What are medicinal values of woolly mullein?
Woolly mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America.
The leaves and flowers of woolly mullein are the parts of the plant that are used medicinally. The leaves are harvested in the summer, and the flowers are harvested in the fall.
Woolly mullein contains a number of compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These compounds include:
* Verbascoside: This compound is a glycoside that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
* Luteolin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
* Apigenin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
* Quercetin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Woolly mullein has been shown to have a number of medicinal uses, including:
* Respiratory conditions: The plant has been used to treat a variety of respiratory conditions, including coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
* Skin conditions: The plant has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
* Digestive conditions: The plant has been used to treat a variety of digestive conditions, including indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.
* Pain: The plant has been used to treat a variety of pain conditions, including headaches, muscle pain, and joint pain.
* Inflammation: The plant has been used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis.
Woolly mullein is generally considered to be safe to use, but it can cause some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are considering using woolly mullein for medicinal purposes, it is important to talk to your doctor first.