Mullein: medicinal properties and contraindications

In nature, there are many different useful plants that are able to independently spread and grow in almost all territories. One of such medicinal herbs is mullein - a representative of the flora, which belongs to the Norichnikov family.

This plant has long been known in folk medicine for its healing qualities. Almost all parts of the grass are used to treat a different group of diseases, including pathologies of the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract, skin and mucous membranes. Mullein is used both internally and externally, and has a small number of contraindications.

Chemical composition

The main healing effect of mullein is based on the fact that its composition contains high concentrations of iridoids, which are represented by harpagid and its acetate, as well as aucubin and catalpole. These compounds are antioxidant substances designed to slow down the aging process at the cellular level. Iridoids are able to exert an antimutagenic effect, which allows you to keep the genetic material and DNA chains intact. In addition, this group of substances has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties, due to which the protective function of the body is strengthened, inflammatory processes that are usually accompanied by swelling, fever and pain are eliminated. Also, iridoids are able to exert a hypotensive effect and stimulate the synthesis of bile.

In addition to this group of substances, mullein contains other valuable components. So, in the plant, mucus was found that has an enveloping, softening and protective effect on the mucous membranes. Mucus helps accelerate the healing of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, and also improves the excretion of sputum from the bronchi.

Sugars in the grass are broken down to glucose, and as a result serve as a source of energy for the human body. These substances regulate metabolic processes, stabilizing tissue nutrition and providing all cells with energy.

Saponins contained in mullein are highly active elements of chemical origin, which help to cleanse the lungs, normalize the production and excretion of urine. They are also characterized by antisclerotic properties, inhibit the development of cancer cells.

Flavonoids are designed to restore the normal functioning of the nervous system, improve concentration. In addition, this group of compounds increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, protecting them from fragility. Also, these substances prevent atherosclerosis and improve peripheral blood circulation. They are characterized by anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Essential oils stimulate the activity of the intestines and bile ducts, act as a sedative, and improve mucus discharge from the lungs.

Mullein contains gum, which, when it enters the lumen of the digestive tract, acts as adsorbents that absorb toxic substances. They envelop the mucous membrane, regulate appetite, restore intestinal microflora, and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Thanks to coumarins contained in mullein, the plant is endowed with antiseptic and astringent qualities, which allows to stimulate the healing process of wounds. Also, these components have a moderate diuretic effect, act as a prevention of thrombosis.

This medicinal herb contains organic acids, which are also characterized by anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal and astringent qualities.

Tannin, found in mullein, is a tannin that has anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative and regenerative properties. In small concentrations, it provides healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa and stool, in high concentrations it acts as an irritant that enhances peristalsis.

The mineral composition of mullein is represented by K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Li, Mg, Cu and other components that are actively involved in metabolic processes.

The product also contains vitamins such as retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid. They are responsible for tissue renewal, are characterized by antioxidant properties, strengthen the body.

In the flowers of mullein there is plant ash, which is endowed with anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning qualities.

How it looks and where it grows

Despite the fact that the royal scepter, also called mullein, is a wild plant, during flowering it has a rather attractive appearance.

The grass stalk is erect, covered with ashen hairs resembling thick down. The pointed leaves are about 15–30 cm long and about 5–10 cm wide. The leaves grow along the entire length of the stem, rushing up.

The bear’s ear has bright yellow flowers of small sizes. The plant blooms from the second year of life. This grass is found in almost all regions of the world, but Eurasia and the archipelagos of the Atlantic Ocean along Africa and Europe are the natural area of ​​its distribution. Mullein is unpretentious to soils, grows freely and develops near roadsides, and can bloom in sandy and rocky areas. If the grass falls on black soil and other types of fertile soil, it begins to hurt and soon dies.

Kinds

The royal scepter of all varieties is the highest. Flowering he lasts the longest. Used in medicine as an anesthetic. This type is most effective in the fight against hemorrhoids and lung diseases. In addition, this type of mullein has diaphoretic, expectorant and diuretic properties, which allows it to be used in the production of certain drugs.

A look like a bear’s ear helps to cope with inflammatory processes, as well as dilates blood vessels and eliminates seizures.

Hybrid mullein is probably the most unpretentious. He is able to survive even in severe drought and severe frosts, but he prefers open sunny terrain. Inflorescences have a rich yellow color, which are presented in the form of a panicle or spike. It is characterized by wound healing and insecticidal characteristics.

Panicled Mullein is easily distinguished by the presence of serrated leaves. This variety blooms throughout the summer. It is used to lower blood pressure.

