Healing the respiratory with smoke???

MULLEIN. the velvet respiratory healer.

Family: Scrophulariacea; other members include figwort, foxglove and eyebright.

Genus & species: Verbascum thapsus.

A.K.A: Candlewick plant, torches, velvet dock, flannel plant, feltwort, Aaron’s rod, shepherd’s staff and … Lungwort.

Parts used: Leaves, flowers & roots.

Healing the respiratory with smoke???

Healing the respiratory system with smoke sounds ridiculous, right? Bronchitis, asthma, coughs, tuberculosis cured with smoke? Who uses smoke to heal & soothe respiratory irritation? Many in our nation today faced with information like that, might respond with “ what are you smoking?”. The answer here is Mullein, the smokable herb. Its botanical name Scrophulariaceae is derived from the word scrofula. That’s an old term for chronically swollen lymph glands- a.k.a: Tuberculosis. Laboratory studies show Mullein inhibits the growth of the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis and also contains a soluble fiber called mucilage that soothes the throat.

Ancient cultures around the entire world considered Mullein magical because of its long history as a healer. Early colonists introduced Mullein into North America. Native Americans quickly adopted this herb as medicine after learning what the rest of the world knew about Mullein and yes, they smoked it.

The 1st-century Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed this plant for healing. Ancient India records Ayurvedic physicians prescribed Mullein also for “the cough”. Records from the 17th century hold writings that state “ Mullein easeth an old cough.” from herbalist Nicholas Culpeper’s book of research. Another 17th-century herbalist William Coles wrote; “farmers give it to their cattle against cough”. 1898 Eclectic text, Kings American Dispensatory- reads “Upon the upper portion of the respiratory tract, its influence is pronounced.” The 19th century’s Eclectic physicians ( the early beginnings of today’s Naturopath ) viewed Mullein as a respiratory soother with a mild pain relieving & tranquilizing effect.

Now in the 20th Century pharmacies are a staple in the American economy & culture. During the 19th & 20th Centuries Mullein was listed in the National Formulary, the pharmacists’ reference- as a cough remedy. Far into the 1980’s Mullein still held popularity as a cough remedy, as it does today. In 1986 Varro E. Tyler PH.D. wrote “Mullein has proven a very popular Hoosier remedy for all types of respiratory complaints.”

So from ancient cultures, to worldwide use & recognition, clear up to current times, Mullein has been healing respiratory conditions effectively without side effects. Have you heard about this magical herb? The distinguished M.D. Rudolph Fritz Weiss from Germany writes, “Mullein has a well founded reputation as a cough remedy”. The Commission E is the German counterpart of the FDA. Commission E endorses Mullein as a soothing treatment for colds & respiratory conditions.

So why doesn’t your doctor write a script for this magical medicine to just pick up at the local pharmacy? That’s actually a different article that maybe we can entertain later when we want to learn about steroids, side effects, large profit, insurance, and advertising. For now, the focus is on healing the respiratory in a safe, effective, and affordable way. The same way the rest of the world does and always has- with Mullein.

So do I recommend that you smoke it? I won’t say that you shouldn’t but in reality, many can’t breathe in the idea that smoke heals. Evidence of history & usage around the world assures us that Mullein does, at minimum heal respiratory complaints. To ease your mind & help you give this herb a try, I have listed below practical methods & dosage. For you smokers out there get ready, smokable blends are coming soon!

Tincture: 1/2 teaspoon 3x a day

Tea: 2 teaspoons of leaves, flowers, and roots brewed in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 3x a day

This is a very bitter herb. Add sweetener of choice. Suggested options: add 1/2 cup of favorite juice to tea- hot or cold.

Sip slowly & enjoy the relief of healing herbs.