Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaves and Flowering Tops, Fresh or Dried​

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Salty, Pungent, Cool

Caution: Safe but use with caution if you have stomach ulcers or gastritis. Horehound can improve digestion by increasing stomach acid but may exacerbate existing conditions. Black horehound is not recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease or schizophrenia, or during pregnancy.

Key Constituents: Marrubium, Flavonoids (including Apigenin, Luteolin, and Quercetin), Alkaloids, Bitter Lactone, Saponin, Sterols, Tannins, Monoterpenes, Diterpenes, Vitamin C, Sesquiterpenes, Thujene, Eugenol

History/Folklore: Horehound has been documented as a medicine dating back to the 1st century B.C. Egyptian priests referred to it as “Seed of Horus”, from which its modern name, “horehound” is possibly derived. The ancient Egyptians used it as an antidote for poison and legends say they also used it in ceremonial rituals. The 16th-century English herbalist, John Gerard, described horehound as an antidote to poison and a syrup for respiratory infections. The 18th-century English herbalist, Culpeper, said, “There is a syrup made of this plant which I would recommend as an excellent help to evacuate tough phlegm and cold rheum from the lungs of aged person, especially those who are asthmatic and short-winded.” The ancient Egyptians used it as an antidote for poison and legend says they also used it in ceremonial rituals. In medieval Europe, it was used to ward off spells by witches.

The 16th-century English herbalist, John Gerard, described the herb as an antidote to poison and a syrup for respiratory infections. The 18th-century English herbalist, Culpeper, said, “There is a syrup made of this plant which I would recommend as an excellent help to evacuate tough phlegm and cold rheum from the lungs of aged person, especially those who are asthmatic and short-winded.”

The Navajo used a decoction of the roots before and after childbirth as a healing herb.

In China, white horehound is especially used to treat stubborn coughs and sinus congestion. A cooling herb, it is effective for treating fevers, headaches, and the upper symptoms of colds and flu that affect the head, neck, and upper lungs.

White horehound, combined with lobelia, coltsfoot, and mullein makes a treatment for lung conditions. Adding a bit of honey to the tea can counter its bitter flavor. The herb also combines well with marshmallow, licorice, and hyssop.

Externally white horehound is useful for treating eczema, and shingles, and healing skin lesions, ulcers, and wounds.

The constituent, marrubium, has been found to have a notable healing impact on cancer, diabetes, and other health issues. White horehound extract has been shown to effectively prevent cell death and reduce the promotion of cancer in cells, particularly colon cancer cells.

As an aid to digestion, the recommended dose is 3 to 4.5 grams of the dried herb or 2 to 4 tablespoons of the pressed juice used daily. White horehound is known for increasing stomach acids that help aid digestion.

A study in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” found that black horehound (Ballota nigra) placed in
the top 10 of 104 medicinal plants for its ability to inhibit the antibiotic-resistant strain known as MRSA. White horehound also has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

A study in “Oncology Reports” noted that white horehound extract is effective in promoting early death of cancer cells and aiding the prevention of inflammation that can lead to cancer. The herb showed particular promise in treating colon cancer.

The hoary or silver-colored hairs on the plant’s stems and leaves are the likely root of its name horehound. In old English, “har” and “hoary” mean “white” or “gray-haired”. The botanical name, Marrubium may have derived from the ancient Roman town “Mariaurbs” or the name of one of the bitter herbs, “marrob,” used by the Jewish peoples during Passover. Some suggest that the Egyptian god Horus could also be the source of the plant’s name.

White horehound has been grown around the home to keep wild animals and mad dogs away. Like lavender (LINK), white horehound has been sprinkled on floors to cleanse the air, keep evil spirits out, and protect against spells and magic. The herb can inspire creativity and healing by promoting balance. White horehound can be carried in a white bag for protection.

White horehound is used to make alcohol-free ale called horehound beer. It is also used to make candies.

Black horehound is sometimes used to adulterate white horehound extracts. It has traditionally been used in Europe to treat nausea, motion sickness, gout, and anxiety. It has mild sedating properties and is very bitter.