The Versatile Horehound Herb: History and Medicinal Uses

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a robust, hardy herb that has carved a niche for itself in both historical and modern medicinal practices. With its downy leaves and white flowers, this unassuming plant carries a wealth of healing properties and a rich history that dates back to ancient times.


A Glimpse into Horehound’s History
Horehound has been revered for centuries as a medicinal powerhouse. Its use can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was considered sacred and used in a variety of healing practices. The Greeks and Romans also embraced this herb, particularly for its ability to soothe respiratory ailments.
During the Middle Ages, horehound was a staple in herbal medicine, often used in cough syrups and lozenges. It was a common remedy for colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues, and its popularity spread across Europe and eventually to North America with early settlers.


Medicinal Uses of Horehound
Horehound’s primary claim to fame lies in its medicinal properties, particularly in treating respiratory conditions. The herb is rich in marrubiin, a bitter compound that acts as an expectorant, making it easier to expel mucus from the lungs. This makes horehound an effective natural remedy for bronchitis, asthma, and coughs.

Here are some of the medicinal benefits of horehound:

1. Respiratory Relief: Horehound is most commonly used to alleviate coughs and colds. It can help soothe a sore throat, reduce phlegm, and clear congestion. Many traditional cough syrups and lozenges contain horehound for this reason.

2. Digestive Aid: The bitter properties of horehound stimulate digestion and can help with issues like indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite. It promotes the secretion of digestive juices and bile, aiding in the overall digestive process.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Horehound has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in the respiratory and digestive systems. It also contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.

4. Wound Healing: Horehound can be applied topically to help heal wounds and cuts. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful herb for promoting skin healing.


Ways to Use Horehound
Horehound Candy/Cough Drops: Traditionally, horehound was used to make a bitter candy that was not only a treat but also served as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. The candy is still enjoyed by those who appreciate its distinctive flavor.

Tea: Horehound tea is another common way to consume the herb. It’s often sweetened with honey to counteract the bitterness and can be sipped to relieve respiratory or digestive discomfort.

Infusions and Tinctures: Horehound can be made into infusions or tinctures for internal use, providing a more concentrated form of the herb's medicinal properties.

Horehound is a part of the mint family and is relatively easy to grow and if left unattended while planted in the ground, will spread easily. But is manageable in a container!

If you are interested in growing herbs for medicinal uses, this is a great one to have growing!

Horehound is also found growing wild and a great resource for all wild growing herbs in Texas is Foraging Texas

If you are interested in learning to make herbal tinctures, Mountain Rose Herbs is one of many great sources for guidance.