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Winter Miracle Tea

POSTED DECEMBER 28, 2021 BY CRISSY JOSHUA IN ALL ARTICLES, BACKYARD PLANTS, HOUSEHOLD REMEDIES, HOW TO, RECIPES25

There’s nothing cozier than a hot drink on a cold winter’s night, preferably curled up on the sofa or your favorite comfy chair. Tea is the most popular hot drink in the world and can be taken in any number of ways: with milk, plain, with a slice of lemon, etc. Today, we’re going to look at a winter miracle tea recipe that is sure to warm you on those dark nights.

It also has many health benefits thanks to the black tea and the other ingredients that go into this drink: star anise, clove, cinnamon, honey, and almond milk (optional). I’m going to let you know what these benefits are first and then share the quantities and how to prepare it.

Medicinal Benefits Of This Winter Miracle Tea

Black tea comes from the ‘Camellia Sinensis plant and can have other plants added for flavor. I’m going to use Earl Grey tea today which is blended with bergamot. The bergamot orange trees are commonly grown in Italy and this blend is one of the strongest-tasting black teas, I find. Feel free to use any black tea of your choice in this recipe.

Medicinal Benefits Of Black Tea

Black tea contains antioxidants called flavonoids which are good for your heart health. Studies involving drinking black tea daily have shown that it lowers the risk of developing heart disease by reducing risk factors including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Black tea also contains other antioxidants known as polyphenols. These help fight free radicals which in turn helps prevent or slow the formation of some types of cancers. Polyphenols also help to maintain a healthy gut by encouraging good bacteria growth and stopping bad bacteria growth. This leads to a stronger immune system and better health overall.

Another incredible benefit that comes from drinking black tea is that it reduces the risk of having a stroke. It also lowers blood sugar levels which reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, obesity, and depression.

Medicinal Benefits Of Star Anise

Star anise has long been used to fight the flu and viruses. That’s because it contains shikimic acid (which is so powerful it’s used in the production of a drug to treat bird flu). It also helps relieve cold and flu symptoms like chills, a headache, muscle pains, and fatigue.

Star anise can also improve the symptoms of menopause. It mimics estrogen and studies have found it’s highly effective at reducing hot flashes. Bone loss is another potential side effect of menopause and star anise helps keep bones healthier and protects against osteoporosis.

Medicinal Benefits Of Cloves

Cloves are one of those spices that ooze warmth and are often used in food and drink recipes to add a bit of heat and boost the flavor. They also have some surprising health benefits. For example, cloves can help to protect your liver. They can keep the liver healthier by improving liver function, reducing inflammation, and decreasing oxidative stress.

The antioxidants in cloves that reduce oxidative stress also help protect against chronic diseases.

Medicinal Benefits Of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used in medicine for thousands of years. It is anti-inflammatory which lowers your risk of disease and helps the body fight infections which is so crucial at this time of year. Cinnamon also lowers bad cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

It might even help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

Medicinal Benefits Of Honey

It’s the season to catch a cold or flu and honey is commonly used in hot drinks to soothe a sore throat and coughs. Honey is even used by many to treat upper respiratory tract infections. If you suffer from hay fever or allergies, honey has also been reported to reduce symptoms if taken daily ahead of allergy season.

Related: Allergies No More! Allergies and Asthma Support Bundle (Learn More)

Honey is also high in antioxidants which can help prevent any number of conditions including type 2 diabetes. Not only that, it can help keep your heart healthier by lowering blood pressure, regulating the heartbeat, and stopping healthy cells from dying.

Medicinal Benefits Of Almond Milk

Almond milk contains several minerals and vitamins and is especially high in vitamin E. It is often enriched with calcium too, making it great for the bones and a good source of calcium for those who are lactose intolerant.

Using almond milk is optional in this recipe. You can add any plant-based or animal milk that you prefer, or leave your winter miracle tea black; it will still be warming and beneficial.

How To Make This Winter Miracle Tea

There are approximately 21 calories in one teaspoon of honey. This drink will also contain added calories if you use milk and will vary by type and brand.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of black tea ( usually 1 teaspoon black tea leaves per cup of water)
• 1 Star anise pod
• 1 Dried clove
• ½ Teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 Teaspoon of honey (or sweetener of your choice)
• A splash of almond milk (or milk of your choice / or leave it black)

Utensils

• Kettle
• Teapot
• Mug
• Teaspoon

Method

1. Boil your water
2. Add your black tea leaves (usually 1 teaspoon per cup of water), 1-star anise pod, and 1 dried clove to your teapot then pour in your water
3. Let it steep for 10 minutes then pour your tea into a mug
4. Stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder and 1 teaspoon of honey
5. Add milk if you’re choosing to use it and stir one final time

Your winter miracle tea is now ready. Enjoy it as soon as it’s not too hot to drink. You can have up to two cups of this each day.

If you want to add more water because you find the spices strong at first that’s fine and a great way to get more water in your diet. Just keep the rest of the quantities the same. Remember, while honey has many beneficial medicinal qualities, it is still high in calories and causes an increase in blood sugar.

Also, black tea contains caffeine and the amount varies by type and brand so most people are better off having this a couple of hours before going to bed. It’s also a great hot drink to have in the morning to gently wake you up and heat you up from the inside.

