Velvetleaf (Verbascum thapsus)

Velvetleaf (Verbascum thapsus) is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and expectorant actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Velvetleaf (Verbascum thapsus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Velvetleaf (Verbascum thapsus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Velvetleaf
Scientific Name	Verbascum thapsus
Plant Family	Scrophulariaceae
Genus	Verbascum
Species	thapsus
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Expectorant
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus
Common Name: Velvetleaf
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Mullein, Goatweed, Flannel Plant
Plant Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Verbascum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface pale white, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are yellow with five petals arranged in a whorl, exhibit actinomorphic symmetry, and possess a distinctive tube-like corolla with five lobes.
Stems: Climbing stems with opposite branching, glabrous surface, and swollen nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Diuretic: In herbal literature, noted as a mild diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Expectorant: As described in traditional systems, a calming expectorant, in mucus-related discussions.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a cooling bitter, in taste-driven classifications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.