White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) has been used for thousands of years as the favorite herb for dealing with colds, flu, coughs, and many other ailments. It was revered by the Egyptians and associated with Horus, the god of sun and sky. It’s botanical name was derived from the Hebrew name for it, Marrob, which is one of the five bitter herbs served at Passover feasts.
Historical Uses
Above and beyond Horehound’s well-known use as a bronchial remedy, it has also been used to treat gall bladder problems by increasing bile flow, to soothe stomach ulcers, to help clear up eyesight with direct application of tea, and to treat tuberculosis. One Caesar used it as the primary ingredient in his anti-poison remedy. Horehound was frequently employed by the dairy farmers to scrub out milk pails, and leaves soaked in milk were left out to kill flies.
Culpepper was very fond of Horehound. He used it for malaria and other parasitic infections. He also used it for bringing about delayed menstruation and for helping mothers post-partum to expel the afterbirth.
Current Uses
Horehound is found in throat lozenges and as an herbal tea to treat laryngitis, coughing, colds, flu symptoms, hoarseness, lung problems, bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma. It has an expectorant quality that loosens and thins phlegm so that coughing becomes more productive, while also soothing the muscles and tissues along the bronchial pathways so that getting the mucous out is not as painful. It is often mixed as syrup with honey or as a candy, as the bitter taste can be off-putting.
Other effects of Horehound involve balancing the digestive system through actions on the liver and spleen, which helps reduce bloating, flatulence, indigestion, and other post-meal gastrointestinal disturbances. The presence of Choline in Horehound is thought to be responsible for the noted reduction in post-meal blood sugar levels, which makes this a safe cold remedy for diabetics. Horehound also increases bile flow, aiding the function of the gall bladder. Germany’s Commission E sanctions Horehound specifically for each of these uses.
Horehound is considered an antiseptic (kills germs when applied externally), an anti-inflammatory (soothes and reduces inflammation), a diaphoretic (lowers fevers by producing sweat), and relieves spasms. For these reasons, it’s counted among the many must-have herbs for winter cold and flu seasons.
Contraindications, Warnings, and Disclaimers
This article discusses White Horehound, which should not be confused with Black Horehound (Ballota nigra). While they are both of the Mint family, they have vastly different components and actions.
Prolonged use of Horehound may cause high blood pressure. It should be taken only as needed for remedy and not as a daily regimen. DO NOT use during pregnancy. Large doses produce a laxative effect.
These statements are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please see your physician or local licensed herbal practitioner for any specific complaint.
References:
- LearningInfo.Org has excellent recipes for Horehound preparation.
- Herbs2000.Com - Horehound
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