22 November 2009

Mullein Makes Great Toilet Paper

...that is if you have a composting or sawdust toilet. But, it might be worth trying in a flush toilet....of course they say you can't use anything but TP. who knows, i don't.

Here in Portland, Mullein grows like a weed, a biennial plant that grows low and wide at the base (like the picture) in the first year, and grows a tall shaft with flowers the 2nd year... seems like it can grow 3 to 4 ft tall that year.

It is velvety soft, like the best toilet paper and you don't have to waste paper and the energy for it to pass through a factory. Even if it's recycled, the paper originated in a forest (likely a clearcut) and could be put to other uses. The leaf looks like the 2nd picture.

Other uses for Mullein: It's supposed to be good as tea infused in water as a cough suppressant. I don't get sick often and have only tried it once and didn't notice any effect, so i can't attest to that aspect of it.

Also, you can add Mullein to a smoking blend (for fun or medicinally), and unlike most smoke-ables, it actually is supposed to help with respiratory issues.

Back to toilet paper, I've also heard that Oreogn Big Leaf Maple gets softer in the fall when it turns yellow and makes a suitable toilet paper, as well.