Herbal Mullein Smoking Blend
One of my most beloved plant friends, Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an Old World plant, where it was for centuries an esteemed medicinal herb. Used in both traditional folk medicine and modern day clinical herbalism for its naturally occurring antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-influenza and antioxidant properties. Mullein is also high in iron, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur, making it ideal for lung and respiratory health.
Amongst the many medicinal applications, you can also make traditional Hag’s Tapers, or Witch’s Candles by dipping the dried flower stalk in beautiful raw beeswax to make a magical candle stick!
In late summer and early autumn, you’ll often discover common mullein at the end of its growing season, reedy stalks standing at attention in fecund woods, hedgerows and fields, with pods bursting abundantly with delicate black seeds. While it is best to harvest this plants young and tender leaves in warmer weather, the more mature leaves are still tremendously useful, and the seeds can be saved to sow in early spring.
To sustainably wild forage and harvest mullein, cut the leaves and tops of the mullein plant off, leaving the root so that it comes back each year.
I enjoy using common mullein as the base for a nourishing herbal smoke. It can be used to reduce inflammation, coughing spasms, and is very useful as an expectorant. Below is a simple, treasured recipe for a healing smoke blend:
1 tbsp Dried Mullein Leaf
1 tsp Dried Thyme Leaf
1 tsp Dried Peppermint Leaf
1/2 tsp Water
Blend herbs together in a small bowl, shredding larger leaves with your fingertips until fine. You can also use a mortar and pestle to grind them finely enough to fit into a rolling paper or pipe.
Before use, gently mist your herb blend with a small amount of water so it is just lightly moist, but not wet. This will help the smoke feel more smooth and palatable.
Add mixture to smoking pipe or roll using natural non-bleached organic rolling papers.
Smoke as needed for relief of lung complaints, or for enjoyment!