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25 Comments

• MICHELE POSTED DECEMBER 28, 2021 5:39 PMVery interesting will try as winter is hereReply
• MONIKA POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 4:50 PMWould you please compare Ceylon cinnamon with Saigon cinnamon? My friend said one is “fake” cinnamon. Thank you.Reply
  • LISA POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 5:12 PMGo with Ceylon cinnamonReply
  • CYNTHIA POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 5:22 PMCeylon cinnamon is considered the true cinnamon because it tends to be purer than other types. Saigon comes from Vietnam.Reply
  • DIANA CEDENO POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 5:26 PMHello Dr.Apelian, I also would like to know your answer to this question.
    Thank youReply
    • THE LOST HERBS POSTED FEBRUARY 9, 2022 10:45 AMHi,Ceylon cinnamon is considered healthier than Saigon cinnamon (cassia) because it has more medically-established health benefits, and negligible levels of a toxic compound that’s high in Saigon cinnamon. So Ceylon is called “True” cinnamon for a reason: it provides users with all of the cinnamon benefits without any of the risks.Saigon cinnamon is known for its high concentration of essential oils, which accounts for it having a more complex and pungent flavor. Saigon cinnamon is intensely peppery and warm with a slight bitter note that can be unpleasant when the spice is used in excess. Because of these oils, Saigon cinnamon is considered good in terms of flavor. Ceylon cinnamon’s flavor is more subtle.I hope this helps!
  • K POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 5:30 PMCeylon is the REAL cinnamon. Saigon is not.Reply
  • KIM TYMKOW POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 5:51 PMI would also like to know about the differences in cinnamon that we can find in our grocers. 🙏🏼🌞Reply
  • ROUMIANA POSTED JANUARY 7, 2022 4:34 AMCeylon or rather Sri Lankan cinnamon is famous is the best. I’ve never heard of Saigon cinnamon.Reply
• ROSALYN FAY POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 5:14 PMAlso known as chaiReply
  • ROUMIANA POSTED JANUARY 7, 2022 4:38 AMchai means just tea, any tea, including herbal infusion in many languages, such as Bulgarian (чай), Russian, Turkish, Farsi, etc. Tea is the English translation of chai.Reply
• PAULETTE SALISBURY POSTED JANUARY 6, 2022 6:44 PMLove this tea blend. Please clarify or correct your Ingredients list above to say One cup brewed black tea. As it reads now, you would need a cup of black tea leaves. The instructions below say one teaspoon of tea leaves to one cup of water, added to the anise, cloves and other ingredients. This may sound trivial but I know some folks who would get confused by the instructions given.Reply
• CLAIRE LEGRAND POSTED JANUARY 7, 2022 1:21 AMWhat kind of teapot is best? Cast Iron, ceramic or glass?Reply
  • THE LOST HERBS POSTED FEBRUARY 9, 2022 10:53 AMHi Claire,Picking the best teapot can be challenging.Cast iron teapots are not only beautiful objects that you can display with pride in your tea corner, but they’re also a simple and functional way to brew up a tasty cup of tea. Made of solid cast iron, these pots are known for their excellent heat retention, so your tea will stay hotter for longer after you brew it.However, they all come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
    Please check the articles below for more details about each teapot and how to choose the best one:
    https://www.nisbets.co.uk/how-to-choose-a-teapot
    https://kitchenkite.com/blogs/kitchenkite-brew/picking-the-perfect-teapot-cast-iron-vs-ceramic-vs-glass-teapotMany blessings and good health!Reply
• KELLIE POSTED JANUARY 7, 2022 1:26 AMI have a question concerning black tea. My understanding is that if you have thyroid issues that you should not drink black tea, also I was told that black tea tends to leach iron from your system, is this info correct and if so, what tea can you use instead?Reply
  • RADARPHOS POSTED JANUARY 8, 2022 9:41 AMKellie, go (back) to your medical professional/specialist, who monitors blood lab work (e.g., iron in blood). Let this one evaluate your labs, then ask your questions; and experiment as you may because if a problem exists it will likely show up in lab work. Iron is amply present in most foods, and especially processed foods using flours (its added to the flour before the bready item is made). Overload of iron is not good, as is under-load of iron. By the way, viruses and bacteria in the body LOVE iron and tend to travel in a body to where iron is readily available (e.g., reproductive organs). Plenty of MDs believe or suspect that cancers are caused by any combination of: virus, bacteria, parasite, fungi and toxins. Dr. Thomas E Levy, MD, JD (Juris “attorney” doctorate) offers a free download pdf-book, about 330 pages called “Rapid Virus Recovery” and written with a view towards Covid and general health. It is written to convey understandings to the non-medically trained (like me). Do a search. You can still get a free download of Rapid Virus Recovery at this link: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/thomas-levy-md-jd/Reply
• CHARITY CARLTON POSTED JANUARY 7, 2022 6:26 AMI have to try this!Reply
• LINDA SIMPSON POSTED JANUARY 7, 2022 10:31 AMIs there a tea that is low in oxalates. My Nephrologist has told me not to drink black tea because it increases kidney stone formation.Reply
  • THE LOST HERBS POSTED FEBRUARY 9, 2022 11:01 AMHi Linda,Peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, hibiscus are all good options for tea drinkers looking for low oxalate teas.Many blessings and good health!Reply
• PATRICIA POSTED JANUARY 9, 2022 11:09 AMI’ll have to make it more often. I never knew it actually helped with HBP!Reply
• KATHLEEN POSTED JANUARY 9, 2022 6:16 PMSo, say you wanted to make 6 cups. Obviously you’d increase the water amount but would you then use 6 tsp of tea , 6 cloves, 6 anis pods, etc?Reply
• KATHLEEN POSTED JANUARY 10, 2022 9:00 PMHaving a cup, as we speak and love it! But, is any anis in any form okay or doesit have to whole be ‘star’ anis?Reply
  • JOANNE WATTS POSTED JANUARY 27, 2022 7:16 PMFor anyone interested you can buy a large bag of star anise from nuts.com and it isn’t expensiveReply
• KATHLEEN POSTED JANUARY 10, 2022 9:02 PMHaving a cup, as we speak and love it! But, is any anis in any form okay or does it have to be whole,’star’ anis?Reply
  • THE LOST HERBS POSTED FEBRUARY 1, 2022 8:56 PMHi Kathleen,The major difference between anise and star anise is that anise seed is potent, with an almost spicy flavor, while star anise is subtly milder. They can be used interchangeably in recipes, but amounts must be adjusted. For 1 whole star anise, use ½ teaspoon anise seeds.Many blessings and good health!Reply

