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[EarthNSky <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>]

This time of year I would think the plant would return for the second
half of its life cycle.  If it were me, I'd take the gamble.
I like the way they look, too.  I tried to grow them here,
transplanting, but they didn't take well to that.  I haven't tried
growing them from seed.  Originally, I wanted them for a tobacco
substitute, and I have smoked it in a pipe.  It did not taste that great
for regular use, but as a medicinal, is good.  Now, mostly, I drink the
tea, which seems to work as well.  After you mentioned this, I did look
it up just to make sure, and it does say to pick before flowering, but I
don't suppose that is critical.  I need to look around the ditches and
find some seeds.  Here, I just find it on the side of the road, harvest
the largest leaves from each plant, and dry them.  I have dried them
hanging, in the dehydrator, and just leaving them in the truck.  All
have worked, but watch it closely in the dehydrator so it doesn't get
too dry, especially if you intend to use it in lieu of TP.  Since I
drink it as a tea, I store the dried, torn up leaves in glass jars.
You can use the entire plant, too, not a bad idea in the second year.
I'd like to try making an oil from the roots and flowers.


B

Jeanne Driese wrote:
> Bev, The two plants I have are in the first year of growth, if I use
>  those leaves will it grow more leaves in the spring and still be
> able to send up the stalk?  If you don't know I think I will try to
> do the 1st year leaves and see if it will come back in the spring.
> I am trying to grow several in one spot where I have a bit of sun.  I
>  love the way they look, very ornamental to me.  After you pick the 
> leaves how do you dry then and how do you store them? Jeanne 
> tnhillwoman North East TN zone 6 ----- Original Message ----- From: 
> EarthNSky To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 
> 2008 8:48 AM Subject: Re: [Homestead] Serious issues
>
>
> I  I wild harvest it when I see a mature plant with large lower 
> leaves. They say to pick the leaves before the plants flower, but I 
> pick them whenever.  I'm probably losing some effectiveness, but it 
> still works.
>
>
> Jeanne Driese wrote:
> > Thanks Bev!  I have a couple of mullein plants right now,  When is
> >  a good time to dry it? Yes, I do know what a princess tree is now
> >  that you mention its other name.  Do not have any on the property
> >  and do not want to plant any more trees as I barley get enough sun
> >  to grow things now.  I live in the woods on the side of a hill. 
> > Jeanne tnhillwoman North East TN zone 6 ----- Original Message 
> > ----- From:
>
>
> -- “Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger 
> leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”        Yoda 
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--
“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to
hate. Hate leads to suffering.”        Yoda