Mullein (mull-in) has a long history of being a helpful tool. Romans dipped Mullein in fat to make torches, and people stuffed the leaves into their shoes for added warmth. The Latin name for Mullein translates to “bearded plant” because of its hairy leaves.

Although Mullein leaves have been called cowboy toilet paper, the hairs are very irritating to sensitive skin. For this reason, Quaker women rubbed leaves on their cheeks to make them red because makeup was forbidden.