Mullein is one of the most noticeable wayside weeds. A biennial, the first year forms a rosette, and the second year shoots up a stalk reaching up to 7 feet high. Mullein will grow anywhere, from field edges to woodlands, alongside railroad tracks. This herb can be found from zone 3 to 8.

Medicinal uses for this wonderful herb are outstanding. One popular method is making ear oil from an infusion. But from the leaf, it is both antispasmodic meaning it relaxes spasms, and an expectorant which helps expel mucus. Mullein is renowned for spastic coughs, congestion, allergies, chest colds. The leaf can also be rolled and smoked to help with asthma and it's a favorite for the remedy of glandular imbalances. Mullein leaf also aids in the healing of bruises, glandular swelling and insect bites.

To make ear oil, collect ¼ cup of yellow flowers just as they open up on the stalk and make an infusion for 2 weeks in a sunny location. Then empty out the old flowers and add in another ¼ cup of fresh flowers and infuse for another 2 weeks. Strain and place in a container. Each time you want to use the oil, heat the ear oil over low heat, so that the oil is warm, then dispense 2 or 3 eye dropperfuls into the ear. It's always best to treat both ears since the ear canals are connected and this will aid in the healing of any ear infections. Repeat two or three times a day.