White Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a perennial herbaceous herb in the mint family that is native to Europe, Asia and Africa. It is distinguished from other species by its woolly stem, the densely felted hairs on the leaves, and the ten-toothed teeth of the calyx. The plant can grow to 0.5 m in height and it is self fertile.
White Horehound Medicinal Benefits
- The horehound herb plant is packed with nutritional benefits including high amounts of Vitamins A, B, C, and E
- The leaves and flower tops of horehound have a long history of been used in home remedies as a bitter tonic for the common cold.
- It is used for digestion problems including loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and liver and gallbladder complaints.
- It is also used for lung and breathing problems including cough, whooping cough, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and swollen breathing passages.
- White horehound is used in the treatment of painful menstrual periods.
- It is also used to treat jaundice), to kill parasitic worms, to cause sweating, and to increase urine production.
- White horehound is sometimes applied to the skin for skin damage, ulcers, and wounds.
- In manufacturing, the extracts of white horehound are used as flavoring in foods and beverages, and as expectorants in cough syrups and lozenges.
Growing White Horehound
Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring.
Direct Sowing: .Late Winter and Early Spring.
- It is a hardy plant, easily grown, and flourishes best in a dry, poor soil.
- Plant the Seeds three weeks before your last expected frost date.
- The seeds must be surface sown and covered with a light dusting of soil.
- The seedlings should be planted out in the spring, in rows, with a space of about 9 inches or more between each plant.
- Grow Horehound in full sun and well drained soil.
- The plant does not blossom until it is two years old.
Medical Disclaimer
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.