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Information about the herb White Horehound
Marrubium
vulgare , also known as Horehound is part of the Labiatae plant family. Horehound is a perennial
plant found in waste places and along roadsides in coastal areas of the United
States, Canada, Mexico, Britain and Europe.
Botanical Name: Marrubium vulgare
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Horehound
History: The botanical name Marrubium comes from Maria urbs, 'an ancient town of Italy' or the Hebrew marrob, 'a bitter juice'. Egyptians called it the 'Seed of Horus', 'Bull's Blood' or 'Eye of the Star'.
- The Romans praised the benefits of White Horehound and it was used extensively during the Middle Ages
- It was used by the Chinese in the Australian goldrush of 1890 at Kalgoorlie as a tonic tea
It is one of the five bitter herbs eaten by Jews at Passover.
Tradition: Horehound was used in
- exorcisms
- incense for protection
Plant Constituents of White Horehound
Contains:
- fat
- Marrubium, bitter principle
- mucilage
- resin
- sugar
- tannins
- volatile oil
- wax
Action:
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration] (taken warm the infusion is diaphoretic)
- digestive [aids the digestive system]
- diuretic (taken hot) [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels; a mild purgative]
- purgative [an agent that produces a vigorous emptying of the bowels, more drastic than a laxative or aperient] (in large doses)
- remedial [has a healing effect]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach] (taken cold the infusion is a good stomach tonic)
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
- vermicide [an agent that destroys intestinal worms]
Medicinal Parts Used: Herb
Horehound is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- nervous heart conditions
Cardiovascular Conditions
- calms heart action
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- tonic for the stomach
- helps the digestion and liver function
Liver Conditions
- helps the liver function
- stimulates the flow and secretion of bile from the gallbladder
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- acute and chronic bronchitis
- all lung conditions
- asthma
- chest, nasal and sinus congestion
- children's cough remedies
- coughing spells
- coughs and chest complaints
- dry unproductive coughs, with associated poor appetite and debility of the digestive system
- eases tightness of the chest
- encourages the production and expulsion of phlegm from the lungs
- prickly sensation in throat and nasal area just before a cold sets in
- smoker's cough, especially combined with Coltsfoot, Hyssop and Marshmallow Root tonic for the respiratory system and stomach
Other
- expels worms
- restores the normal balance of secretions by various organs and glands of the body
- typhoid and paratyphoid fever
It is sometimes combined with Hyssop, Rue, Licorice Root and Marshmallow Root for greater efficacy
Externally it can be used for:
- temporary or persistent skin problems
Other Uses:
- beers and ales
- candies and lozenges
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 15-40mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Drug Interactions
You should not use Horehound without first talking to your health care professional if you are currently being treated with any of the following medications:
- None Known
Global Herbal Supplies has White Horehound available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
