Scepter-shaped mullein

Scepter-shaped mullein is a biennial herbaceous plant of the Norichinaceae family, up to 2 m high. Its root is a taproot. In the first year of life, a rosette of basal leaves is formed, and in the second year an erect, tomentose-pubescent stem appears with alternate, short-petioled, oblong leaves, tapering towards the top of the stem.

Scepter-shaped mullein blooms in July-August. Its flowers are large, golden-yellow, collected in a spike-shaped raceme. The fruit is an obovate capsule. Ripens in August-September.

The habitat of the scepter-shaped mullein is the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Eastern Siberia. Grows on sunny slopes, along rocky shores, in pastures and railway embankments.

Flower corollas with stamens serve as medicinal raw materials. They are collected in July-August, when most of the plants bloom. Dry in the shade or in the attic.

Mullein preparations have anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and wound-healing effects. They are used for respiratory diseases, burns, and gastrointestinal inflammation. The root has a diuretic effect and is used for urolithiasis.