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Horehound as an Herb
(Marrubium vulgare)
Once regarded as an anti-magical herb, the Romans esteemed Horehound for its medicinal properties. The Egyptian Priests called this plant the 'Seed of Horus,' or the 'Bull's Blood,' and the 'Eye of the Star.' It was a principal ingredient in the negro Caesar's antidote for vegetable poisons.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned horehound from cough drops in 1989 due to insufficient evidence supporting its efficacy. However, horehound is currently widely used in Europe, and it can be found in European-made herbal cough remedies sold in the United States.
Medicinal Uses for Horehound
White Horehound has long been noted for its efficacy in lung troubles and coughs. It may, indeed, be considered one of the most popular pectoral remedies, being given with benefit for chronic cough, asthma, and some cases of consumption.
In Germany, white horehound is approved for the treatment of heartburn and lack of appetite, based on historical use.
Early study shows that white horehound may lower cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Horehound is used in children's cough remedies, as it is a gentle but effective expectorant. It acts as a tonic for the respiratory system and stomach. In large doses it acts as a laxative. It is often made into lozenges for treating coughs and sore throats.
Horehound is sometimes combined with Hyssop, Rue, Liquorice root and Marshmallow root, 1/2 ounce of each boiled in 2 pints of water, to 1-1/2 pint, strained and given in 1/2 teacupful doses, every two to three hours.
Horehound Cough Syrup: Steep 1 ounce of leaves in 2 cups of water just off the boil for 10 minutes; strain off the leaves and measure the liquid; add twice as much honey as liquid; mix well and bottle. For coughs take 1 teaspoon about 4 times a day (no more than 4 teaspoons daily).
Horehound Lozenges: Boil the herb in water for 10 minutes and simmer for another 30 minutes; strain. Add 1 cup honey or 1-1/2 cup sugar for each cup of liquid. Bring to a boil and stir until mixture begins to thicken. Pour into buttered pan; cut into squares while cooling. Let air dry and then store. Squares can be dusted with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Culinary
White horehound is generally considered to be safe when used as a flavoring agent in foods.
Candied Horehound is best made from the fresh plant by boiling it down until the juice is extracted, then adding sugar before boiling this again, until it has become thick enough in consistence to pour into a paper case and be cut into squares when cool.
See also:
Cautions
Caution is warranted in people with heart disease (because animal studies showed possible abnormal heart rhythms) or gastrointestinal disorders.
DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.