The Hermits Grove

05/27/2026

Welcome to our new members! We are so glad you joined us. Please let us know if you have questions about our program or anything else on your mind.... Happy Spring!

05/04/2026

Spring is here! The comfrey and borage are in bloom, so the bumblebees are getting busy....

03/31/2026

Sharing some resources - We are better when we work together!!

Herbal mutual aid directory & resources supporting community care.

03/26/2026

03/19/2026

Herbal Greetings All! If you are curious about our Master Herbalist Program, here is a link to our complete Information Packet:

The Master Book of Herbalism by Rev. Paul Beyerl was first published in 1984, and has become a standard text for many who study herbalism. Yet it represents such a small amount of the basic knowledge that exists within the Master Herbalist Program (MHP).

03/10/2026

Greetings, and welcome to our new followers! We are so glad you are here. Spring is peeking around the corner and we are getting excited to get back out in the gardens. Our program is also waking up, with several returning students, and some inquiries from potential new students - we want to hear from you!!

02/07/2026

https://sacredwellministries.wordpress.com/2026/02/07/numina-locorum-florae-locorum/

Spirits of Place, Plants of Place. The upcoming virtual conference called Botanica Obscura is celebrating its 5th anniversary, and we are very honored and excited to be participating for the first …

01/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CPK8Aok4S/

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein is a tall, biennial herb recognized by its soft, velvety leaves and towering flower stalk. It has a long history of traditional herbal use and has been commonly included in gentle, supportive wellness routines across cultures.

🌿 Native Range

Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia

Naturalized throughout North America

Commonly found along roadsides, fields, disturbed soils, and open landscapes

🌿 Parts Used

Leaves:
•Traditionally used to support respiratory comfort
•Commonly prepared as teas or infusions for soothing purposes
•Historically included in herbal smoke blends
•Typically dried before use and carefully strained when prepared as tea due to fine leaf hairs

Flowers:
•Traditionally infused into oil for external use
•Often used fresh or dried
•Valued in folk practices for gentle, supportive applications
•Bright yellow flowers bloom along tall stalks in the plant’s second year

Root:
•Less commonly used than leaves or flowers
•Historically included in specific folk and traditional practices
•Typically harvested in the first year before flowering happens the following year.

Common Forms:
Dried leaves
Loose-leaf teas
Flower-infused oils
Tinctures
Traditional herbal smoke blends

🌿 Preparation Notes

Leaves are usually dried prior to use

Teas are strained thoroughly to remove fine hairs

Flowers are infused slowly into oil and stored away from light

Preparations are traditionally simple and used in moderation

🌿 Fun Facts

The soft leaves were once used as natural lamp wicks and candle substitutes

Commonly nicknamed “cowboy toilet paper” because of its texture

Mullein thrives in poor soil and often appears after land disturbance or fires

Flower stalks can reach over 6 feet tall

Bees are especially drawn to mullein flowers

Has been used in traditional European, Asian, and North American herbal practices

⚠️Disclaimer
Mullein is generally considered gentle, but it’s not for everyone. Like any plant or herb introduced into a daily routine, it should be approached with caution. Those with underlying health conditions (including kidney concerns), who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have plant allergies, or are taking medications should use caution. Always do your research, be mindful of possible interactions, and consider consulting a medical professional or someone knowledgeable before use.

01/30/2026

Corinne Martin's new book is coming out this month! LSU Press link:
https://lsupress.org/9780807185308/louisiana-healing-garden/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPp5g9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeVB2hoG1WTPMDVU_UrIegPue9EgXWKiNViRozp2RhDqzvxIyh9zUc-L-vo_Q_aem_x3D5DwtG5i9l0E7AZp43HA

Louisiana Healing Garden offers a guide to the medicinal properties of everyday plants such as crape myrtle, gardenia, and sweet olive, encouraging readers t...