The Only Plant That Should Be in Your First Aid Kit

Mullein, formally known as verbascum thapsus, is oftentimes called velvet plant or elephant’s ear due to the hairy leaves that are, rather than being prickly as are most fuzzy-looking plants, quite soft and supple.

This herb can be found abundantly in most environments, even where no one intended it to grow, and like many plants that people call weeds, it has many uses in everyday life and particularly in survival situations. In taking a look back at how our forefathers used mullein, we can get a good idea of how it could help us if the world as we know it comes to an end.

Practical Uses

The soft fuzzy nature of mullein gives its leaves plenty of practical applications, both historically and in survival situations. The rest of the plant could potentially play a role in an SHTF situation, as well.

• TP- Before the advent of toilet paper or simply in a pinch in the woods, this leaf makes for a soft, pleasant toilet paper alternative. In fact, the folk name of this plant is The Cowboy’s Toilet Paper. The large leaves and gentle texture make it an ideal solution, though you should be cautious to wipe with the grain of the hairs to reduce irritation caused by shedding fuzz. Here are more homemade substitutes for toilet paper.
• Providing Warmth- They are also great for providing extra warmth. Whether you’re lining your clothing with these leaves to provide extra cushion and warmth, or preparing a blanket or small shelter from them to stay warm at night, the furry leaves are great for adding extra insulation.
• Fire-Starting- Mullein has several fire-building applications. The stalks make an ideal implement for the bow or hand drill fire starting methods. The dried leaves and seed pods are fantastic tinder for fire starting. Dipped in any liquid fat, flammable sap, or beeswax, the seed heads attached to the stalks are great for torches, earning mullein, along with the yellow flowers, another of its nicknames: golden torch.
• Fish Tranquilizer- The seeds of this plant can be used as a paralytic agent of fish. This could help in collecting fish for food or other purposes in a survival situation.
• Shoe Insoles- The leaves can provide cushions in shoes when conventional insoles are no longer an option. Combined with the medicinal properties of the leaves, mullein leaf insoles can help to reduce friction that causes blisters and keep feet free from infection.

Medical Applications

These plants, which are found in the wild and in herb gardens all over the world, have been used by healers for ages for assorted uses. As is always the case, be cautious when using herbal remedies to treat any condition, and you should consult a physician before using herbal medicine (assuming one is available).

• Chest Complaints- The dried or fresh flowers of the mullein plant are often used to improve coughs and other lung and airway issues such as bronchitis, asthma, or croup. Historically, it was frequently used to treat consumption or tuberculosis. Tea made from mullein with honey added makes a great sore throat cure. It is a well-known cold and flu remedy. It’s great for these things because of its expectorant and soothing properties, plus its ability to fight infection.
• Pain Reliever, Anti-Inflammatory, Soother- This plant is said to help reduce pain and inflammation when used topically on the affected area or in a tonic or tea with effects similar to aspirin or modern-day NSAIDs and acetaminophen. The ability to apply this anti-inflammatory skin soother topically makes it an ideal remedy for hemorrhoids, as well.
• Infection Fighter- Cowboy’s bandages are called just that because it makes a great bandage, even where more modern alternatives are available. This is because it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This means that along with providing a soft, gentle barrier, the leaves of the mullein plant can help fight off infection in wounds. Tea made from the mullein plant has also been used as a sort of internal antibiotic for treating mild infections. Clinical indications show that mullein may be an effective home remedy for ear infections when placed directly into the ear as a part of an herbal solution. Here are 5 infections you are most likely to catch when SHTF.
• Helps Heal Bruises and Other Injuries- A poultice of mullein leaves and flowers is oftentimes used to improve the condition of bruises and damaged connective tissue or bones. The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant make it ideal for helping broken bones and sprains and strains to be less painful.
• Bladder Health Support- This herb, the root, in particular, is often used to help support the urinary system. It is frequently used to treat urinary incontinence in bedwetting children and adults with bladder control issues. Urinary tract infections may also be treated with mullein.

In the Garden

• Adding Plant Life in Areas Ravaged by Animals- Most animals, like goats and deer, avoid eating mullein. This means that the hearty herb is a great way to keep an area from being eaten down to soil when these animals are damaging the landscape. Keeping plant life in the soil can help to prevent erosion and flooding in an area.
• Adds Nitrogen to Soil- This plant gives vital nitrogen back to the soil, so it can be used to improve soil conditions for other plants, particularly plants that need lots of nitrogen. Because it is so easy to find, identify, and grow, it would be an ideal way to build up the soil in the event that you needed to produce more food in a small space, like an urban SHTF scenario.
• Attracts Good Insects, Deters Bad- Mullein blooms attract pollinators that help plants to reproduce, and it is repellent to many bugs that many do your garden harm. Planting it is easy, and it will grow almost anywhere, so consider planting it around your garden in order to provide an insect barrier.

You may also like:

How I Make My Own Cough Mixture

The U.S. Army’s Forgotten Food Miracle (Video)

Potassium Permanganate: Why You Need It in Your Survival Kit?

How To Prepare Medicinal Pickled Garlic

How to Make Cabbage Bandages to Treat Inflammation and Joint Pain