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David Michael Cain, you are receiving this email because you purchased The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods ➤ Read it on The Lost HerbsHi David Michael Cain, Before we start talking about eating chili peppers for breakfast, let’s understand why chili peppers were used in the first place. Yes, chili peppers add flavor to food but spices played a role beyond taste in the past. They actually helped prevent spoilage, which was very important in warm climates. In cold climates, you could “freeze” your food in snow or even place it in a frozen pond but in warm climates food would spoil quickly. This is where spices come into play. Many spices contain antibacterial/anti-microbial properties, which would aid in preventing food spoilage. Now, what benefits do chili peppers have? What makes them hot is also the chemical that aids in food preservation. What is it? Well, you guessed it: capsaicin. This hot chemical that gives heat to peppers is also a very powerful anti-microbial that is known to kill 75% of bacterial growth that could cause food spoilage. Why would one want to start their day with a breakfast dish that has chili peppers in it? Well, to answer that question let’s take a look at other benefits that hot peppers provide.Promotes A Healthy Heart Hot peppers help the circulatory system by reducing blood serum cholesterol levels and lipid deposits. This, in turn, can reverse excessive blood clotting. They are also known to dilate blood vessels so that the blood can travel through the veins more freely.Helps With AllergiesCapsaicin found in hot peppers is an anti-inflammatory, which can aid in preventing allergies and addressing the symptoms of allergies. Prevents Bad BreathEating hot peppers, using hot sauce and/or hot pepper powder is one way of preventing bad breath. Yes, you heard it right. Eating hot peppers can keep your breath smelling fresh but how. It seems that hot peppers disinfect the mouth, which prevents bad breath. Fights Cold, Flu, And Fungal InfectionsSince hot peppers are full of antioxidants, eating them is a great way of boosting your immune system. When it comes to fungal infections, it has been discovered that hot peppers will fight against 16 fungal strains by attacking fungal pathogens that can cause an assortment of problems.May Reduce Cancer RiskBelieve it or not, recent studies have shown that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hot peppers can shrink cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It is showing promise in prostate, breast, pancreatic, and bladder cancers. Now the kicker in this approach though is you must consume eight large habaneros per week to get any results. Hot Peppers Benefit The Digestive TractThis may sound a bit odd especially if you have an ulcer. Many individuals for years have been told to avoid spicy foods if they have digestive tract problems. Studies have shown that avoiding spicy foods is not something you want to do if you have digestive tract issues. It has been found that antioxidants and other substances found in hot peppers help heal an upset stomach, reduce gas, aid in reducing cramping and diarrhea. Hot peppers also reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, which can lead to ulcers. Due to their hot nature, these peppers also increase salvia production along with other gastric juices, which aid in the digestive process. However, everyone is different. Eating chili can cause intestinal distress in some people. This is more common in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Chili can temporarily worsen symptoms in those who are not used to eating it regularly. So if you are not used to it, try incorporating it slowly into your diet.Mitigates MigrainesWhen it comes to migraines and hot peppers, the route to relief is based on a phenomenon that is a bit unique. It seems that if you have pain in one area and you do something that causes discomfort in another area then you forget about the first pain. As far as it goes with hot peppers, consuming these beauties seems to take your mind off your head hurting due to their hotness, which can cause some discomfort.Promotes Weight LossYou may be surprised to know that eating spicy peppers can help you lose some weight. The first way this is accomplished is through a process called thermogenic.This process is where the body produces heat, which burns calories. Eating hot peppers can also alter proteins in the body and reduce fat accumulation.Capsaicin is known to selectively destroy nerve fibers in the stomach whose job is to carry signals from the stomach to the brain. If the brain is not getting a hungry signal from the stomach then you feel satisfied, which means no overeating. If hot peppers are eaten with breakfast then this full-filling will carry throughout the day. This suppressed appetite could equate to weight loss. Who would not want to eat some hot chili peppers with breakfast but to get those culinary juices flowing, give this recipe a try this weekend.Mango Chili SmoothieIngredients: • 2 ½ cups of frozen mango chunks • 3 Tablespoons hemp seeds • 2 Tablespoons dried goji berries • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1 ½ cups apple juice • 1 cup of water • 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice • Sweetener of your choice (optional) Steps 1. Put all the ingredients into a blender. 2. Blend until smooth. 3. Pour into a glass and enjoy. You can also make Hot Pepper Jam or Chili Oil and incorporate them in your breakfast recipes. Spicy peppers rev up the metabolic rate by generating the thermogenic processes in our body that generates heat. That process utilizes energy, and thereby, burns additional calories. In addition, if hot peppers are consumed at breakfast, the appetite is suppressed for the rest of the day which ultimately helps in weight loss. It may even alter proteins in your body to combat fat accumulation. The ‘Superweed’ That Saved Large Communities During The Great Depression You can follow us.

