Chickweed & Mullein - Stellaria media & Verbascum thapsus
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Stellaria media, chickweed, is an annual flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Eurasia and naturalized throughout the world. Chickweed contains; ascorbic-acid, beta-carotene, calcium, coumarins, genistein, gamma-linolenic-acid, flavonoids, hentriacontanol, magnesium, niacin, oleic-acid, potassium, riboflavin, rutin, selenium, triterpenoid saponins, thiamine and zinc.
Chickweed is laxative, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory. A poultice of chickweed is useful topically for inflammation, abscesses, eczema, boils, psoriasis, ulcers, and itching. Internally, it's a demulcent and is a gentle laxative and is soothing to the digestive tract. Chickweed may help protect against diabetes induced cardiac dysfunction, but more research is needed. It is full of antioxidants, which are protective for all of the body’s systems. It contains natural lecithin which specifically aids in fat metabolism. It may help balance beneficial bacteria in the gut, providing the optimum environment for healthy digestion. It is used in tea to help prevent scurvy and to fight upper respiratory illnesses.
Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is a flowering herbaceous plant. It tends to grow in sunny places where the soil has been disturbed. It can grow to be 7-8 feet tall. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial. It contains saponins, iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, vitamin C and minerals.
Mullein has mucilaginous and expectorant properties that may soothe respiratory troubles. Studies have shown that it is active against several gram-positive and gram-negative organisms that cause upper respiratory infections and pneumonia.1 It is generally recognized as safe, although the fine hairs that cover the plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The flowers can be used to make oil for ear infections. Mullein has antiseptic qualities and studies have found it effective at fighting pneumonia, staph and E. coli bacteria.2 Other research indicates that mullein has antiviral properties and may even slow the influenza virus. It has been used to treat tuberculosis.3 Taking mullein when you have a cold or flu may help you beat the infection faster.
Suggested dosing: Tincture 3-8 ml 2-3x a day.
Possible side effects: Allergy, dermatitis
Contraindications: Pregnancy & breastfeeding.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.
1 Muhammad Riaz, Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq, Hawa Z.E. Jaafar, Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects, Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, Volume 23, Issue 6, 2013, Pages 948-959, ISSN 0102-695X, https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012.
2 Turker, Arzu & Camper, N. (2002). Biological activity of Common Mullein, a medicinal plant. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 82. 117-25. 10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00186-1.
3 Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects, ://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2013000600012
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