Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Mullein ???


Can this plant be Mullein? Two weeks ago, the Water Engineer spotted this unusual giant plant that looks like a big flurry cabbage plant. We spotted another. He has caught some of my blogging interest and suggested I take photos of them, and we got Sam's hand to show how big it is.

I just read some articles of Mullein that it is a common weed. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has long been used in herbal medicine, especially in remedies that aim to soothe the respiratory tract. These remedies involve the use of mullein's flowers and leaves.

I google searched for Mullein and found a lot of very interesting and educational entries.

Some Ducks, Tadpoles & Flannel Mulleins
April 3, 2009 by Maggie Mae Farm

Mullein

Common Mullein


This has got me interested as I suffer from flu a lot.
In test-tube research, mullein has been found to fight flu-causing viruses. However, since the flu can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, it's critical to seek medical attention when experiencing flu symptoms (rather than attempting to self-treat the condition).

Can any of you enlighten me more? Thanks.

These plants were found on the slopes of Mt Eden. It would be very anti social of me to go and dig them out. But I suppose I can go and pick a few leaves.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Ann, hope you have recovered from the nasty flu :P sending lots of good and positive vibes via blog land...if I am nearer I'll send chicken soup too.

This is interesting..this German sounding greenie looks superb. tks for sharing/hugs......M

Reader Wil said...

Ann how are you? Do you still have the flu? Don't get the swine flu!!
I have never seen a plant like that, Ann. I don't think they grow in the Netherlands. Take care!

Maggie said...

Ann - this is definitely a "1st year" mullien, and a good one at that; very healthy. If you leave it alone, next year it will come back with a very tall (3-5 feet!) spike on it with yellow flowers.

Thanks for visiting Maggie Mae Farm, and I look forward to reading your blog as well!

Tammie Lee said...

Hi Ann,
We have mullein here as well. I have some plants in my yard now. They look a bit different, most likely a different type. I have not used mullein much. Last year I dated a man who smoked cigarettes, yuck! Anyway he would not smoke around me, but when he needed a smoke really badly I would roll him a mullein smoke. It is suppose to be good for the lungs. Amazing. It got him through even though it does not have nicotine. I think he was sucking on a nicotine tube also. I also have a friend that says it makes great toilet paper in the woods ;-} I know it has many uses, I just have no experience. Have fun learning. It is a well known herb. The final identification is when it flowers and they match the info you find.
Sorry to hear you get the flu so often. Focus on things that boost the immune system.

Jama said...

I don't think I've ever seen a plant like that here.Interesting reading though.

Jama said...

The Vivo City is at the new Harbourfront MRT, it's quiet big with the outdoor facing the waterway to Sentosa Island. The speed of the escalators at the mall are quiet slow as compared to the ones at the MRT station, now that one is almost like the train, fast fast...
I hope I don't loose anymore weight during the fasting month, as it is I'm practically underweight.

Q said...

Hi Ann,
It does look to be like the mullein
that grows in my area. We have four types. Yours is huge!
The Southern Magnolias bloom in June and July. My neighbor has a huge tree and I love visiting it! I have not taken the camera for a walk for a long time I think I will get out and see what is going on in the neighborhood this afternoon. I post on my main blog, Q's Corner most of the time. Thank you for coming by my walking journal. I feel inspired to walk again!
Sending lots of well wishes.
Namaste,
Sherry

dinzie said...

Hi - Thanks for the note :O) Yes we are back now ..I'm still writing up on the holiday and posting the pictures... Very time consuming though ..

D

Barry said...

I've never heard of mullein, but I have to say that is one heck of a good sized weed! Wow.

Chef E said...

Now I am intrigued too! I will look up some things...

I have not cooked technically with that ingredient, but when meat is fresh it still has plenty, and is what gives the flavor when you brown, sear, or pan fry certain meats. I have had a sausage from spain that is beef chorizo that is dark from blood being added and smoked...it is delicious, but I saw that show on Ramsey and it was interesting!

Chef E said...

I just read a few things on Mullein, and there are many species of this plant, and seems only the common, and great mullein are used for medicinal purposes, and some are poisonous so be very careful and take some leaves to a botanist or plant specialist first...I know you are smart enough if that seemed not!

RedLan said...

Nice to know that the goodness of late President Cory Aquino been known in your country-NZ. WHat exactly the news or tribute about her? She died on Aug. 1 this year from colon cancer that we can't forget her. We will treasure the great memories and the goodness she contributed in our country. She called a saint. She soon will have a statue too. Thanks Ann.

SandyCarlson said...

That is one incredible plant. Looks to me like a gigantic version of what my great-grandmother called "chickens and hens."

Diane AZ said...

Hi Ann, My profile picture does look like a Mullein, but I'm not sure if it is. I snapped it at the botanical gardens without noting the name. But, I have seen fuzzy cabbage-like plants growing in Sonoran desert canyons and now I wonder if they are Mullein.

Judy said...

Mullein is a biennial, with a long tap root, if I remember correctly. So watch the plant for next year. If it grows a tall spike (could be over 6 feet tall), then it is common mullein. That is what I have in my garden. I have also seen varieties of mullein in other gardens, where it grows in clumps. The flowers are a beautiful yellow, with only a few open at any time.