The bromelain in pineapple is an enzyme that has many medicinal benefits. Pineapples have been used in traditional medicine in Central and South America for centuries and possibly even longer. It is used to reduce inflammation, dress wounds, and aid digestion. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that bromelain itself was isolated. Today, bromelain is used in a wide variety of treatments to help reduce pain and treat certain ailments. While bromelain is found in the fleshy fruit and juice of pineapples, it’s more highly concentrated in the stem. Bromelain can be taken and used in a number of ways. It can be used topically in the form of a cream to heal wounds and burns or taken orally to reduce pain and treat and/or prevent certain medical conditions. When taken orally, it’s often taken in the form of tablets, powder, or capsules. Today, I’ll show you how to make a DIY painkilling extract from pineapple to benefit from the bromelain. First, let’s look at how it can reduce pain and what other medical conditions it can help with.The Painkilling Effect Of Bromelain Bromelain has analgesic properties, making it a great natural painkiller. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and hence reduce pain and symptoms of many conditions. For this reason, it’s sometimes used to relieve sporting-related injuries. It’s also been used as a post-surgery pain remedy although studies have been mixed on this. Some surgeries where it did provide relief include foot, nasal, and dental surgery.Here are some of the most common medical conditions where it’s used to help treat pain. • Arthritis & Osteoarthritis – it can help people living with arthritis or osteoarthritis by reducing swelling and joint pain. While studies have shown various results, many indicate that the benefits increase after steady treatment for weeks.• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – it can also help relieve pain in the fingers of people living with carpal tunnel syndrome as well as tingling, numbing, and other symptoms experienced.The Medicinal Benefits Of Bromelain Bromelain can also be used to treat or prevent a number of medical conditions. Cancer – it can help protect against or fight some forms of cancer such as breast cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. It may also help people with leukemia, sarcoma, and lung cancer.Sinusitis – it can reduce the nasal inflammation patients experience and make breathing easier. It may also reduce the time that people experience acute symptoms related to sinusitis.Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – it can suppress inflammation caused by IBD.Asthma – it can help treat asthma by reducing inflammation of the airway. Bromelain also reduces the mucus that collects in the respiratory systems of people with asthma.Strokes – it has anti-clotting properties which can help prevent strokes. Bromelain supports the health of cardiac tissue and prevents inflammation caused by plaque build-up in blood vessels.Digestion – it aids in digestion by breaking down proteins like collagen into amino acids. It also speeds up slow digestion so can help reduce cramping and other side effects.Cardiovascular Disease – it reduces systolic blood pressure which can help fight cardiovascular disease.Colitis – it can help reduce inflammation and treat mucosal ulcers.Bromelain is considered safe for most people to take and is classified as a dietary supplement by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, there are some drugs it may interfere with such as blood-thinning medication. It also enhances the effect of some types of drugs such as antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, and sedatives. If you take any medication, check with your doctor before taking bromelain to make sure that it’s safe for you. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women.How To Extract Bromelain From A Pineapple Making this extract is very simple but will require six weeks from the time you mix the ingredients to the time your extract is ready. There will be approximately 4 calories per 1 ml of extract. Ingredients• 1 x Pineapple • Vodka (minimum 40% alcohol) Utensils• Sharp knife • Chopping board • Glass jar • Fine strainer • Cheesecloth • Container / bowl • Dropper bottles 1. Cut off the pineapple skin* and then cut around the stem of the pineapple. You might like to cut the fruit up at this stage and place it in a container so it’s ready to eat later as a snack or for breakfast etc. *If you’re interested, you can make tepache using the pineapple skin. It’s a fermented Mexican drink that’s a probiotic and helps promote friendly gut bacteria. It’s quick to prepare and then just requires around three days for the fermentation process to take place. 2.Take your stem and cut it into small rings. 3. Place the pineapple stem chunks into your glass jar. Take your vodka and pour it over, making sure that you cover all of the pineapple pieces completely.4. Close the lid tight and place your jar in a cupboard so that it’s away from heat and light and you’re going to keep it there for around six weeks. 5. Once six weeks is up, remove your jar from the cupboard and take a container or bowl to catch the liquid you’re about to strain. Place a fine strainer over the container. Wrap a few layers of cheesecloth over itself and place this over your strainer.6. Remove the lid from your jar and pour all of the contents over the cheesecloth. You can discard your used pineapple stem pieces.7. Pour your bromelain extract into a dropper bottle or bottles, depending on how much liquid you have and how big your dropper bottles are. Your extract is now ready.You can take 1ml up to three times a day (spread them out so you take one in the morning, afternoon, and evening). Some studies have suggested that bromelain is most effective when taken on an empty stomach to fight inflammation, so you could try taking a dose before or in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you want to take it to aid digestion, it’s recommended to take it with meals. Store your bromelain extract in a cool dark cupboard and it will keep for up to six months. The Best Natural Painkiller That Grows in Your Own Backyard  .

