Plant Profile: Horehound

Horehound

(Marrubium vulgare)

Family: LAMIACEAE

Energetics: Warming. 

Taste: Bitter. Pungent. Salty. 

Tissue States: Dampness (stagnation). Cold. 

Systems Affected: Heart. Liver. Lungs. Kidneys. Stomach. 

Parts Used: Aerial parts

Key Components: Bitters. Alcohols. Flavonoids. Phytosterols. Volatile oils. Mucilage. Tannins. Choline. Pectin. Resins. Iron. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Tincture: Syrup: Throat lozenge: 

Actions: 
Foundational: Bitter. Astringent. Demulcent
Primary: Expectorant. Diaphoretic. Stomachic. (Emetic in large doses).
Secondary: Tonic. 

Uses: 

Soothing to coughs and sore throats. Specific for strained vocal cords. 

Excellent for that first tickle at the back of the throat. 

in 1986, the FDA banned the use of horehound in commercially produced throat lozenges. Not due to any safety concerns, but because there was a supposed lack of evidence of its effectiveness. It is still used in commercially produced lozenges in Europe and you can, of course, make them with it yourself! 

Bitter compounds stimulate secretions which help break up and  expel hard stuck phlegm from the lungs. 

Studies have shown that horehound is effective in inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Combines well with: 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting:

Contraindications: Long term use could potentially cause high blood pressure. Can cause vomiting in large doses. 

Sources: 

The Herbal Apothecary: JJ Pursell. Pg 114-115. 

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 35.

The Earthwise Herbal: Matthew Wood. Pg 334-338.

Studies:

Anti-proliferative effect of horehound leaf and wild cherry bark extracts on human colorectal cancer cells: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440569/