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Horehound Horehound

Latin Name: Marrubium Vulgare
Family: Labiatae

Climate range..................................
Aspect range....................................
Mature height...................................
Mature width....................................
Special purpose...............................
Foliage type.....................................
Soil Type..........................................
Propagation.....................................
Sow-Plant........................................
Space Apart.....................................
Flowering Season............................
Flower Color....................................
Temperate, Cool
Full sun, Half sun
2'
1'
Medicinal
Perennial
Well drained
Seed
Spring
6"
Summer
Pink, White


COMMENTS:
Horehound is a woolly herb with a faint scent of Wormwood, crinkled hairy leaves, and flowering stems with whorls of small white blossoms in summer.

Uses: The leaves are used in tonics, liquers, and ales, and are made into expectorant and antiseptic cough drops. An infusion relaxes muscles and helps expel mucus, treating bronchitis, croup, and asthma. Contains the chemical Marrubiin which studies show has phlegm-loosening(expectorant) properties. It destroys intestinal worms and acts as a digestive and liver tonic and a laxative. The tea is used internally and externally for eczema and shingles. Its sedative action works in small amounts to control rapid heartbeats. A hot infusion helps to break fevers and treats malaria when quinine is ineffective. It helps heal skin lesions. The Navajo tribe gave mothers a root decoction before and after childbirth. Horehound's woolly leaves were once used to clean milk pails, and the dried flower remains floated on oil as candle wicks.

Dosage: 1 tsp. per cup. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day. For cough syrup 1 quart horehound leaves to 6 cups of water. My personal favorite combination of herbs is Horehound, Elecampane and Muskmallow. I use this combo for throat lozenges and cough syrup.



Recipe Files


Horehound Candy
Ingredients
  • 1 cup horehound tea
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 2 cups dark or light corn syrup
Boil horehound leaves to make a good strong tea. Drain, reserving 1 cup of liquid. Add the cup of tea to the other ingredients and boil until it just starts to caramel. Put onto a flat greased cookie sheet. Start cutting with kitchen shears or scissors as soon as it starts to harden on edges.

Horehound Candy 2
Ingredients
  • 4 oz fresh horehound leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed aniseed
  • 3 crushed cardamom seeds
  • 12 oz white sugar
  • 12 oz brown sugar
Put all of the ingredients into 1 pint of water and simmer for 20 min. Strain through a filter. Over a low heat, dissolve 12 oz white sugar and 12 oz of brown sugar in the liquid and boil over a medium heat until the syrup hardens when drops are put into cold water. Pour into an oiled tray. Score when partially cooled. Store in wax paper.

Horehound Losenges
Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 cups dried horehound leaves
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups honey
  • 4 cups brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Steep the horehound in the boiling water for 15 minutes, strain. To the tea add honey, brown sugar and tartar. Heat to a temperature of 220 degrees F. Add butter, do not stir and heat to 312 degrees F. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Pour into hot buttered pans, mark into squares and let cool. Use these to relieve sore throat and cough. You may wish to try adding some dried licorice root for variation with this recipe.


Whooping Cough
Ingredients:
  • 1 part Horehound
  • 2 parts Mouse Ears
  • 1 part Sundew
  • 1 part Coltsfoot
  • 1 part Thyme
Mix all ingredients together will. Use 1-2 teaspoons of the mix to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes.


Smokers Cough
Ingredients:
  • 1 part hyssop
  • 1 part coltsfoot
  • 1 part marshmallow or muskmallow root
  • 1 part horehound
Mix all the herbs together. Use 1 teaspoon of the mix per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and drink as needed.

You may also wish to read about related pages: Cough Test, Cold & Flu Recipes, Lungs & Sore Throat.







