Horehound

Western Bulk Herbs – Horehound

Although history shows Horehound was used for treating respiratory ailments, today it’s used to treat coughs that do not produce mucus. It increases the amount of mucus to make coughs more productive (to get the toxins out of the body). If applied to the body, it helps wounds heal faster.

Latin Name:
Marrubium vulgare

Common Names:
White horehound, wooly horehound, marrubio.

Parts Used:
Above-ground parts of the plant

Properties:
Antispasmodic, digestive, antispasmodic, expectorant

Traditional Uses:
As a tea, but also in infusions, tinctures, and capsules.

Topical Uses / Applications:

Culinary Uses:
Historically made as a candy or confection.

Chemical Properties:
Marrubium, with a little volatile oil, resin, tannin, wax, fat, and sugar.

Cautions:
Do not use Horehound during pregnancy. Large doses may be laxative.

Folk Lore:
“Horehound isn’t good unless it tastes bad (or at least bitter). The bitter taste activates a reflex action that helps normalize breathing and digestion, and the beneficial effects of the herb are not realized if it is combined with too much sugar or other sweetener. Generally, not recommended while pregnant. Also, if gathering in the wild, be sure not to confuse with black or stinking horehound, which can be toxic if taken in large doses.” Mountain Rose Herbs

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:
PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, New Jersey.

The New Holistic Herbal. David Hoffmann, 1990. Barnes and Noble Books, New York.

A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve, (Dover Publications, New York, 1971)

Major Herbs of Ayurvedic.Compiled by Dahur Research Foundation and Dahur Ayurvet Limited, Ghaziabad, India., 2002. Churchill Livingstone, London, England.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition, Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, 1986. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.