, giving them a soft, woolly texture. The upper stem is topped with
tightly packed yellow flowers forming a dense spike, blooming in the plant’s second
year.
USABLE PARTS: Flower, Leaf
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Mullein is widely valued for respiratory support. It is traditionally used to
soothe dry coughs, bronchial irritation, and throat inflammation. The leaves
are also sometimes smoked or steeped in teas to ease congestion.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Tiny hairs on the leaves can irritate the throat if not properly filtered. Not
recommended during pregnancy or for long-term internal use without
consultation.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with thyme, licorice root, or coltsfoot in herbal lung blends or
teas.
PREPARATION:
Leaves and flowers can be dried and used in teas or blended into herbal smoking
mixtures. Flowers may also be infused in oil for earache remedies.
HARVEST TIME:
Second year of growth, during peak flowering (usually mid to late summer).
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut flowering stems during bloom. Remove flowers and select healthy leaves for
drying. Handle gently to avoid losing delicate flower parts.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry leaves and flowers completely in a shaded, ventilated area. Store in
airtight containers away from light and moisture to retain medicinal potency.