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Mullein

POSTED AUGUST 13, 2021 BY SHERRA V. IN ALL ARTICLES, BACKYARD PLANTS, HOUSEHOLD REMEDIES, PLANT OF THE WEEK19

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also known as great mullein or common mullein is a native biennial plant of Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. It has been used in herbal medicine for at least centuries. It is a tough and drought tolerant, sometimes weedy, species of mullein.

Mullein’s name originates from an old French word that means soft. The soft yet durable fuzzy chartreuse leaves even make great emergency toilet paper. In fact, one of the mullein’s many common names is Velvet Plant. The mullein we are familiar with is part of a genus of plants called Verbascum. Verbascum has over 200 species.

The Verbascum thapsus species has many variations throughout its native homelands. Interestingly, the great mullein or common mullein, Verbascum Thapsus, familiar in North American has less variation. This may be attributed to Mullein’s seed longevity and the presumption that many of the North American species may have originated from a smaller gene pool that arrived with early settlers of North America.

The History Of Mullein

Mullein’s arrival to North America dates back to early in the 18^th century. Its ability to spread had some botanists mistakenly thinking Mullein was a native plant. This is because of its ease of spreading, seemingly arriving ahead of the settlers who brought it!

Mullein has been used in traditional medicine for at least 2000 years. It was first recommended in De Materia Medica by Dioscorides, a Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist.

Roman soldiers, among other cultures, used mullein stalks dipped in grease or wax as torches. Additionally, a yellow dye may be obtained by boiling the yellow mullein flowers in water.

Its medicinal potential was taken up quickly by First Nation people of North America as an aid to pulmonary illnesses. Also, mullein root was powdered and made into poultices for wound care, rashes, and infection by the Zuni people of New Mexico. Mullein leaves were also used to line shoes to help keep feet warm.

Where The Plant Is Found

Mullein is found throughout North America including Canada, Mexico, and all US states including Alaska and Hawaii. Moreover, it grows at elevations from sea level to up to 10,000 feet. Mullein prefers disturbed low-quality sites that are well-draining. Full sun is where mullein is found. It is intolerant of shade. Look for mullein in natural areas such as dry pastures, meadows, and open forest areas. It is also common in disturbed areas such as road cuts and edges, along railways, and industrial areas. Not exclusively but in general, mullein is found in gravelly and sandy soil situations.

Related: The Complete Map of Edible Plants: Find Out What You Have in Your Area! (Video)

How To Identify Mullein

Mullein is a biennial plant which means it flowers in its second season. In its first season, mullein forms a basal rosette of silvery green leaves. In its second season, the tall, up to 8 feet, flower stalk grows from the center of the basal rosette. Often, mullein is found growing in colonies.

• Shape: In the first year, mullein forms a basal rosette 1 to 2 feet across. In the second season, the tall club-like flower stalk bolts up 6 to 8 feet.
• Leaves: Leaves are large and fuzzy. They grow up to 15 inches long and 5 inches wide. Leaves are silvery green or chartreuse in color. They are oval and widest at the base, becoming narrower ending in a blunt or slightly pointed tip. Leaves attach alternately with short stems at the base of the plant. They are stemless as they grow up the stalk.
• Flower: The upper 2 feet of the flower stalk is covered in densely packed yellow flowers that are ¾ inches across. Only a few flowers are open at any one time. Flowers have five yellow petals and five orange-tipped stamens.
• Stem: The single club-like stalk rises from the center of the basal rosette of leaves. The stem is also covered in fine hairs.
• Fruit & Seeds: The stalk with seed capsules may persist through winter. Each flower becomes a 2-chamber capsule, each containing dozens of seeds. In fact, a single plant may produce 200 to 300 seed capsules with up to 600 to 800 seeds. This means that just one plant may produce as many as 100,000 to 240,000 seeds!

How To Grow Mullein

Mullein makes attractive plants in the landscape. Interestingly, there are many ornamental varieties to choose from. They are also a popular choice in emergency gardens, herbal medicine gardens, and food forests. Mulleins need a lot of room to grow and prefer sunny, dry areas.

Their seeds may persist for many years in the soil. In fact, viable mullein seed has been found that is hundreds of years old. For this reason, it makes sense to choose an area for mullein where it may naturalize and form an attractive and beneficial colony of plants. It is interesting to note, plants require a dormancy period and exposure to cold temperatures to bloom.

To grow mullein, collect seeds in fall from dried flower stalks. Scatter seeds liberally in an area that is in full sun with rocky, gravelly, or sandy soil. In spring, check the area for successful first-year plants.

