Cowboy toilet paper

[Smart Red]

No that's a pic I swiped from the internet somewhere. But the plants in that pic looks just like a ditch down the road a mile or so. And yes I did forget to mention the fuzzy leaves. Sorry. A neighbor says they always called it "cowboy toilet paper". Has anyone ever heard of that? Uck! But, you know what, I'll bet the cowboys of yesteryear used almost anything for their personal hygiene. Super uck!

 

[majorcatfish]

the backpackers best friend..

 

[Smart Red]

And didn't I read that the plant is good for hemorrhoids? WIn-win!

Holy Cow!!! Look what I found. A blind pig found an acorn

This is from the WebMD website . . .

Mullein is a plant. The flower is used to make medicine.

Mullein is used for cough, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Other uses include asthma, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding, migraines, joint pain, and gout. It is also used as a sedative and as a diuretic to increase urine output.

Mullein is applied to the skin for wounds, burns, hemorrhoids, bruises, frostbite, and skin infections (cellulitis). The leaves are used topically to soften and protect the skin.

Yes! It is! Sure beats grabbing some poison ivy when the need arises!

 

[journey11]

I rubbed a mullein leaf on my cheek once as a child and broke out in a rash. I sure hope it doesn't do that to your rear!

Here's a good article on drying and using the leaves. Now's a good time to go get some. Thanks for reminding me!

 

[Smiles Jr.]

Smiles, as Thistle knows and maybe others, there are a lot of things that go over my head. Your title of this thread is one of them. Can you explain it to me? Hope I'm not embarrassing myself.

Mary

Oh! Heck no - there is no reason to be embarrassed. I have heard this plant called cowboy toilet paper and I wondered if it was mullein. That's all.

 

[thistlebloom]

I rubbed a mullein leaf on my cheek once as a child and broke out in a rash. I sure hope it doesn't do that to your rear!

Who wants to volunteer for a field study?

Anybody???

 

[hoodat]

Both the Indians and cowboys actually used it as toilet paper. Because of the soft fuzz it was easier on the derrire than most other leaves.
Another traditional use for it was to use the leaves in the bottom of your shoes to avoid sore feet on long walks. The dried stalks are also favorites in Fall flower arrangements but watch out for it. When it gets dry enough the seed pods split open and the seeds are ejected with considerable force. You don't want one hitting you in the eye. If a certain mite attacks the flowers you get what the flower trade calls cobras. The seed head flattens and bows over bearing a strong resemblance to a cobras head. Those are especially prized in the trade.

 

[Nyboy]

@baymule I think I remember reading your favorite weed was used in spring tonic dandelion. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, your grandmother would be happy you use it!!!

 

[Smiles Jr.]

Thanks for all the contributions to my education. I will always have a new-found appreciation for the ditch weeds I pass along the roads. You guys are great. Now I'm off to the store to buy extra TP. You know, the soft kind that the furry bears use on television. Oh wait! Maybe I'll get the brand that the beautiful lady gently rubs on her face while bating her make-up laden eyes. Decisions, decisions.

Over and out.

 

[Nyboy]

Try baby wipes, they are very refreshing.