Treats congestion and coughs and is an excellent expectorant, so it would very useful in a respiratory tonic. The mullein flower can be infused into oil, and has been traditionally used to speed healing, ease painful bruising, and to soothe wounds. A topical application of mullein flower oil can also help speed recovery from frostbite. The oil combined with garlic works well in the treatment against mites and ear infections. Leaf poultices are used to reduce pain, swelling and fevers. It also protects the mucous membranes and can be an astringent.

Mullein grows in USDA Zones 3 to 9, and prefers partial or full sun. Mullein is a biennial, and it grows a large rosette of fuzzy grey-green oval leaves the first year, and the second year the plant sends up a 6-8 foot stalk of yellow flowers. The parts used are the roots, leaves and flowers. Each part represents different medicines. If you are harvesting the roots, it should be done during the fall of the first year, or in the spring of the second year. The leaves of mullein can be harvested anytime, providede they look healthy. The flowers do not appear until the plant's second year and should be plucked from the flower heads when they are wide open. Preparations are tea, tincture, oil infusions (especially with garlic), compress and poultice.

Contraindications: Keep mullein away from fish and amphibians. The rotenone contained in mullein is toxic to aquatic life.