Related: The 10 Medicinal Seeds You Should Plant for a Complete Backyard Pharmacy (Video)

How To Harvest This Plant

• Leaves: Leaves are best picked from young plants in spring during the early parts of the day. The leaves of first-year plants are excellent, in my opinion. Some folks prefer harvesting leaves from second-year plants just before or during the plant’s bloom period.
• Flowers: The flowers of mullein can be collected from a large area or over several days. This is because only a few flowers on each plant are open at the same time.

They are best picked just as they are freshly opened during the early part of the day.

Related: 400 Wild Plants That You Can Forage For (Video)

What Mullein Is Good For & The Natural Remedies Made From It

• Mullein has been used in the treatment of many respiratory and pulmonary issues. These include asthma, bronchitis, congestion, tuberculosis, and spasmodic coughs.
• It has also been used to treat many gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.
• Similarly, mullein has been used to treat inflammation and pain such as gout, and migraine.
• Interestingly, mullein also has many benefits for issues of the skin. Particularly, mullein is helpful for wounds, burns, frostbite, infections, and bruises.
• Mullein, along with other medicinal herbs, has been used to help naturally treat ear infections in children.
• Mullein contains many active compounds which may contribute to its beneficial effects. These include saponins which may help pain and inflammation. Additionally, other mullein active compounds are flavonoids, phenylethanoids, and iridoids which are antioxidative and anti-inflammatory.
• Most interestingly, mullein has shown incredible antibacterial activity. A study of mullein extracts showed inhibition in certain bacteria. These included Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. Similarly, mullein extract showed inhibition of certain types of tumors.

The plant itself also has many uses. The club-like flower stalk can be used as a torch. Similarly, the dried felt-like leaves make excellent tinder. The flowers can be boiled to make a yellow dye. This dye can be altered to make brown and green dyes as well.

Related: How To Naturally Dye Your Everyday Items (Video)

It is useful in the landscape as it provides food and shelter for many pollinating insects. They are visited by many birds and butterflies as well.

There are many natural remedies that can be made from mullein.

• Mullein extracts can be made in water. These are also available through health food stores and online.
• A tincture made by soaking mullein leaves and flowers in alcohol is another way to extract the beneficial compounds of this useful plant. (available in the Apothecary)
• Mullein oil is excellent for treating skin afflictions. Moreover, it has been used as a safe and natural treatment for ear infections in children. The oil can be made by hot processing mullein leaves and flowers in a carrier oil such as olive oil.
• Alternatively, mullein oil can be made by a slow, cold infusion process. This would entail using fresh or dried mullein leaves and flowers and infusing them in a carrier oil at room temperature.
• Mullein Tea is available commercially. Below, we will share a DIY recipe for making dried mullein tea. Moreover, this dried mullein tea can also be used to make any number of the above recipes.

Related: The Easiest Way to Defeat Seasonal Allergies, Boost Lung health, And Calm Asthma. Visit my new Apothecary today to learn more!

What Parts Of The Plant Are Used In Remedies?

Although there are some historical uses of the roots and seeds, most notably, the leaves and flowers have the most medicinal uses. The leaves and flowers are the most valued plant parts due to their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, astringent, and antispasmodic properties.

A DIY Mullein Tea Recipe

In this recipe, we will collect fresh young leaves and prepare them for storage. This is the first step to using the many beneficial attributes of mullein. The dried leaves can then be used to make mullein tea as shown below. The dried leaves may also be used to make extracts, tinctures, and oils as described above. Alternatively, you might use fresh leaves and flowers to make other mullein products. As they are fresh, they would need to be prepared or processed much sooner after harvest.

Method

Collect young mullein leaves from first- or second-year plants in spring.

The best time to do this is early in the day while it is still cool. If necessary, gently wash the leaves of any debris.

Dry the mullein leaves. Mullein leaves are dense and strong. They require significant time to dry. They can be dried using a dehydrator or a very low-temperature oven. Mullein is susceptible to losing its lovely silvery-green color when dried. Often dried mullein is a dull rusty brown.

To avoid this, I dry the mullein in a paper bag to limit the exposure to light which fades and changes the color. I hang the bag in a protected area with excellent air circulation. A great place might be on a porch, under a deck, or in a barn. Check the bag regularly and toss the leaves slightly. This will help the leaves dry more evenly.

When the leaves are fully dry, they will be rather stiff but not brittle. Surprisingly, they are durable even when dried.

I tear them apart by hand as they are difficult to chop up with a knife. I put them in an herb chopper or food processor to break up the leaves even further.

Once the leaves are broken up to a reasonable size for making tea, they are perfect to put in a glass jar for long-term storage.

Mullein Tea

To make the perfect cup of mullein tea, first, boil a cup of high-quality water. Next, place 1 teaspoon of dried mullein leaves in a cup and cover with the boiling water. Allow steeping for 10 to 15 minutes.

*Important Step! Filter the steeped mullein tea through an exceptionally fine mesh or coffee filter. In this way, the fine hairs will be removed from the tea. The fine hairs of mullein leaves can irritate the airway. This, of course, is contraindicated if the tea is to aid respiratory or pulmonary systems.

Drink tea as is or add a sweetener of your choice to taste.