The densely flowered type can reach a height of 0.8 m, characterized by felt pubescence, the leaves have an oblong shape. It blooms from June to August.

Purple Mullein differs from its counterparts in that it belongs to perennial plants and has flowers of purple color. This species does not bloom for long - from June to early July. In folk medicine, it is used to stimulate the heart muscle and improve intestinal locomotor activity.

The black mullein is distinguished by a spindle-shaped root, usually it can grow up to 1 m high. The flowers are bunched, emit a sweet aroma, which is preserved even in dried raw materials. May bloom throughout the summer. For therapeutic purposes, flowers are used that are able to treat diseases of the respiratory organs.

The Olympic species of the plant is also perennial, it can reach a height of 2 m. Small inflorescences, gray foliage. Grass blooms only in July. The product is used as a remedy for ulcers.

Collection and storage

If the collection and drying of medicinal raw materials is incorrect, it is very easy to lose its healing qualities. So, you can collect the plant only in dry, sunny weather, after the dew has evaporated.Fallen leaves should not be collected, since they have not preserved anything useful. Quality will be raw materials in which there are no cups of inflorescences.

During the collection of grass, you need to ensure that the raw material does not turn brown, it must retain a golden color. Mullein can be dried under a canopy or in a ventilated area. Dried grass must be packed in airtight containers.

For medical purposes, flower corollas are most often used. As a remedy, they usually collect an ordinary mullein (a bear’s ear). It blooms from July to August.

In the recipes of traditional medicine, other parts of the herb are used, such as root, foliage. Raw materials from one plant can be collected for a month, or even longer, since it has a fairly long flowering period. If you need to collect leaves or flowers, it is better to choose the end of summer for this.

The healing properties of mullein herb

First of all, it should be noted that the plant is used to treat bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Mullein is useful for catarrh of the respiratory organs, flu, tuberculosis, especially when the pathology is accompanied by a painful cough, since the grass has expectorant qualities. This helps to thin the sputum and remove it from the respiratory tract. Also, the plant is used as a mild diuretic.

Mullein also has antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, astringent, hemostatic, enveloping, antifungal, antiseptic and wound healing qualities.

With the help of this plant, it is possible to treat diseases of the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, in the stomach and esophagus, as well as in the intestines. Such plant materials can protect the mucous membranes from external negative influences, reduce pain, and relieve swelling. Mullein also fights with influenza viruses.

For a long time, people have noticed that if you attach the flowers of a plant to the site of a bruise, this protects against the appearance of a bruise. If bruises have already appeared, you can wind the flowers to the affected area, which will speed up the process of resorption of the hematoma. Therefore, this raw material is used in dermatology, namely for burns, frostbite, acne, eczema, furunculosis. Recovery is achieved by improving peripheral circulation, which normalizes the flow of blood with all the necessary components to the site of damage.

Bronchopulmonary diseases, including obstruction in bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, can also be treated with mullein. In addition to the fact that the bear’s ear treats coughs, it also boosts immunity and ensures quick recovery after a cold. The plant helps to cope with shortness of breath with asthma, inflammatory processes of the oral cavity, such as stomatitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis.

A rich vitamin composition helps eliminate edema. So, the plant helps to remove excess salt deposits from the body, while removing acute inflammation in the joint. Mullein is recommended for use in arthritis, gout, neuralgia, rheumatism.

The high content of mucus and tannins makes it possible to use grass for gastritis, colitis of various etiologies, and a lack of pancreatic enzymes. Popular raw materials in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

In addition, the mullein has a sedative effect, normalizing the activity of the brain, stabilizing the nervous system, increasing stress resistance and concentration.

For women

In gynecology, mullein is often used. It is indicated for inflammation of the genital organs; in the climacteric period, the product allows you to adjust high blood pressure and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.However, one should take into account the peculiarities of the use of this plant for medicinal purposes, since among the fairer sex there are a number of restrictions on the intake of such a herbal remedy. For example, you need to remember that mullein is contraindicated during gestation and breastfeeding, as it has an irritating and tonic property.

During menstruation and after childbirth, even if the baby is breast-fed, it is also contraindicated to use this herb because it acts as a blood thinner.

Mullein powder is used as a powder to heal nipple cracks. In this case, you should first treat these areas with an oily solution of retinol, fish oil or squeeze from carrots. Use of oil from a bear’s eye is allowed. If the baby continues to breastfeed during therapy, first wash the nipples with warm water.

