Lack incentive, focus, purpose, and direction and have lost touch
with their own inner light and truths.
Doctrine of Signatures and Essence Properties
Mullein's stalk is stout, thick, and tall, and its base is
especially strong. The entire plant is soft, fuzzy, hairy, and
velvety. The mullein's phallus-shaped terminal spike filled with
flowers also represents strength with softness, promoting intimacy
and gentleness.
The densely packed, lemon-yellow cuplike flowers, flower buds and
seeds are securely protected in the soft, woolly, phallic spike,
demonstrating emotional openness yet a tightness offering security,
protection, and personal space. This signature relates especially to
men who are seeking true intimacy and security in expressing a soft,
gentle, humble nature, or for women who want to strengthen yet soften
their masculine nature. This signature also may refer to males with
both strength with softness, or to helping males relate with others
in strength and softness, learning to give lots of "warm fuzzies."
Mullein's traditional use as a torch or candlestick -- in addition
to the way the densely packed yellow flowers and buds circle around
and upward toward the top of the spike giving off a yellowish light
-- is a signature of its ability to promote focus and purpose, thus guiding us toward our own inner sensed and encouraging us to share light with others in an effortless and
steadfast way.
The softly colored yellow flowers correspond to our third chakra
and our emotional relationships within ourselves and with others.
These emotions may include depression, fear, abandonment, irritation
and sadness, yet with the ability to relax and let go. They also help
us awaken and stir our unconscious minds, which in turn heightens our
consciousness and teaches us to live and act according to our inner
truths and values. The orange stamens and anthers refer to our second
chakra, or creative and sexual selves, activating feelings of
optimism and joy.
The woolly, earlike signature reminds us to listen to our inner
selves and to others as they communicate with us.
The incredible absorbency of mullein leaves (photo below) is a powerful signature
of the plant. They act as a relaxant, and they promote absorption in
cases of accumulations of fluid. Perhaps, on another level, this
signature can be related to a person's process of assimilating
emotional and mental states that no longer serve them. Through the
process of assimilation, the individual is able to take in and absorb
at the highest level possible.
Case History
Kristopher, age 18, was experiencing a major life change and crisis
when he came to me for a flower-essence consultation. He had recently
been involved in a robbery, had been in jail, and was now given
probation and allowed to live at home under the guidance of his
parents. Kristopher lost his high school scholarship to a private
school, and he lost his girlfriend. He was depressed, anxious,
frightened, irritable, impatient and angry at himself. He felt
abandoned and lonely.
Kristopher felt an effect of the Mullein flower essence within a few
days after he began taking it. "It helped me to feel more centered
and calm. It also helped me to look deeper inside and to be more
introspective about myself and my values. It made me look closely at
myself and the events which led up to the robbery. I've slowed down
and take more time to look at things. I also began praying a lot."
Kristopher's mother made the following comments: "His personality is
becoming softer. He's more open and intimate with family members, and
he has a greater ability to focus."
Kristopher took Mullein for several weeks and came back for a refill
because he liked taking it is so well and it helped give him a new
sense of purpose in life.
Editors Note: This article is from the book
The Complete Book of Flower Essences:, ©2002 Rhonda PallasDowney. Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. Toll-free 800/972-6657 ext. 52.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rhonda PallasDowney has a diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and is a fellow, graduate, and tutor with the British Institute of Homeopathy, and a staff member at Arizona School of Integrative Studies, where she teaches herbal studies, plant life, and flower essences. She is a professional in the human services field, and conducts ongoing research into flower essences, color and energy healing, and the chakra system. She lives in Arizona.
ART CREDITS: Mullein leaves courtesy of the Herbal Medicine Garden; Word of Mouth Web Design and Art Today
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
Mullein is a commonly-found, powerful, multifaceted plant that goes
back into ancient history as a healing herb with many purposes. It is
also a useful homeopathic remedy for coughs and a broad list of other
symptoms.