Mullein Leaf is a tall-growing biennial in the figwort family that is distributed throughout Europe, Australia, Asia, North Africa and the Americas. It's a common sight in late summer in open pastures and along roadways in the eastern US, often finding a perch between rocks and in gravel. The plant is easy to recognize-the fuzzy leaves emerge from a center rosette to form a stalk several feet high, from which bright yellow, slipper-like flowers appear.

Mullein leaf has a long history of use in herbal medicine, mostly for the treatment of respiratory ailments such as coughs, hoarseness, colds, earaches, flu symptoms, allergies, and sore throat. It has also been used for inflammatory diseases, digestive disturbances, and lung-related ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. The leaves contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mullein can also be used topically to soothe wounds, burns and irritated skin. The large, velvety leaves of the mullein plant make a soothing herbal tea. As an ingredient in salves and poultices, they have the same soothing effect on the skin.

Use 1 TBSP to 1 cup of water. Bring water to a boil. Turn heat off and let sit 20 minutes. Strain and store in fridge.