Botanical Name - Verbascum thapsus
Other Names - Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Velvet Dock, Velvet Plant, Candlestick
Origin - Albania
Typical Preparations - The dried leaf is used to make tea and, in combination with other herbs and spices, is also used to make incense.
Flavor Profiles - Mild and pleasant tasting. Combine with other herbs to enhance the flavor of tea blends.
Mullein is a member of the figwort family that is native to Eurasia and naturalized in North America and Australia. Because the plant is noted for its velvety leaves, it is often called Velvet Dock or Velvet Plant.
The herb is also known as Candlestick because the ancient Romans made a “Roman candle” or torch by dipping the long, flower stems in tallow and lighting them.
Cosmetic Usages - Infuse in oil for use in soaps, salves, ointments and liniments.
Aromatic Usages - Include the dried herb in incense blends.
Precautions - Don’t take large amounts or use this herb long-term. Mullein contains glycyrrhizin compounds.