Commercial Products available from other Merchants


Horehound Blend - 1 oz
Horehound Blend - 1 oz

HERBS FOR KIDS HOREHOUND BLEND 1 OZ

Horehound Herb C/S (Marrubium vulgare) 1 lb: C Horehound Herb C/S (Marrubium vulgare) 1 lb: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as an infusion, decoction, extract, tincture and syrup. As Grieve says, 'Preparations of Horehound are still largely used as expectorants and tonics. It may, indeed, be considered one of the most popular pectoral remedies, being given with benefit for chronic cough, asthma, and some cases of consumption.' The contemporary British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for acute bronchitis, non-productive coughs and catarrh of the respiratory tract as well as for lack of appetite and dyspepsia, as does the French Direction de la Pharmacie et du Médicament. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Horehound herb for 'Loss of appetite and dyspepsia, such as bloating and flatulence.' 'Daily dosage: 4.5 g of drug; 2 - 6 tbs. of pressed juice; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration Comminuted herb, freshly expressed plant juice and other galenical preparations for internal use. Action Marrubinic acid works as a choleretic.' Horehound is a common expectorant component of Europeanmade herbal cough remedies, such as Ricola® lozenges, that are sold in the United States. Horehound was formerly official in the United States Pharmacopeia. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Preparations of Horehound are still largely used as expectorants and tonics. It may, indeed, be considered one of the most popular pectoral remedies, being given with benefit for chronic cough, asthma, and some cases of consumption.' 'For children's coughs and croup, it is given to advantage in the form of syrup, and is a most useful medicine for children, not only for the complaints mentioned, but as a tonic and a corrective of the stomach. It has quite a pleasant taste.' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Hoarhound is a stimulant tonic, expectorant, and diuretic. Its stimulant action upon the laryngeal and bronchial mucous membranes is pronounced, and it, undoubtedly, also influences the respiratory function.' 'It is used in the form of syrup, in coughs, colds, chronic catarrh, asthma, and all pulmonary affections. The warm infusion will produce diaphoresis, and sometimes diuresis, and has been used with benefit in jaundice, asthma, hoarseness, amenorrhoea, and hysteria; the cold infusion is an excellent tonic in some forms of dyspepsia, acts as a vermifuge, and will be found efficient in checking mercurial ptyalism. In large doses it purges.' 'It enters into the composition of several syrups and candies. Dose of the powder, 1 drachm; of the infusion, or syrup, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces; specific marrubium, 1 to 30 drops.' Eclectic Materia Medica, 1922 (Felter): 'Hoarhound is a stimulating expectorant and tonic, and is adapted to both acute and chronic irritation of the larynx and bronchial tract, and gives added power to respiration.' 'In small doses it is a gastric tonic of considerable value, but given too freely it will


Horehound Blend Respiratory and Lung Support 1 oz: K Horehound Blend Respiratory and Lung Support 1 oz: K

Horehound Blend" contains herbs that strengthen the lungs, reduce bronchial inflammation and aid expectoration, helping to open the airways for easier breathing. Horehound Blend" is useful for chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and low grade respiratory congestion. Sometimes after an acute infection the lungs do not fully heal, the result is chronically inflamed bronchioles and an excess of mucus production in the lungs. While Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications tend to suppress all coughs, the Horehound, Mullein, and other herbs in this blend work as expectorants, supporting the body's natural desire to rid itself of excess mucus. Note: When excess mucus is present, try eliminating dairy and other mucus producing foods such as wheat and sugar. Facial steams and humidifiers can also help loosen congestion. ''My 7 year old has been fighting a cough. I was giving him an herbal cough medicine ( liquid ), however it was not doing the job. I went to the health store and decided to try your brand of Herbs. Within ONE day, the results are EXCELLENT. Now I will always use your brand. Thank you.''  Donna P., Randolph, NJ


Horehound Herb Cut & Sifted Cert. Organic (Marrubium vulgare) 1 lb: K Horehound Herb Cut & Sifted Cert. Organic (Marrubium vulgare) 1 lb: K

This is Frontier's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Some Frontier packs are double wall wax-lined paper. Used as an infusion, decoction, extract, tincture and syrup. As Grieve says, 'Preparations of Horehound are still largely used as expectorants and tonics. It may, indeed, be considered one of the most popular pectoral remedies, being given with benefit for chronic cough, asthma, and some cases of consumption.' The contemporary British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for acute bronchitis, non-productive coughs and catarrh of the respiratory tract as well as for lack of appetite and dyspepsia, as does the French Direction de la Pharmacie et du Médicament. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Horehound herb for 'Loss of appetite and dyspepsia, such as bloating and flatulence.' 'Daily dosage: 4.5 g of drug; 2 - 6 tbs. of pressed juice; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration Comminuted herb, freshly expressed plant juice and other galenical preparations for internal use. Action Marrubinic acid works as a choleretic.' Horehound is a common expectorant component of Europeanmade herbal cough remedies, such as Ricola® lozenges, that are sold in the United States. Horehound was formerly official in the United States Pharmacopeia. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Preparations of Horehound are still largely used as expectorants and tonics. It may, indeed, be considered one of the most popular pectoral remedies, being given with benefit for chronic cough, asthma, and some cases of consumption.' 'For children's coughs and croup, it is given to advantage in the form of syrup, and is a most useful medicine for children, not only for the complaints mentioned, but as a tonic and a corrective of the stomach. It has quite a pleasant taste.' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Hoarhound is a stimulant tonic, expectorant, and diuretic. Its stimulant action upon the laryngeal and bronchial mucous membranes is pronounced, and it, undoubtedly, also influences the respiratory function.' 'It is used in the form of syrup, in coughs, colds, chronic catarrh, asthma, and all pulmonary affections. The warm infusion will produce diaphoresis, and sometimes diuresis, and has been used with benefit in jaundice, asthma, hoarseness, amenorrhoea, and hysteria; the cold infusion is an excellent tonic in some forms of dyspepsia, acts as a vermifuge, and will be found efficient in checking mercurial ptyalism. In large doses it purges.' 'It enters into the composition of several syrups and candies. Dose of the powder, 1 drachm; of the infusion, or syrup, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces; specific marrubium, 1 to 30 drops.' Eclectic Materia Medica, 1922 (Felter): 'Hoarhound is a stimulating expectorant and tonic, and is adapted to both acute and chronic irritation of the larynx and bronchial tract, and gives added power to respiration.' 'In small doses it is a gastric tonic o


