“The tree lets go of everything at once, and trusts that spring will fill it again.”
As the year sinks halfway into the dark and the cold season approaches, two old cold-season herbs come in from the garden: elecampane and mullein. In this episode, Brenda shares their folklore from Ireland, England, and New England; the planets Culpeper assigned them; and two simple traditional preparations for the cold months: Irish mullein milk and candied elecampane root.
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In This Episode on Elecampane and Mullein:
- The Scorpio new moon on November 9, and Mercury and Venus both turning direct on November 13
- Why Culpeper placed elecampane under Mercury and mullein under Saturn
- Elecampane as elfwort, the cure in the old mummers’ plays, and the elecampane candy once sold in London
- How Irish families grew mullein by the door and boiled it in milk for the lungs
- How to make Irish mullein milk and candied elecampane root
- A simple ritual for the dark moon: a cup of breath
Elecampane and Mullein: The Herbs Featured
- Elecampane (Inula helenium): a daisy-family plant; avoid with daisy-family allergies, and in pregnancy or while nursing. Use in small amounts.
- Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): always strain through a fine cloth to remove the leaf hairs. Use leaves and flowers only, never the seeds.
A Gentle Note on Using Elecampane and Mullein
Honey is not for babies under one year. These are traditional kitchen remedies, not a substitute for medical care. See your doctor for any cough that lingers or any trouble breathing.
Watch: Elecampane and Mullein for the Cold Season
Watch the companion video: Herbs for Healthy Lungs: Elecampane & Mullein for the Cold Season
From the Herbary Archive: #17 Herbs for Healthier Lungs
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/19427756
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🌿 Herbs & Favorite Tools
(affiliate links — thank you for supporting this work)
Herbs featured in this Show:
1. Organic Dried Mullein Leaf
2. Organic Dried Elecampane Root
3. #4 Unbleached All Natural Coffee Filters – for straining Mullein
My favorite tea-making tools:
BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker
Cold Brew Coffee Filter for Wide Mouth Mason Jar
Heat-proof wide-mouth mason jars
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My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake, designed to help children (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their journey.
Inside you’ll find:
- Simple planting guidance
- Space for drawings, photos, and notes
- Imaginative themed gardens (Harry Potter Herb Garden, Young Chef’s Garden, Monarch Butterfly Garden)
Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, and anyone who wants to grow confidence by growing plants.
✨ You’ll be amazed at how much you — and your garden — grow when you take time to journal the journey.
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🎶 Music Credits
A heartfelt thank you to Alexander Nakarada for the music featured in this story.
I am a Patreon supporter of Alexander’s work.
🎼 Song: Planning – 320bit – September 5, 2021
🔗 https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/
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