White broth – Verbascum thapsiforme

White broth is a large biennial plant in the Scrophulariaceae family, easily recognizable by its tall, hairy stems and golden-yellow flowers. In traditional herbal medicine, its flowers are valued for their gentleness and are often used in wellness infusions for their soothing effect.

Description

Carefully dried, whole yellow flowers, very light, with a fluffy texture. Sweet and slightly honeyed scent. Use in infusions or wellness preparations.

Nomenclature

• Common names: White broth, mullein, Our Lady's candle
• Latin name: Verbascum thapsiforme
• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Part used: Flowers
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: Europe, Western Asia
• English name: Mullein flower
• Name in German: Königskerzenblüte
• Name in Spanish: Flor de gordolobo
• Name in Italian: Fiore di verbasco
• Name in Arabic: أزهار البوصير (Azhar al-Busayr)

Main virtues

Traditionally used in gentle infusions, white stock flower is prized for its soothing texture. It is used in wellness blends for respiratory and relaxation purposes.

Main constituents

Mucilages, flavonoids, saponins, iridoids, light tannins.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, infuse for 10 minutes in simmering water, filter carefully.
• Steam bath: a handful of flowers in a bowl of hot water, inhale the steam.
• Cosmetic use: in decoction to soothe sensitive skin.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Carefully filter the infusion to avoid irritating plant hairs.
• Not recommended in case of allergy to Scrophulariaceae.
• Keep out of reach of young children.

History and origin

White broth has been used since ancient Greece and Rome, often associated with winter care and voice protection. It was nicknamed "Our Lady's candle" because of its upright stem, and is frequently mentioned in medieval herbals.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a dry place, away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, opaque box or glass jar.
• Appearance: Dried, downy yellow flowers.
• Smell: sweet, slightly honeyed.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European Medicinal Herbarium
• Traditional botanical texts
• Ethnobotany of Western Europe

🔎 Information

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