Spirit | History | Healing
Mullein... guardian of the lungs, staff of the herbal wanderer, and lamp of ancestral memory. This tall, torch-like plant glows with old-world wisdom and earthy magic. Let us journey into the heart of Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and its offerings across spirit, history, and healing.
Spiritual Use
- Mullein is a powerful ally for clearing blockages in the throat and lungs of both body and soul. In magical practice, it’s used to enhance spirit communication, guide lost souls, and shield the practitioner during spiritual journeying or shadow work.
- Carried, it wards off evil and provides courage. Burned, it banishes fear and summons protective spirits. Hung in the home, it acts as a beacon for ancestral energy and a filter for stagnant or harmful vibes.
- Mullein smoke was historically used to purify sacred space, particularly before necromantic rites or visionary workings.
- It is also an excellent herb for clarity in speech—perfect for witches, teachers, public speakers, and those doing throat chakra healing.
Historical Lore
- Known as “hag’s taper”, mullein was used as a natural torch—the dried stalks dipped in tallow and lit to illuminate rituals.
- In Roman times, it was used to protect against evil spirits and black magic.
- Folklore says witches used mullein to light the path between worlds, while some cultures believed it could drive away demons and summon friendly spirits.
- In Appalachian folk medicine, it was stuffed into shoes to ease fatigue and bring protection while traveling.
Medicinal Wisdom
- Lung Healer: Mullein is famous for its demulcent (soothing) and expectorant actions. It relieves dry coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory inflammation.
- Earaches: Mullein flowers infused in oil (often with garlic) make a classic remedy for soothing ear infections.
- Lymphatic & Nervous System: It calms the nerves and gently stimulates lymph flow, making it ideal for chronic inflammation or emotional grief lodged in the chest.
- Topical Uses: Crushed leaves can be applied to bruises, wounds, or swelling; they’re slightly astringent and soothing.
Caution: While the fuzzy leaves are safe for internal use when strained properly, the hairs can irritate the throat if not prepared carefully.
Magickal Notes
- Element: Fire & Air
- Planet: Saturn (some say Mercury for its communicative properties)
- Chakra: Throat & Heart
- Energetics: Drying, soothing, protective
- Best paired with: Mugwort (for spirit work), thyme (for lung health), blue lace agate (for voice clarity)
Ritual Ideas
- Burn as incense before a mediumship session or to banish lingering spirits.
- Steep in tea and drink while journaling through grief or loss—it helps release the unspoken.
- Create a torch wand from a dried mullein stalk wrapped in thread and herbs for protection rituals or ancestral ceremonies.
- Infuse in oil and anoint the throat chakra before speaking truth, singing, or invoking.
In Your Apothecary
Offer mullein in:
- Herbal tea blends for lung and emotional clearing
- Smudge bundles for protective burning
- Anointing oils with flower-infused base for earaches or energetic release
- Loose leaf packets labeled for spirit work, clarity, and protection
- I like to use it in my smoking blends
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“Torch of the forgotten paths, breath of the ancient hills—mullein walks with those who grieve, and guides those who speak for the unseen.”
Coming soon in this series: we’ll move to Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) - one of the witch’s oldest and most beloved allies.