What Is Horehound Used For?

Horehound is a perennial herb also known as Marrubium vulgare. It is a member of the mint family. The leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the horehound plant are all edible and used for medicinal purposes. Other uses for horehound are in cosmetics, perfumes and dyes.

Description of the Horehound Plant

• A horehound plant grows up to 1 1/2 feet tall. It has square stems and leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem. The horehound plant produces beautiful tiny white flowers.

History of Horehound

• Horehound has been around since ancient Roman times. It was used in Roman times as a cure for all types of respiratory problems, especially for coughs. Horehound was also popular with native North Americans as a cough suppressant. All through the 19th century, horehound was used for coughs and lung complaints as well as for menstrual problems.

Preparations Using Horehound

• Various parts of the horehound plant are usually mixed with other ingredients to mask the bitter taste of horehound. The leaves and stems are brewed into teas and sugar is added to sweeten the bitter taste. To create horehound drops and cough syrups, a lot of sweetener is added. However, some people prefer to use horehound in its original bitter form.

Additional Uses for Horehound

• In addition to helping to reduce the incidence of coughing and soothing sore throats, horehound is also used to loosen bronchial mucous. Another use for horehound is as a muscle relaxant to lower blood pressure and to reduce pain. Horehound can also be used as an antidiabetic to increase appetite and to normalize heart rhythm.

Growing Horehound Plants

• Horehound thrives in poor soil. Because it only grows to 1 1/2 feet, it makes a good border plant. Horehound also requires very little water to thrive, thereby making a good plant for drought-stricken areas. It also thrives in sandy soil.

Health Warnings for Horehound Use

• Horehound should not be used by pregnant women, nursing women or people with liver or kidney disease. Large studies have not been done on the safety of horehound. However, it is a non-toxic plant so it should be safe for children and adults.