Horehound Marrubium vulgaris

Horehound - Marrubium vulgaris (in the Lamiaceae or Mint family)

Parts used: Flowering herb.

Taste/smell: Bitter, aromatic.

Tendencies: Drying, stimulating and relaxing.

Dosage: Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water; or 1:1 fresh + dry liquid extract: 10-30 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.

Mental picture and specific indications: Horehound has a predilection for the respiratory tract and is indicated for congestion and copious discharges, especially if due to atonic mucous membranes.

Use: (a) Expectorant, (b) Relaxing diaphoretic, (c) Stomachic, (d) Choleretic, (e) Decongestant.

Horehound is used for colds, bronchitis, moist asthma, coughs in general, feverish conditions and to stimulate digestion.

Contraindications: It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the emmenagogue and abortifacient effects in animal studies.

Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.