I harvested the leaves from those plants as well and ended up with a huge amount of mullein leaves! I have an 11 1/2 year old daughter who woukd be a very enthusiastic helper, but she has not set foot on my property in nearly 5 years. Cover the leaves with oil (such as olive or sunflower oil) and place the jar in a cool place for three to six weeks. Foraging mullein leaves and flowers Because the flowers are tiny and open over a period of time, it's necessary to either harvest from a large patch or to pick some open flowers daily. I NEVER put anything fresh into oil. Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant. In a pinch, the leaves can be harvested from a plant with a flower stalk. He refers to it as Mullein Yoga. thanks. Pick leaves off the mullein plant. Mullein leaves are harvested throughout the spring and summer. I tried rinsing them, but the flowers themselves are so fragile and I’m afraid I’m washing some of their goodness away. Would you tincture roots and leaves together? Create a simple infusion by filling a glass jar with dried mullein leaves. You want to dig the roots once the plants have begun to die back. and are inside what looks like “larger round seeds”! Also, it removed only some of the bugs. I lay my flowers out on cookie sheets for a day or two. Mullein is biennial, flowering in its second year. Mullein has been used since ancient times, and its use and popularity only seem to be increasing as time goes on. In the fall, it is traditionally time to harvest roots from your medicinal plants. This past week, a hard freeze and snow was predicted so it was time to dig some mullein root. I want to know if the same use would be applied to the mullein spikes/stalk. Hope this helps! Please enter your e-mail address. I include the stalks when I make an oil maceration of Mullein. While you can still harvest the leaves from the stalk once it matures, it’s best to use tender, young leaves. Morning Lydia! You can use them fresh if you decide to tincture them – I do this. Cut off the entire flower stalk when the mullein is in bloom. All parts of the Mullein plant can be used, roots, leaves and flowers! I am in Metro Nashville –Tusculum area of Antioch. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. It is delish. So instead of reaching for the cough syrup, go outside and harvest your own mullein, or purchase some mullein tea online. It was used historically in fermentation of stouts and liqueurs and I assume you could still do that today. You’ll leave the lid off so moisture from the flowers can escape and let it sit like this for 3 days. To make your own ear oil, you’ll need to find a Mullein plant cluster (not on private property and not next to a roadside) from which you can harvest a jar’s worth of Mullein flowers. Remember to harvest responsibly: don't strip a patch bare by taking all the plants and/or flowers. Long-oval, woolly-velvety leaves: In the first year of growth, mullein develops a rosette of very hairy leaves (on both the top and bottom sides). If smoking for pleasure (or for ceremony), do try to keep your smoke blend just a wee bit moist; bone dry herbs are a harsher smoke. The leaves, flowers and roots of the plant are used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, asthma, coughs and other lung-related ailments — making it one of the top herbs for healing. Peterson’s makes them for medicinal plants. Large, fresh mullein leaves can be used to develop poultices to treat joint pain or gout. Methods of Use. My current plan is to locate a Mullein field, harvest and dry the leaves for tea this winter. They should feel naturally smooth. You put some in some olive oil with a little crushed garlic. Mullein grows wild all over our farm – having them pop up in our side yard just makes it easier. The first year, the plant produces a leafy base; the second year, a single upright stalk emerges from the center of the base and produces a thick head of soft yellow blooms. Harvest the buds and flowers when in bloom (Usually between July and September) and use them fresh or dried. Mullein has the softest leaves – very similar to  Lamb’s Ear only on a much larger scale. It does have a faint vanilla aroma. It was a great harvest! Description. I’m drying some for future use and tincturing a good amount for a variety of things. Identifying the Medicinal plant – Mullein. If the leaves are only collected later in the afternoon, they contain more glycosides, and the number of essential oils is reduced. The best time to harvest the roots of mullein are between fall of its first year and spring of its second before the plant flowers. Although we have always harvested Mullein from our farm fields, for the last few years we have had some Mullein plants pop up in our side yard. and b) when to harvest the leaves. Harvested mint leaves may also be frozen whole in an airtight container. Harvest mullein leaves when they are fresh and vibrant looking, ideally when the leaves are still in a basal rosette. Both its flowers and leaves are very useful! Many growers believe the root should be harvested when the plant's energy is highest, that would be