Horehound-Marshmallow Syrup 4 fl oz: K

Horehound-Marshmallow Syrup 4 fl oz: K

Turtle Island syrups are sweet and soothing herbal combinations primarily of value during cold seasons when the throat tends to dry out and become irritated. As Grieve says, 'Preparations of Horehound are still largely used as expectorants and tonics. It may, indeed, be considered one of the most popular pectoral remedies, being given with benefit for chronic cough, asthma, and some cases of consumption.' The contemporary British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for acute bronchitis, non-productive coughs and catarrh of the respiratory tract as well as for lack of appetite and dyspepsia, as does the French Direction de la Pharmacie et du Médicament. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Horehound herb for 'Loss of appetite and dyspepsia, such as bloating and flatulence.' Horehound is a common expectorant component of European–made herbal cough remedies, such as Ricola® lozenges, that are sold in the United States. Horehound was formerly official in the United States Pharmacopeia. In Germany, marshmallow root and leaf are both licensed as standard medicinal teas. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Marshmallow root for '(a) Irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough. (b) Mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa.' 'Actions: Alleviates local irritation; Inhibits mucociliary activity; Stimulates phagocytosis' The contemporary British Herbal Compendium indicates marshmallow use internally for gastroenteritis, peptic and duodenal ulceration, common and ulcerative colitis, and enteritis. Leading herbalists say that osha root tea, or a stronger thick boiled decoction or extract, can be used like echinacea for the treatment of respiratory infections such as colds, flu, sore throat, and typical upper respiratory congestion. Osha root contains various properties which make it both antibacterial and antiviral, therefore useful for a wide variety of infections including herpes, sore throats, colds, flu, and as a bronchial expectorant.


Horehound Blend Respiratory and Lung Support 1 fl oz: K

Horehound Blend Respiratory and Lung Support 1 fl oz: K

Alcohol-Free Herbal Supplement. Kids Love the Taste! Horehound Blend™ contains herbs that strengthen the lungs, reduce bronchial inflammation and aid expectoration, helping to open the airways for easier breathing. Horehound Blend™ is useful for chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and low grade respiratory congestion. Sometimes after an acute infection the lungs do not fully heal, the result is chronically inflamed bronchioles and an excess of mucus production in the lungs. While Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications tend to suppress all coughs, the Horehound, Mullein, and other herbs in this blend work as expectorants, supporting the body's natural desire to rid itself of excess mucus. Note: When excess mucus is present, try eliminating dairy and other mucus producing foods such as wheat and sugar. Facial steams and humidifiers can also help loosen congestion. ''My 7 year old has been fighting a cough. I was giving him an herbal cough medicine ( liquid ), however it was not doing the job. I went to the health store and decided to try your brand of Herbs. Within ONE day, the results are EXCELLENT. Now I will always use your brand. Thank you.'' – Donna P., Randolph, NJ


Marshmallow Syrup for Kids with Horehound 4 fl oz: K

Marshmallow Syrup for Kids with Horehound 4 fl oz: K

Turtle Island syrups are sweet and soothing herbal combinations primarily of value during cold seasons when the throat tends to dry out and become irritated. This delicious, expert blend will calm kids, as well as soothe and heal irritated throat and nasal passages.


Horehound 1oz.

WebVitamins offers highly competitive pricing on more than nearly ten-thousand nutritional products. Uncover the benefits of Horehound 1oz. (FORM: oz.QTY: 1). The same great brands at great prices...WHY PAY MORE?


Tea- Horehound Herb 24 Bags

WebVitamins offers highly competitive pricing on more than nearly ten-thousand nutritional products. Uncover the benefits of Tea- Horehound Herb 24 Bags (FORM: BoxQTY: 24). The same great brands at great prices...WHY PAY MORE?


Herbal Ear Cleaner - $ 6.99
Pet Botanics Herbal Ear Cleaner is an all natural botanical formula ear cleaner for dogs and cats that leaves pets' ears clean, refreshed and healthy without the use of powerful chemical formulas or artificial ingredients. Ingredients of marigold extract (discourages bugs of various kinds from visiting a pet's ears), horehound extract, aloe vera and chamomile extract (to soothe irritations) as well as pennyroyal oil (a mint substance) and Clove oil (to refresh and deodorize ears) are included in the formula. SIZE: 2oz


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