In addition, in gynecology, a scepter-like mullein is used internally in the presence of inflammatory diseases. In this case, it is necessary to prepare a decoction of 1 tbsp. raw materials, filled with a glass of boiling water. The resulting solution should be infused before cooling, after which it should be taken 1 tbsp. after meals three times a day.

With menopause, accompanied by atherosclerosis and hypertension, you can prepare the same infusion, only in this case you will need a more concentrated solution, that is, 2 tablespoons will be needed per glass of boiling water. raw materials. Despite the fact that the mullein solution is actively used for rinsing, douching should not be done with it, since herbs with a higher concentration of tannins are used for these purposes.

For men

In andrology, there are no mullein recipes for treating diseases of the male reproductive system. However, due to the fact that abnormalities in the functioning of the prostate gland are often accompanied by hemorrhoids, indirectly the plant can contribute to the treatment of this gland in the treatment of hemorrhoids. So, mullein will provide an increase in the secretion of this gland.

Such plant material is one of the most effective ways to cure inflammation of the hemorrhoids. Compared with a number of analogues, this product quickly eliminates inflammation in these tissues, preventing bleeding and eliminating pain in the anus. Medicinal preparations are being prepared from mullein, intended for the destruction of pathogenic microflora in this area. They help protect against the development of bacterial complications and irritation of the mucous membrane and skin. In this case, anal ulcers, erosion and tears are covered with a kind of protective film, as a result of which the recovery process is accelerated.

You can also do sitz baths. In this case, you need to cook a decoction. To do this, take 50 g of dried flowers and 50 g of mullein roots. Pour the resulting mixture with 3 l of boiled water and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Pour the resulting broth into a container suitable for sedentary baths. When the liquid cools down to 40 degrees, sit in a basin so that the entire anus is completely immersed in the treatment solution. The procedure should last about 15 minutes. To get good results, you need to do these baths 3-4 times a week before bedtime. Procedures are prohibited for bleeding from inflamed nodes, since such a solution negatively affects the body and only worsens the condition.

For kids

Recently, it is not recommended to give children mullein for internal use, however, traditional medicine has preserved recipes for the preparation of medicinal formulations intended for the treatment of severe cough, whooping cough, inflammation of the bronchi and lungs with heavily departing sputum.

To obtain syrup, 1.5 tbsp is required. mix grass flowers with 2/3 tablespoons rhizomes of the marshmallow and boil them in 0.3 l of water for 10 minutes. After that, filter the solution and mix it with a glass of sugar. Next, cook the mass until a thick syrup is obtained. Ready to give children 1 tsp. 4-5 times a day with severe coughing.

To prepare a healing broth, you need 1 tsp. plant materials pour 0.5 liters of water and boil for 1 minute, filter and drink 1 tbsp. three times a day after meals. Instead of water, you can add milk.

Mullein in folk medicine

1. With bronchial asthma and sick lungs, an agent is effective, for which 3 tbsp. pour raw materials 500 ml of boiled hot water and insist the mixture in a thermos. The resulting amount of liquid is divided into three parts, which to drink during the day.
2. For the treatment of pathologies of the stomach and intestines, a remedy of 40 g of dried flowers and 1 liter of boiling water is useful. Brew and let the mass brew. Ready solution to drink 50 ml every two hours.
3. To make a sedative, you need to drink a flower decoction with the addition of a small amount of natural honey.
4. As noted above, the mullein has diuretic qualities, therefore, it is useful for gout and kidney stones. To cope with these ailments, it is necessary to make a healing broth. Such an infusion should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, and during the day before each meal. Take about 200 ml per day.
5. With diarrhea, an infusion of inflorescences of a flowering plant will be an effective remedy. Take the drug several times a day in 20 ml.
6. Usually mullein is used in combination with other medicinal herbs. To get a diaphoretic solution, you need to mix 1 part of the flowers of the royal scepter, elderberry black and mallow, as well as 2 parts of linden and raspberry. Mix all the components, measure 1 tbsp. the resulting mixture and boil in 500 ml of water. Drink the resulting solution hot before bedtime.
7. In the form of compresses and rubbing, mullein is used for radiculitis and rheumatism. To do this, pour 1 tbsp. raw materials 250 ml of vodka. Allow this mixture to infuse in a dark place for two weeks.
8. For ulcers and purulent wounds, an ointment of 5 parts of the seeds of the culture and 10 parts of butter will be effective.

Types of healing compounds

Mullein is a raw material for obtaining medicines used for various diseases. On the basis of this plant, decoctions and infusions are made for internal use, as well as funds for external use. These compositions have immunostimulating, antiviral, analgesic and decongestant characteristics.

