Marrubium vulgare
White Horehound, Marrubio, Mastranzo, Concha
Labiatae – Mint family
Description
Horehound is a short-lived perennial. It is 1-2½ feet tall and generally erect and bushy. The classic mint characteristics of opposite leaves and square stems are apparent. Horehound’s stems are distinguishable from other related plants in that, particularly towards the base, they are covered with dense, woolly-white fuzz. The leaves are toothed, rounded, green above, and lighter beneath. Where the leaves join the stems, the small, white tubular flowers form in dense clustered whorls. The flower calyxes are toothed and after drying as a group, are bur-like. The seeds are small, egg-shaped, and brown.
Distribution
Horehound is an opportunistic, non-native originally from Europe. It is found in great abundance throughout the west at most elevations. It frequents places of disturbed soils such as roadsides, trailsides, and drainage areas. Just as Prickly poppy’s abundance seems to be indicative of cattle activity, Horehound indicates horse movement. Find an old stable or horse trail and surely there will be Horehound close by.
Chemistry
Flavonoids: luteolin, apigenin, and vitexin; labdane; diterpenoid: marrubiin; phenylpropanoid esters: (e)-caffeoyl-l-malic acid, acteoside, forsythoside b, arenarioside, and ballotetroside
Medicinal Uses
Horehound is truly a multi-faceted plant. Because it affects several organ systems, it is a prosaic tool worthy of understanding. Use the plant as a stimulating expectorant. It tends to break up impacted bronchial mucus by its invigorating effect on the area. Bronchial secretion is enhanced; mucus is thinned and therefore easier to expectorate. Horehound also has a time-honored reputation in constricted lung conditions. Its decongesting effect is noticeable in humid asthma with associated phlegm. The plant’s cyclooxygenase inhibition may play a role in its therapeutic effect here. As a remedy for hoarseness and coughs, the syrup particularly allays throat and bronchial irritation.
The room temperature tea or tincture taken before meals is used to stimulate an array of gastric, hepatic, and small intestinal secretions. The plant enlivens these areas and is useful in dyspepsia with poor protein and fat digestion. Moreover, Horehound is stimulating to appetite, often turning indifference to food into moderate hunger. The tea drunk hot is diaphoretic and is appropriately used when there is a low to moderate fever with dry skin. Drunk cool the tea is mildly diuretic and can be helpful in eliminating fluid retention from non-organic causes.
Indications
Bronchitis with a productive or non-productive cough
Asthma with copious phlegm
Indigestion/lack of appetite
Fluid retention
Collection
In the spring, collect the upper half of the plant. Strip the leaves and flower clusters from the stem; discard the stems, as they are medicinally ineffective.
Preparations and Dosage
Leaf infusion: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Syrup: 1 tablespoon 3-4 times daily
Cautions
Idiosyncratically, Horehound can cause short-term hypoglycemic episodes and in large quantities may slightly elevate blood pressure.