Muellin

Verbascum thapsus – 50g – $8.25

Tea – mixture of mullein leaves and flowers – loose

Mullein tea has been used by North American Indians for centuries as a traditional treatment for respiratory problems ie chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. The leaf of Mullein is slightly bitter though tea from the flowers is sweeter. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, as well as saponins, making coughs more productive. Research has shown that mullein has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties too.

Some people find the plant’s hairs irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Test a small amount of mullein to see how you react to it before consuming.

ALWAYS STRAIN the tea through fine-weave cloth or a coffee filter to remove any stray hairs.

INFUSION add one teaspoon into a coffee filter or muslin cloth (tie it up so nothing spills out) put into a mug of boiling water and leave 5 minutes – DO NOT PUT TEA directly into boiling water unless straining afterwards through a fine filter to ensure no small irritating hairs are in you tea mug