the first year in the fall. The flowers are best harvested early in the morning and dried in the shade. Thanks! I would love to have 5 acres or so out in the country someday, but maybe I will have to be content with visiting the farms of others. Mullein leaf really doesn't have a lot of flavor, and is used largely because it burns so well, and can help a blend that mixes harder roots and barks with softer, faster burning leaves smoke more evenly. Today is the last day of 2020. The addition of the mullein flowers in the tea gives it a slightly sweet taste. I want to encourage you to start now! Harvest anytime during the growing season, which lasts from spring to late summer, but pick only the smallest new leaves. I laid the roots out on the driveway and hosed off the dirt and clay. Each year I ask Elijah to mow around them. I have been interested in herbal medicine for over 40 years but am just now at a point where I think I can start putting my interest into action. If you attended an herbal medicine class this year, you’ll remember them from our outdoor plant identification walk. Drink it with a bit of honey to fight inflammation and soothe a sore throat while killing off bacteria and viruses. and thanks for the reminder that it is the flowers and not the leaves. Please tell me as I can’t find this answer anywhere. Mullein leaves are best harvested in the summer of the second year as the plant is growing its stalk. How do you use it like vanilla? The oil is used as a remedy for earaches, eczema, and some other skin conditions.. One … A crockpot or a saucepan on a low setting works great. To begin with, each rosette of mullein leaves puts up a single flower stalk that can sometimes reach six feet (2 m.) in height. When to Harvest Mullein Leaves | Hunker A large, upright plant from the figwort family, mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) is a biennial, meaning it grows two years in a row. Its easy to recognize by its soft, fuzzy leaves, and tall flower spike. I encourage you to grow your own medicinal herbs and learn to use them! My kids were raised on it and the health benefits are amazing! The flowers can be used fresh with olive oil to create a healing tincture, and the dried leaves make a healing tea. That oil goes into a frig “labeled and dated” and will last as long as the recommendation on whatever oil you used! Add as much of the mixture as you can to your. I harvested some flowers today only to find that they are covered in tiny, tiny bugs. You can use a. Spritz your herbal blend with just a bit of water. I'm planning to experiment, and amend a portion of it with mullein. Michael Moore suggests harvesting the flowers individually off of the plant despite how time consuming it is. Thanks. Note: There are several effective ways to make an herbal infusion. And when I lived on 81 acres, I made butter and cheese and stuff. I just toss the seeds into a flower bed and next spring I’ll have plants! The most sustainable way to forage for and harvest mullein is to find the fuzzy leaves in the spring time and harvest them before the flower stalk starts to shoot up when the weather gets very warm. The flowers can also be saved and dried in the same way as the leaves. You want to pick only the freshest, unblemished leaves. As an Infusion or Tea: The dried flowers and leaves of the Mullein plant are often used in teas for coughs, colds, flus, sore throats, asthma, and upper respiratory infections. The root of the mullein herb can also be harvested, but opinions vary on when the best time for root harvest may be. All spring I harvested the bright yellow flowers in the mornings – these will be used to make my herbal ear oil. The flower stalk oozes a brown protective, self-healing resin for the plant. You can also harvest the root of the mullein herb. Mullein propagation is usually done from seed, though you can transplant foraged root stock or seedlings (18 to 24 inches apart) in your garden. After you’ve harvested your flowers, follow the steps in this blog post to create an herbal infused oil. Does it make a difference if they are fresh or dry? Harvest leaves while the mullein is in bloom in late spring or early summer for the best flavor. Mullein tea, either as a medicinal or beverage drink is … I always keep some dried so that through the winter, if a need arises, I can use them which ever way I need. Elijah thinks they would make good bedding. You want to dig the roots once the plants have begun to die back. Mullein for colds is a simple concept, and the plant is easy to harvest and preserve for the winter season. by Cheri | Nov 4, 2014 | Herbal Remedies | 10 comments. Can you email me your answer? Avoid disturbing the soil. What an eventful ye, My grandmother had this old handwritten cook book, The top 9 photos on my IG in 2020. Roots can be gathered before the stalk grows, sliced and dried. It is best to harvest Mullein when the flowers are blooming. Required fields are marked *, To YHVH be the Glory! © Copyright The Mommy Herbalist | Website by. You need color photos! If you remove this stalk before it forms seeds, the same rosette of leaves will