Uses of Horehound

Horehound is most known as an ingredient in candies and cough drops or syrups. It has a strong menthol flavor, as it is a member of the mint family. It grows easily in fields, pastures, wastelands and along roadsides. Medicinally, it has been used since ancient Greek and Egyptian times.

History

• Hippocrates, a Greek physician in 400 BCE, believed that horehound was helpful in preventing women from becoming infertile. Horehound was recommended as an antidote for poisoning and a laxative by the Roman naturalist Pliny in 100 CE. It was also a well-known plant of the Egyptian priests. They named the herb after the Egyptian god of sky and light, Horus. Its name means the "Seed of Horus." It was also used by Navajo women during childbirth.

Benefits

• Horehound is often used in syrup form as a cough suppressant. Horehound also has been made into candy form to soothe sore throats. The plant has a high amount of mucilage that is effective for soothing the mucus membranes. For this reason, it has even been used to clear phlegm from the chests of those with tuberculosis. It can be used for flatulence, indigestion and abdominal pain during menstruation. The leaves can be used as a compress to soothe sores, ulcers and wounds.

Properties

• Tannin and marrubin are two of the main properties in horehound. Marrubin is an herbal bitter that helps to stimulate the appetite by making saliva and gastric juices flow. Marrubin stimulates the bronchioles, as well, to help remove phlegm, and is responsible for stimulating the flow of bile. Tannins give horehound the ability to be an antidote against poison. The tannins are astringent and have the ability to draw out proteins. This makes it dangerous in high doses. It can lead to deficiencies in iron and calcium and lead to osteoporosis. However, this pulling action can also pull out toxins. Tannins are useful in relieving burns and stopping wounds from bleeding.

Dosage

• Cough syrup is made from horehound by steeping the leaves in a pint of water. It is steeped for 10 minutes, strained and sweetened with twice as much honey. A teaspoon of horehound can also be steeped in boiling water and taken throughout the day in small doses. Boiled and crushed leaves are useful as a poultice for wounds. Horehound can be used dry, fresh, as an extract or as a tincture. Extracts are usually taken in small drops a few times a day, as needed.

Side Effects

• People with peptic ulcers or gastritis should be cautious when using horehound because it increases the amount of stomach acid in the body. The seeds can be poisonous, as well, especially to children. An overdose can cause hallucinations, delirium, restlessness, dry mouth, pupil dilation and even coma. The herb is also dangerous to take during pregnancy because it can cause contractions. Horehound can cause an increase risk of side effects if taken with cold medication. It also lowers blood pressure and shouldn't be used with other herbs that lower blood pressure.