Mullien

      Mullien:  (pronounce Mullen)  It grows almost everywhere, has velvety leaves, a rodlike stem and beautiful yellow flowers. Mullein has a long medicinal herbal history.  Early on, this herb attained a reputation as a respiratory remedy.  Native Americans used to inhale smoking leaves to relieve congestion.  Research says it soothes not only the respiratory tract but also the digestive system.  You can also crush a few leaves in your hand and apply it on stings and scrapes as a poultice. It's soothing. 

To brew a medicinal cup of tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes. Drink up to three cups per day. Mullein has a bitter taste, so add sugar or honey and lemon, or mix it with other herbs. In a tincture, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Considered a safe herb, there have been no reports of mullein causing adverse effects.