VERBASCUM
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
VERBASCUM (V. phlomoides L., V. thapsiforme Schrad.) is a biennial herbaceous plant of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), found throughout Western Europe and in the central and southern parts of the USSR. It is used as a demulcent and expectorant in the form of an infusion.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
VERBASCUM (V. phlomoides L., V. thapsiforme Schrad.), mullein, bear's ear, king's scepter, a biennial herbaceous plant of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), grayish in color, downy, up to 1-1½ m in height (Fig. VII). Distributed throughout Western Europe and in the central and southern parts of the USSR. The basal leaves are large, obovate in shape. The stems are straight, ending in spikes of large yellow flowers. Contains: mucilage, sugar, traces of essential oil, pigment, etc. Used as a demulcent and expectorant in the form of an infusion: Infusum 4.0-6.0 : 200.0; in folk medicine, it is boiled with milk. It is an ingredient of breast tea (Species ad Infusum pectorale).
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“VERBASCUM.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/verbascum/