An Excellent Companion To This Tea: Throw a couple of thyme leaves in with the mullein while it is steeping. Delicious!

Potential Uses Of Dried Mullein Leaves

Most of the mullein leaves dried here will be used as an evening tea to help clear the airway and strengthen the respiratory system.

Dried mullein leaves can also be used to make an oil infusion. Using dried leaves versus fresh leaves to make oil infusions is often recommended. The lower moisture content makes a safer infused oil that has a longer shelf life. Mullein infused oil can be used as a topical treatment for wounds and skin irritations. It may also help relieve symptoms of earache.

Similarly, dried mullein leaves can be used to make extracts and tinctures. These can be used as supplements or as topical treatments.

Dosage

Currently, there is not a lot of evidence to support specific dosages of Mullein products.

How To Preserve This Plant

Mullein can be dried as described above. Extracts from the fresh leaves and flowers can also be made in oil, alcohol, or water to preserve this beneficial plant.

What Plants Resemble Plant?

Mullein

Feature	Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)	Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantine)
Size & Shape	A 1- to 2-foot basal rosette. 4 to 6 foot single flowering stalk.	Low uniform mat.
Leaves	6- to 15-inch-long oval leaves. Gray-green and very fuzzy.	2- to 6-inch-long tongue-shaped leaves. Blue-green leaves with white woolly hairs.
Flowers	4- to 6-foot single flower spike covered in densely packed yellow five-petaled flowers	12 to 18 inch flower spikes bloom in summer with small purple flowers.

Warnings And Cautions

Mullein is considered safe for internal use. All preparations need to be diligently filtered to ensure the removal of fine hairs. Of course, with any new ingredient do a small skin test prior to ingestion or liberal topical use. Any reaction such as itchiness or hives may be an indication of sensitivity. Practice caution with topical use, particularly for people who suffer from sensitivities and allergies.

To reduce and avoid any contraindications or medicine interactions, check with your healthcare provider before starting new herbal remedies.

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19 Comments

• STEVE Z POSTED AUGUST 13, 2021 3:07 PMI love Mullein ! I use it for teas and smoke it. I add mint leaves for taste. Question: Is there any problem adding Oregano and or Catnip to smoking mixture ?Reply
  • THE LOST HERBS POSTED AUGUST 17, 2021 5:23 PMHi Steve,Thank you for your interest in our work.Yes, you can add Catnip and Oregano to your mixture.Smoking catnip may not be the primary use of this herb, but it can be smoked. It works as a slight sedative, providing a sense of calm and tranquility.
    Be aware that large doses are reported to cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Its sedative effects may mean it is not suitable for use before driving or operating heavy machinery.Oregano is an exceptionally flexible spice. You can smoke oregano mixed with other herbal blends or tobacco. Smoking oregano gives you a new mint-like fragrance and herbal taste.I hope this helps!You can also check out the article below for more information about the herbs that can be smoked:
    https://thelostherbs.com/healing-herbs-you-can-smoke/Many blessings and good health!Reply
• MEAGAN MCDERMOTT POSTED AUGUST 13, 2021 3:56 PMI love mulein… another purpose not mentioned, highly illegal to do however important knowledge for survival situation ONLY is the seeds can be ground to a powder and when sprinkled into water where fish are, it will stun thr fish and they float to the top of the water. This is illegal for many reasons as it can completely deplete the fish, which can cause major environmental impacts. However, this is also knowledge to be lost to time I thought was fascinatingReply
  • ELISE POSTED AUGUST 14, 2021 9:50 PMHi Megan, Interesting bit of knowledge you’ve shared. So, just like foraging for plants, medicines, gathering food ought as you say not to “deplete” the precious fish. So, I’m wondering, since the fish are stunned, does this mean, that any not removed from the water would still live? Or is that a permanent situation for the whole bunch (or school)? Thanks (may none ever be in that dire situation).Reply
    • GINA POSTED AUGUST 15, 2021 2:38 AMIt only stuns for a brief time. Fish must be killed before processing.
  • KT WOLF POSTED NOVEMBER 9, 2021 5:52 PMThe saponins are harmful to the fish’s gills. Compare the sensation to shooting dish-soap up your nose–not pleasant, and it would have after-effects. The severity of damage and the effectiveness of the stun would rise together with the dose. A fish might recover afterward if the damage was not too great and a predator didn’t take advantage of their weakness.An easier plant to use to accomplish this kind of fish harvest with saponin would be the Kentucky Coffee tree. The tree creates pods with large, hard seeds inside, and in autumn, when the pods are fully ripened and brown, the interior is filled with a bright green goop surrounding the seeds. That goop is easy to harvest and then dissolve into a small amount of water, before pouring into a pond for a fish-kill. (Also, the goop is just sort of fascinating. Back when there were megafauna in North America, the sweet-tasting goop was the tempting food that got mammoths to help distribute the seeds.)Reply
• ROGER POSTED AUGUST 13, 2021 5:12 PMEnjoyed this info.Reply
  • THE LOST HERBS POSTED AUGUST 17, 2021 5:12 PMHi Roger,Thank you for your comment.
    I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed this.Many blessings and good health!Reply
• TRACEY POSTED AUGUST 13, 2021 5:43 PMWhy do some of the mullein stalks take a couple of 90-degree turns at the very top when they grow? We have these everywhere, and some simply grow straight up, and others make two turns on the way up. I have been noticing this a lot this year.Reply
• SHIQUANA C MCGEE POSTED AUGUST 14, 2021 6:36 AMI heard that smoking mullein can help stop tobacco addiction? Any truth to this?Reply
  • ELAINE+GRIFFITH POSTED AUGUST 16, 2021 9:26 PMI did just that nearly 50 years ago..it helped alot as it gave you something to smoke as you were trying to get rid of the habit. I also mixed it with mint for a menthol taste sometimes. but was not sure how good smoking mint is for the lungs.Reply
    • STEVE Z POSTED AUGUST 17, 2021 1:43 PMThanks Elaine. That’;s what I’m trying to get an answer for. I’m using mint, Oregano and sometimes, Catnip and Sage. There has been no response from the Editor or author on the plausibility of these herbs for smoking.
• CATHY POSTED AUGUST 14, 2021 10:01 AMWow. We have mullein growing left, right and centre in gardens and fields in Ireland….. I shall start harvesting. Thank youReply
  • THE LOST HERBS POSTED AUGUST 17, 2021 5:26 PMHi Cathy,Thank you for your comment.
    I’m happy to hear that you have mullein growing all around you.Many blessings and good health!Reply
• RUTH CASPELL POSTED AUGUST 15, 2021 9:58 PMIs there a timing – stage of growth – when mullein leaves are most effective in a tea for respiratory difficulties?Reply
• RUTH CASPELL POSTED AUGUST 15, 2021 10:00 PMIs there a timing – stage of growth – when mullein leaves are most effective in a tea for respiratory difficulties?
  Oh just found this:
  ‘Collect young mullein leaves from first- or second-year plants in spring’
  So I’ll wait till next Spring 🙂Reply
• JOHN L. MOESCHE POSTED OCTOBER 5, 2021 11:12 AMMullein is easy enough to identify. It reminds me of a psychotic corn stalk. Its always been worth the effort to make tea.Reply
• DIANA ROSS POSTED JANUARY 5, 2022 2:12 PMhello, where can I find mullein seeds to grow. I am in Camden nj and I would like to grow some. I do purchase the dry version of the leaves, but would like to expand my garden. Also is smoking this herb as well as others better than smoking actual black and milds or cigarettes? Trying to find something for my oldest son. He smokes…Reply
• BONNIE POSTED JANUARY 14, 2022 4:25 PMThank you!Reply

