by Dena Bolton

Created on: September 21, 2010

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) was named for the Egyptian god of the sky, Horus. It was used to treat coughs and sore throats as long ago the time of the ancient Greeks, when horehound was prescribed by the Greek physician Dioscorides. In addition, horehound became one of the bitter herbs used during Passover. It was also believed to break magic spells.

As a medicinal herb, horehound was used to treat everything from hepatitis to poor eyesight. It was even believed that horehound could be used to treat bites from rabid dogs. However, the focus eventually was placed on the truly effective medicinal use for horehound; i.e., as an expectorant and cough suppressant and as a medicinal herb to use to ease sore throats. In the 1600s, the British made cough syrups and cough drops from horehound. The same use of horehound also later became popular among the Shakers in the United States.

Today, drinking hot infusions of horehound can be used to treat fevers. You can make a tea using two tablespoons of the fresh leaves with two cups of boiling water. This can then be sweetened with honey. Drink one-half cup several times a day. (It should be noted that large quantities of horehound can act as a mild laxative.) You can also squeeze the juice from the fresh leaves and take 2-3 teaspoons at a time to soothe a sore throat or to help ease coughing. Horehound candy can be made by boiling a handful of the fresh herb in 1½ cups of water. Strain and use 4 tablespoons of the infusion with 2 pounds of brown sugar and one teaspoon of honey. Boil for about 30 minutes or until a teaspoon of the mixture dropped into cold water hardens. Pour into a paper or tin mold or onto a marble slab. After the mixture has cooled, cut into squares. Horehound is generally considered safe, even for children. (Of course, if you have any concerns, be sure to consult a physician or a certified herbalist.)

Horehound is a native of southern Europe, central and western Asia, and northern Africa. It later naturalized in North and South America. This perennial is hardy to Zone 4. It prefers full sun and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil and is quite drought-tolerant. In fact, horehound, which is a relative of the mint family, can become rather invasive, especially if allowed to bloom since it happily self-seeds. Horehound is a bushy plant, which grows to be 2-3 tall. It also has woolly stems and leaves and produces white flowers in the summer. It should be noted that this particular herb is sometimes

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