09/04/2019 / By Zoey Sky
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is often used as a natural substitute for toilet paper. But did you know this useful plant can be used for so much more? (h/t to BioPrepper.com)
In the western U.S., common mullein is known as the “cowboy toilet paper.” Take note that when using this plant as a substitute for toilet paper, you should wipe following the flow of the hairs on the leaves, not against.
First-year plants form a rosette with large, hairy, and velvety leaves. Common mullein’s silver-green foliage gives it an artificial waxed appearance. The plant grows in well-drained disturbed soil near abandoned fields, gravel, roadways, and waste places in rocky soil under full sun. Common mullein in their second year of growth can reach at least 10 feet in height.
The leaves, stalk, and roots of common mullein have medicinal purposes.
Mullein tea is an expectorant that promotes better lung function and removes congestion and mucus from the respiratory tract. Alternatively, you can use dried leaves via smoke inhalation. Use a dehydrator to speed up the drying process. Set the dehydrator on its lowest heat and process until dry.
You can make an oil infusion that can relieve earaches using common mullein flowers.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
The mullein infusion can also minimize swelling in glands. Use it in a compress to relieve swollen areas on your body. It can also be used to ease laryngitis and tonsillitis. Additionally, mullein root can help strengthen the bladder.
When gardening, you can use mullein to fix nitrogen levels and address poor soil conditions. The plant can also feed bees and other pollinators.
Use mullein as compost material, or let certain types of birds feed on mullein seeds. If you want to keep goats out of your property, plant mullein in your garden as a natural goat repellent.
Listed below are the miscellaneous survival uses of common mullein.
When SHTF, you can use common mullein as a natural remedy for various health complaints like coughs, earaches, or inflammation.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: anti-inflammatory, botanicals, herbal medicine, Herbs, home gardening, how to, inflammation, ingredients, medicinal plant, mullein, natural cures, off grid, outdoors, preparedness, prepper, prepping, prevention, remedies, research, survival, survival medicine, Survival Tips, Verbascum thapsus, wilderness survival
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