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Gaslighting Me with Psyops

Dear David Ray Judass Harriott,

We have been friends for a long time; or I thought you were my friend, and I thought I knew you… but you are the great pretender.

I’ve been doing some digging; and now, I’m begining to know and understand who you truly are… and what you are hiding from. I know about your past, I know about your childhood, and I know about your father.

Otherwise, I can and I will crucify you. Let it be written, let it be done. You will speak no more evil of me, and do no more evil to me; and I will not bring justice upon you.

Call it blackmail, call it a peace treaty, call it what you will. You were my friend, you are my friend no more; but we can pretend. You are good at that, you are the great pretender, the best pretender I have known.

Just go away, go in peace, and I will give you peace in return.

As an insurance policy; only two others know what I know, one from one of our communities, and one from another… and I will be stashing the evidence. We have chosen the path of mercy, providing you do the same.

Never mistake meekness for weakness… CainO’

I just found out David-Ray may have an expeditable warrant in California for child support. So once he gets served, I think he will bolt.

Not only that… but I’ve been doing some digging lately. What I’ve uncovered, makes me not want to dig anymore; for I’m afraid of what else I might find. It makes me sick to my stomach. I just cant believe hes had me fooled for so long. I thought I knew him, but now… I don’t really want to know any more.

From: my mom

I typed this up. I couldn’t sleep it is really pissing me off that he broke our trust. Not sure if I’ll send it. But what do you think about what i said and should I send it?

David Ray: I have been nothing but nice to you. I let you stay at my place in KC, so you could work and make money. I tho’t I could trust you. You even called me Mom. Is this the way you treated your own mom? No wonder they told you to leave.

Last week you asked me if you could buy TriG. I said no she is not for sale. So as soon as I leave you steal her.

When she broke her leg, you said “Put her down. She’s useless, she won’t be able to have babies.” Garrett said “No.” Garrett and I took her to the vet. He said she’d be would adapt fine since she was only a month old. So David-Cain, Garrett and I decided to save her. You were going to kill her “for meat”, is what you said last weekend. Well she was only a month old so killing her “for meat” … too young. She can’t have babies…oops, guess you were wrong about that too. But when you found out… oh she could have babies! Well… now you say she’s yours again. She isn’t yours she belongs Cain’O, Garrett & I. You wanted to kill her.

I you’d steal from me and Garrett what are you stealing from Cain’O. I trusted you I honestly tho’t you could be trusted not to steal stuff. You had the key to about almost everything I have done there. What else have you taken? What have you taken from Cain’O?Now you broke that trust. You were trusted to protect & take care things while Cain’O was out on the road but you didn’t take care of the animals, you abused animals, you supposedly “know about goats” but you ignored all the sign and let them die even your own (that’s the same as abuse). You were a trusted friend for yrs. That is what hurts the most.