Smoke and Spines: Calling on Support from Saturn, via Mullein

For the past week or so, the city where I live (Des Moines, IA) has been covered with smoke, which has traveled down from the Canadian wildfires.

(Actually, tsk tsk, we won’t be disrespecting Canadians—they have MORE than every right to “throw shade” on the US, given recent political happenings! 🤪 We Americans definitely deserve it!)

Anyway! The increased air pollution has caused my throat and sinuses to swell up. I have been waking up coughing several times per night, and during the day my nose drips, and my voice is scratchy.

One day of this is just... annoying... and can be shrugged off. But after a few days, I knew I needed to call on some plant friends to help alleviate my symptoms. This week, I have been turning to Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Mullein is well known for being helpful with respiratory conditions, such as the respiratory irritations I am experiencing lately. It can help soothe coughs and post-nasal drip caused by inhaling irritants such as smoke, sawdust, or chemicals used in construction. And many people also know Mullein for its usefulness in earaches, often being mixed with garlic oil. But there are lesser-known actions of Mullein as well, which are also relevant to my life lately: its support for the spine.

The Doctrine of Signatures is a system of mnemonic devices to help herbalists remember what qualities an herb may possess. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the shape, color, texture, or growth habit of a plant sometimes resemble the bodily systems that the plant helps with. For example, pecans look like little brains, and they contain high doses of nutrients that are excellent for brain health. (This has been scientifically studied!) It doesn’t work in every case, but it works enough times to be a helpful way to remember plant-to-body correlations.

In the case of Mullein, one of the most striking features of the plant is its strong, sturdy, completely straight, center stems.

This rod-straight figure reminds you of someone standing erect, and according to the Doctrine of Signatures, this feature correlates to Mullein’s ability to support a healthy spine by assisting with good posture. Taken daily over time (and combined with proper exercise and attention to posture), Mullein will tonify the tendons and ligaments of the spine, helping you stand a little straighter and stronger.

Mullein is ruled by Saturn, which reflects in its usefulness for the bones, joints, and ligaments, as well as its helpfulness for the ears. (Saturn rules all of these body parts in medical astrology.) Saturn rules toxins and pollution in general, so Saturnian plants can help with the side effects of exposure to (for example) air pollution. Saturn also rules the color white, and this reflects in the ashy-white color of Mullein's leaves.

There are many herbs that can help with respiratory irritation; so why did I choose Mullein? Because it will serve double-duty, also helping me with another problem I have.

I have recently been diagnosed with cervical kyphosis, also known as “military neck,” a condition where the vertebrae in the neck lose their proper curve. This deformity puts pressure on the nerves in the area and can cause all kinds of problems. In my case, it is probably contributing to my migraines, bruxism, and thyroid problems... not to mention, it causes lots of pain.

According to Dr. Leeman, with whom I trained for my medical astrology credentials, if a part of the body ruled by your strongest natal planet develops a problem, you need to take it very seriously. Since Saturn has the highest dignity in my natal chart (by far!) a problem with my bones and joints should be treated intently. So this is what I'm doing:

• Neck stretches daily.
• I have started sleeping with a neck roll pillow, instead of a normal pillow.
• Actively paying attention to my posture throughout the day, especially making sure to maintain good posture when I sit down. No slouching!
• Incorporating Mullein into my daily routine.

Mullein has a very mild, pleasant flavor. It is a medicine that is easy to get down and can be mixed with anything. I am taking the tincture as well as drinking the loose leaves as a tea. The only thing to be careful of is to strain the tea through cheesecloth, since the hairs can be irritating to the throat. Mullein is really nice, and I am already noticing a difference. This effect isn’t listed in any of the resources I have read, but I have definitely noticed an uplifting, mood-boosting effect when I drink Mullein tea. (Perhaps it is because I am such a Saturnian person, a Saturn-ruled planet resonates deeply with me and boosts my vitality.)

Would you like to join me in trying Mullein? I’d love to compare notes. How do you like Mullein? How is it working for you?

(I get a small commission if you click any of the links in this article and purchase from Mountain Rose Herbs. Mountain Rose is an incredible company, and it would be great if you could help me out a bit!)