Horehound

Common Name: Horehound, white horehound, common horehound, hoarhound, horone, houndbene, marvel, marrube, marrubio, concha, mastranzo, seed of Horus, bull’s blood, eye of the star.

Family: Lamiaceae

Parts Used: Leaf and flowering tops

Native To: Europe, North Africa, Southwestern and Central Asia

Geographic Distribution

Horehound is native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern and Central Asia, but it has naturalized in many parts of the world, including most of North and South America. It thrives in dry, sandy wash areas and rocky soils, often found in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and pastures, as well as abandoned and disturbed land. It can grow at a wide range of altitudes, making it a versatile herb in many environments (Hartung, 2015; Moore, 2003).

Botanical Description

Horehound is a hardy perennial herb that grows between 12 to 24 inches tall. It blooms from July until frost, producing small, white, spiny flowers arranged in dense whorls atop the plant’s stems (Kahtz, 2008). The leaves are slightly hairy, crinkled, light green, and ovate in shape, typically arranged oppositely along the stem. Horehound’s name is derived from the “hoary,” frost-like appearance of its small leaves (Holmes, 1989). The plant’s leaves and stems are covered in soft, white pubescence, which gives the entire plant a fuzzy texture (Kahtz, 2008). The color and texture of the plant can vary depending on its growing environment. Plants in drier, sunnier locations tend to have more hair and a lighter green hue, while those in shadier, moister areas have darker green foliage and less hair (Moore, 2003).

Despite belonging to the mint (Lamiaceae) family, horehound does not have the characteristic essential oils found in many mint relatives. When the leaves are crushed, they release a mint-like aroma, though this scent is more pronounced in plants grown in cooler northern climates (Moore, 2003). In the Southern United States, horehound tends to have little to no scent.

Key Constituents

The key constituents of horehound include diterpenoid lactones (such as marrubiin), phenolic acids (like chlorogenic acid), flavonoids, betonicine, choline, quercetin, sterols, mucilage, and volatile oils (Skenderi, 2003; Wood, 2008).

Sustainability Issues

Currently, there are no known sustainability issues associated with horehound.

Harvesting Guidelines

Horehound is typically harvested after it has finished flowering, just as the seed puffs begin to stiffen. The aerial parts, including the leaves and flowering tops, are collected for medicinal use (Moore, 2003). While it can be harvested anytime during the growing season, it is most commonly picked in late summer to early fall when the plant has reached full maturity. The leaves and aerial parts dry easily and can also be used fresh (Hartung, 2015).

Uses

Horehound is a bitter herb traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly for its effects on the respiratory system. It has been a well-known remedy for coughs, colds, asthma, and other pulmonary issues since ancient times. In European folk medicine, horehound was commonly used in combination with other expectorant herbs such as elecampane, coltsfoot, mullein, hyssop, thyme, and marshmallow. In the Americas, it was later incorporated into herbal formulas alongside native plants like wild cherry and lobelia to provide more comprehensive respiratory support (Holmes, 1989; Wood, 2008).

Historically, Horehound was used for conditions like whooping cough, bronchitis, and asthma, often prepared in syrup form to soothe and support lung health. It was believed to have stimulant expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus and fluids from the lungs and respiratory system (Hoffmann, 2003). As Ibn Al-Baitar wrote in his Treatise on Simple Pharmacological Substances, horehound was known to help cleanse the lungs and expel offending fluids (Holmes, 1989).

Energetics and Action

Horehound has mixed energetics. While many herbal traditions describe it as a cooling herb due to its bitter taste, it is also considered warming by some herbalists due to its stimulant action. This dual action means horehound can be used either as a warm or cold infusion, depending on the intended therapeutic effect. A warm infusion of horehound is typically used to disperse heat, promote sweating, and ease throat irritations, while a cold infusion is used to promote urination and reduce sweating (Holmes, 1989; Hoffmann, 2003).

Respiratory Benefits

The primary benefit of horehound lies in its ability to support the respiratory system, particularly in cases of non-productive coughs and bronchial congestion. The plant’s bitter compounds, including marrubiin, promote mucus production and help to loosen thick, sticky mucus, making it easier to expel (Wood, 2008). Horehound is especially useful in treating conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis, where thick mucus accumulates in the airways. Its expectorant and antispasmodic actions help clear the airways and soothe irritated mucous membranes (Holmes, 1989).

In addition to its expectorant action, horehound also acts as a mild diaphoretic, which helps to relieve fever and promote sweating, making it useful for respiratory infections where fever and congestion are present (Holmes, 1989).

Digestive and Other Uses

While horehound is best known for its respiratory benefits, it also has applications for the digestive system. It is used to stimulate appetite and address digestive issues such as dyspepsia, gas, and constipation (Skenderi, 2003). Horehound is also thought to support liver and kidney health by promoting detoxification and helping to clear metabolic waste (Holmes, 1989).

In traditional folk medicine, horehound was even used to support the female reproductive system, particularly in cases of excessive androgen levels and related infertility issues (Cook, 1869). Some modern herbalists have used horehound to address metabolic disorders, including those associated with diabetes and liver congestion (Boudjelal et al., 2012).

Mystical and Historical Uses

Beyond its medicinal properties, horehound has a rich history of mystical and folkloric uses. In ancient Egypt, the herb was associated with the god Horus, and it was called the “Seed of Horus” and the “Eye of the Star.” In medieval Europe, horehound was believed to ward off witchcraft and poisons. It was also used as a protective herb against venomous snake bites and other toxins (Folkard, 1884).

Preparation and Dosage

Horehound can be prepared in various ways, including as a hot or cold infusion, syrup, or tincture. The most common preparation is a syrup, where horehound is combined with honey to soothe the throat and respiratory mucosa. However, care should be taken not to exceed the standard dosage, as excessive consumption of horehound can cause an emetic effect (Holmes, 1989).

Conclusion

Horehound is a versatile and historically significant herb, offering significant benefits for the respiratory system, digestive tract, and even the liver. Its bitter taste and medicinal properties make it a valuable herb in herbal medicine, particularly for treating bronchial and respiratory conditions. While it may not be as widely known today, horehound’s long history of use and potential health benefits continue to make it a valuable plant in modern herbalism.