Mullein Common seeds Mullein, Common - 20 Seeds (Verbascum thapsus) Promotes healing. Tea used for coughs, bronchitis, influenza, respiratory catarah, nervous tension and insomnia. The dried stalks of Mullein have also been used as torches. The flowers can be used to create bright yellow or green dyes, which were used by the ancient Romans to colour hair, according to "Healing Teas" by Marie Nadine Antol. Greek mythology holds that Ulysses carried Mullein to protect himself from the evil Circe. For these purposes, the leaves can be smoked or used to prepare tea. Sow Autumn and Spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position.