Mullein - A Favorite Among Herbalists
Mullein, or Rabbit Baccer as it's called here in the mountains, is another of my very favorite herbs, probably because it is so versatile. Mullein leaves are one of the classic go-to herbs for anything respiratory. I make both a tincture and a syrup from first year mullein leaves to keep in my herbal medicine cabinet, simply because it is one of the best herbal expectorants I have found. Expectorants are very important because they keep mucus from sitting in your lungs and setting up infection by keeping the mucus loose and easy to cough up. The root of a mullein plant dug in the fall between its first and second year is a wonderful medicine for my back pain caused by osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Mullein Root has an affinity for soothing those inflamed discs and making things move and feel much better. The flowers and stalk of the second year mullein plant make a lovely earache oil for children that not only soothes the pain but calms the ch...