It's that time of year again when the coughs and colds start to rear their ugly heads. Last week it was my turn and, as we were travelling at the time, I found it particularly difficult to shake off. I was so glad when we got home to find these in the garden :-
This plant (Verbascum thapsus or Great Mullein) grows wild around us and is particularly useful for getting rid of that persistent residual cough I always seem to be left with - even annoying tickly coughs. I normally use 2 smallish leaves and make an infusion with thyme, honey (both good for the throat) and mint for extra flavor.
Three or four cups per day over a two day period will generally get rid of the worst of it - much better than taking medication!
In the summer it sends up a tall flower spike, the stem of which is surrounded by tiny yellow flowers. Apparently these, soaked in olive oil, make a good earache remedy, although I've never tried it myself.
So, if you come across this "weed" in your garden, don't rip it out, let it seed in various places and you'll always have cough medicine at hand.
This plant (Verbascum thapsus or Great Mullein) grows wild around us and is particularly useful for getting rid of that persistent residual cough I always seem to be left with - even annoying tickly coughs. I normally use 2 smallish leaves and make an infusion with thyme, honey (both good for the throat) and mint for extra flavor.
Three or four cups per day over a two day period will generally get rid of the worst of it - much better than taking medication!
In the summer it sends up a tall flower spike, the stem of which is surrounded by tiny yellow flowers. Apparently these, soaked in olive oil, make a good earache remedy, although I've never tried it myself.
So, if you come across this "weed" in your garden, don't rip it out, let it seed in various places and you'll always have cough medicine at hand.
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| I even found one growing in the middle of the road outside the house! |
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