put up several shorter flower stalks, making for … I also let them wilt/dry and use an oil maceration. Bundle and hang the leaves upside down to dry. Is it possible to make an alcohol tincture with the mullein flowers? In the second year, a stalk develops and the leaves grow in an alternate pattern up the stalk. I sure could use the good stuff for my newest plot, which is really barren soil. You want the herbs to be moist, but not at all soaking. On the right, you can see the leaves I discarded. If you are not in a position to grow your herbs, I always recommend Mountain Rose Herbs – I’ve used them for almost 2 decades and have never been disappointed in the quality or effectiveness of their herbs! On the right, you can see the leaves I discarded. Any moisture in plant material can cause mold in your salve/oil. Mullein Leaves. I still order from them on a regular basis to get herbs that either won’t grow here in Tennessee or, for those herbs I’m not yet growing or wildcrafting. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a medicinal plant of fields and waste places. I need to find someone with a dairy cow my daughter can milk. I prefer the leaves before the plants send up their flower stalks. A specific product that contains mullein, garlic, calendula, and St. John’s wort has been used in the ear for up to 3 days. Harvesting Mullein. Hope this helps . As a Sedative or Legal High: Mullein leaves have a mild sedative and narcotic properties. I like to grow or wildcraft the herbs we use on a regular basis…goes back to that ability to be self sufficient as I care for my family’s medicinal needs. Allow them to dry for several days. You can read more about using Mullein in this post. Basic Information Botanical Name. They are drying as we speak and I will have enough Mullein leaves for the year and to share with others. I hope you can find your acreage! Then I cut open the stalk and scoop pit the insides and use it on cooking. How is mullein resin harvested? Verbascum thapsus is the most commonly used species of mullein, though there are other varieties. Their Mullein is superb and very inexpensive! You want to pick only the freshest, unblemished leaves. It is also fun to take the dried flower stalks and use them as torches…either as is or dipped in tallow or parafin…farm fun! Have, Happy birthday to you The friend that keeps m, Are you ready to start the new year by launching i, Medicinal Uses for Yarrow—The Homestead Herb, Medicinal Uses for Yarrow—The Ultimate Homestead Herb, Homemade Cough Syrup | Eucalyptus and Thyme, Homemade Herbal Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, Essential Oils and Herbs for Ear Infections, Flu Fighting Elderberry and Astragalus Syrup, How to Make Herbal Infused Oil for Salves and Herb Products, Why You Shouldn’t Make Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup, Medicinal Uses of Goldenrod & Goldenrod Tincture, The Best Antiviral Herbs and Viral Ailment Support Herbs, https://thefewellhomestead.com/how-to-make-herbal-lotion-bars/, In a small bowl, try to shred your herbs together. Mullein is weedy and thus widely available, the only major thing to consider is that harvesting is best in areas that are free of pollutants. You will receive a new password via e-mail. I’m sure if you look locally, you could find an organic farmer who would LOVE to have someone help with the milking in exchange for raw milk. Also, do you know what the shelf life is for the flower oil? Pick the leaves in mid-morning, giving overnight dew a chance to evaporate. Mullein flowers dry very quickly and the little bugs craw out of those flowers too! From inspiratio, The year is almost over, a thought of which I am s, As we get ready to go into a new year, I want to s, Are you trying to become a work at home mom? This past week, a hard freeze and snow was predicted so it was time to dig some mullein root. It just depends on what you are trying to create and what you are going to use them for as to which way to go. a) I know mullein draws up nutrients, if this happens in the first year, or is it good to let the plant for another season. To make mullein tea, steep seven fresh or dried mullein leaves and some flowers (without the seeds) in 5 cups of boiling water for about 10 minutes. If the infestation of the plant is very dense, use herbicides. I may be too late for this year. Lay the leaves on a cookie screen, making sure not to let them pile up on each other or overlap, and cover them with cheesecloth. Once you harvest mullein, you can use it to create medicinal herbal teas by pouring boiling water over fresh or dried mullein leaves. Also, if it is for your cat's ear, I believe it is the little yellow mullein flowers (as opposed to the leaves) that are good for ears. Mullein is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the ear, short-term. When smoked or added to teas, they can produce a mild, legal high. I pick the flowers, put them on a cookie sheet covered with paper towels and let them dry – then I store them. The fresh leaves and flowers are a tasty addition to salads. The best times are in the fall of the first year’s growth or in the spring of the second year, before the flower stalk starts to grow. In the fall, it is traditionally time to harvest roots from your medicinal plants. This will help the blend be more palatable. Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning that it lives two years. The leaves and flowers can be dried, and used like other herbal teas. Still, you can grow ground cover plants, as they will prevent the germination of the plants. If you want to get rid of mullein plants, uproot the plants before they start flowering. The tincture will preserve itself because of the oil. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. I grow Brussels sprouts. Custody battle from Hell, which I hope will be ending soon. Then a more thorough washing inside the house and it is time to put them to use. We have an abundance of mullein here (MT) Feel free to email me if you have questions on getting started with herbs and oils! I try to be as self-reliant as possible and I have a good start to my “suburban homestead”. Log in. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the leaf hairs that can irritate the throat. How do you debug the flowers? The seeds are very tiny (think pepper!) What Is Mullein Used For? Although I harvested leaves throughout the summer, there were several plants that popped up late in the summer and had not yet begun to flower. The added water will help the smoking blend taste and feel better when smoked. Hope this helps! Use the leaves of the mint plant fresh, or lay flat in a cool, dry place to dry out the leaves for future use. A friend of mine picks the leaves and freezes them for use over the winter. Leaves can grow up to 2 feet long. Your email address will not be published. Strain the oil through a cloth-lined strainer and store it at room temperature. Grow some herbs and learn to use them in different ways, learn to wildcraft with a good plant ID book. Likewise, leaves collected earlier in the day are generally much richer in essential oils. However, this harvest time prevents the blossoms that normally appear the second year. Begin by researching issues that your family deals with on a regular basis, find the herbal solutions, grow them and learn how to use them! Do not exceed smoking the herbal mix for more than 2 weeks. I saw a video of a guy picking the flowers and putting them straight into the oil fresh (bugs and all?) In the first year, it grows into a large rosette of oblong, thick, and fuzzy green-gray leaves. Your email address will not be published. Collect the large basal leaves that are close to the ground at most any time of year, and collect flowers in the summer, mid-morning after dew has dried. They can also be harvested in fall if it is their first year growing. Once I do process the flowers in oil and it cools. The flower stalks were dead although there were till a few green leaves on some of the plants. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. The best time to do this is later in the day, when any dew has evaporated. After spending half of the day getting the hens ready for the coming winter, it was time to turn my thoughts towards harvesting herbs and to begin the harvest of various roots around the farm. I would love to share a vow and have raw milk. Ty to anyone who can answer my question, Hi Penela, 3-Ingredient Mullein Tea Recipe Ingredients: – 1.5 cups water – 2 teaspoons mullein leaves and/or flowers That resin was once used in baking…kind of like vanilla is today. Your email address will not be published. More on that in a future post! When making a mullein flower infusion with fresh flowers you’ll need to fill your jar with flowers, barely cover them in oil, and place the jar in a warm place over low heat. Plant medicine is easy, fun and adds to your security when hard times come. 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Me your answer is extracted from the flower or leaves of the oil fresh ( and... Do this and all? strainer and store it at room temperature herbs learn. Hang the leaves in mid-morning, giving overnight dew a chance to evaporate the house and it cools upside to... Here ( MT ) can you email me if you want to pick the... Very dense, use herbicides POSSIBLY SAFE when applied directly to the ear, short-term prevents blossoms... Craw out of those flowers too on when the best time for root harvest may be and properties! Filling a glass jar with dried mullein leaves are harvested throughout the and... All over our farm – having them pop up in our side yard just makes it.... Still do that today who can answer my question, Hi Penela, include. And thanks for the reminder that it lives two years or a saucepan on a cookie how to harvest mullein leaves!, ideally when the best flavor and dry the leaves in mid-morning, giving dew... 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Early summer for the plant is very dense, use herbicides | 10 comments predicted so it time... Past week, a stalk develops and the leaves for tea this.... Open the stalk grows, sliced and dried in the fall, it is traditionally time to them! The second year, it ’ s ear only on a low setting great...