To obtain dosage forms, dried above-ground parts, crushed to 5 mm, and roots to 3 mm, are used.

Infusion

Mullein infusion is effective in the treatment of pulmonary pathologies, including pneumonia, asthma, and even lung obstruction.

For the manufacture of a medicinal composition, you need 1 dessert spoon of dried raw materials in the form of flowers, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Insist this solution for a quarter of an hour, and then strain. The finished product is divided into three doses and drunk before meals.

Tincture

Alcohol tincture helps with joint and muscle pain. It is used as an external therapeutic agent for grinding.

To get such a drug, you need 1 tablespoon. dried raw materials mixed with 10 tbsp. vodka. Allow the mass to infuse for three days in a dark place with occasional agitation. After the specified period, strain the liquid.

Decoction

A herbal decoction is useful for the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cystitis, as well as diseases of the digestive system. The composition obtained according to this recipe can rinse the oral cavity with stomatitis and tonsillitis.

For the manufacture of funds follows 1 tbsp. dried and crushed raw materials pour 250 ml of boiling water. Put this mass on the stove and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil the mixture for two minutes. After this, the composition should be infused for half an hour.Drink the filtered liquid three times a day for 1 tbsp.

Tea

To make healing tea, you need 2 tbsp. mix the dried raw materials with boiling water, insist for several hours. Next, drain the mass.

Such a drink will allow to establish the activity of the digestive tract. Mullein tea is used for constipation, diarrhea. In addition, it is able to remove toxins from the body.

In case of sleep disorders, it is recommended to drink tea from mullein leaves before bedtime.

Butter

There is a popular belief that mullein can be used for urinary incontinence. In fact, such a tool is used externally to eliminate ear pain, in which case the composition is instilled into the ear, as well as with joint pain, while the sore spot should be rubbed with oil. Also, this mixture is suitable for compresses for dry skin and dry eczema.

To obtain vegetable oil should be 3 tbsp. place fresh grass flowers in a glass container, pour 100 ml of olive oil and insist in the sun with daily shaking. Repeat this procedure for a month, after which the therapeutic agent will be ready for use.

Ointment

With the help of mullein ointment, wounds that do not heal for a long time, festering, weeping and trophic ulcers can be cured.

To create such a healing agent, it is necessary to crush the dried seeds of the culture to a powdery consistency. The resulting powder is mixed with butter in a ratio of 1: 2. Apply the finished ointment to the affected areas under the bandage, doing twice a day.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, the quality of mullein is appreciated. After all, the plant has antifungal, emollient, moisturizing, antibacterial, nourishing, soothing and antiseptic properties.

1. To cleanse the skin, it is recommended in the morning and evening to make an infusion of 1 tbsp. inflorescences and 100 ml of boiling water. Within 30 minutes, allow the mixture to infuse, after which the liquid is filtered. Store the resulting composition in the refrigerator. Use the product for a long time, alternating with infusion of parsley.
2. To prepare a rejuvenating mask, you need to collect 1 tbsp. stamens from freshly picked flowers and grind them in a porcelain mortar. The resulting slurry is mixed with 5 g of honey and 10 g of sour cream. Apply the resulting composition to the face for 15 minutes. After that wash with warm water. You can use a decoction of parsley for this, it has a whitening property. Mullein-based cosmetics can be used for no more than 10 days, then take a week break, and then repeat the course.
3. A moisturizing mask is prepared from 15 ml of flower infusion, 5 ml of natural honey and the same amount of olive oil. Apply this mixture directly to the face or soak it with a fabric mask and apply for 10-15 minutes.
4. A decoction of foliage and mulberry inflorescences can be used as a hair balm. In this case, the hair should be soaked with healing infusion, covered with a hat for 30 minutes, and then wash your hair in the usual way. The broth can be used as a rinse.
5. To accelerate hair growth and eliminate dandruff, it is necessary to mix 30 ml of infusion and 15 ml of burdock oil. Moisten the curls with the resulting mixture. The tool should act for half an hour, after which you need to wash your hair. This procedure should be repeated once a month.
6. To prepare a skin care product, you need to take a bath with the addition of 10 drops of royal scepter oil. This plant has a rich complex of nutrients.

Contraindications

Despite a number of useful properties, all parts of mullein have certain contraindications. So, you can not use raw materials with a tendency to allergies, during lactation and bearing a baby.

Means prepared on the basis of this herb should be properly filtered so as not to cause irritation and indigestion.In no case should you use the seeds and their agents inside, as this part of the grass is toxic.

Mullein grass photo