Mullein leaf

Mullein is a wayside pasture plant easily recognized by its large, gray-green, hairy leaves and tall flower spikes, rising from the ground almost like a stalk of corn.

The flowers were once used to produce yellow-green dye, while the leaves were used to insulate footwear and to make candle wicking. Because of the high mucilage content of the leaf, mullein is commonly still used today to make topical ointments, salves and skin creams. Mullein leaf is also used to make herbal teas, syrups and throat lozenges.