Mullein

Mullein Leaves

While out on a wildflower collecting expedition this afternoon I discovered some extraordinarily large mullein plants and brought home a few leaves to dry.

Mullein has been a popular medicinal plant for centuries and has been used to alleviate earaches, swollen glands, asthma, and chronic coughs. It's leaves can be made into an ointment, a tea, or a skin wash.

TO DRY-

1) Collect mullein leaves from either the rosette or the larger second-year plant.

2) Spread a single layer of paper towels on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. This could be a screened porch or open garage.

3) Place the mullein leaves in a single layer on the paper towels.

4) Turn the leaves on the paper towels at least twice daily or until the leaves are brittle and can be broken easily with your fingers.

5) Store dried mullein leaves in an airtight container.

Note:

- You can also dry mullein leaves in the microwave. Heat one cup of water to simmering inside the microwave and remove the water. Place mullein leaves between paper towels and microwave on high for three minutes. Test the leaves for brittleness and, if necessary, microwave for another minute or two until brittle.

- Mullein leaves will take 5 to 8 hours to dry in a dehydrator. Place the leaves in a single layer on dehydrator trays and turn on the machine.

- You can also dry mullein leaves in the oven by baking on the lowest temperature setting until brittle to the touch (about three hours).