by Angela Vetter

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

A plant with a long pharmaceutical history stretching back to Egyptian times, Horehound is still able to be found today. The uses, both legend and scientific, are quite a few, and with the hardy plant's grand, sweeping stature, it's also fairly simple to spot. The best places to look for the common Horehound, which was brought to North America from Europe, are wild fields, drier soils, and generally in places associated with overgrown weeds.

The Horehound plant can outgrow all it's neighbors when it reaches it's fully grown height of three feet or so. The tall, slender stems have a furry appearance, and the leaves also have a fur look to them. Think mint, as that is the family the mighty Horehound derives from. During the summertime, small clusters of petite white flowers appear where the stalks of the leaves come together, and some of the hairs seem to have a lilac color to them.
Some of the more folklore-type of uses seem to be out of a fairy tale book, but go back as far as to begin with Egyptian uses by burning as incense to the Gods, as the plant was originally named for the god Horus. The plant has also been mentioned by the ancient Greeks for infertility in women, and in older Roman literature, some of the uses listed included as a laxative to an antidote to poisons. In the 1800's in North America uses listed include treatment of lung problems, and hysteria.
Some of the mythical powers attributed to the plant include drinking the tea in order to be able to think more clearly, and to be carried on the person as protection against evil spirits. More medicinally, the flavor of the plant has been a source of licorice-type taste used i candy, tea, and in cough drops as an expectorant. Also, it has been said to stimulate the urge to eat.
All around, this is a plant that is definitely worth looking into for it's historical and medical values. Not to mention trying to find it would be a great excuse for a late summertime walk to explore areas off the beaten path. This plant can also be found in dried form in most herbal shops, and at some natural stores. Make sure to verify with your doctor before using any natural substance your not sure about before using. Happy Horehound hunting!

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