Summary

Horehound's documented use for respiratory problems dates back 2000 years. Historically this extremely bitter herb belonging to the " mint family ", was sweetened with sugar or honey and made into medicinal candies for respiratory infections and to promote digestion. Although horehound is still used by modern herbalists, relatively little research has been performed to confirm it's traditional uses.

Horehound acts primarily as an expectorant and antispasmodic. It is used for respiratory infections where the phlegm is thick and sticky making it difficult to expectorate. Research shows that many species of horehound have antimicrobial properties.

Like most bitter tasting herbs it has been used historically to stimulate appetite and inprove digestions. Research show it possess some gastroprotective actions and may help with stomach ulcers.

Indications

Respiratory
• useful for conditions associated with tenacious phlegm
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• asthma
• pneumonia
• influenza

Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestive conditions
• dyspepsia
• anorexia
• poor appetite

Actions

• Expectorant
• Antispasmodic
• Bitter
• Hypotensive
• Diuretic
• Emmenagogue (Mild )

Constituents

• Diterpenes (Marrubin)
•
• Essential Oils
• Resins
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 40% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 20% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Infusion (dry herb): 0.5-1 tsp tid

Safety

Pregnancy: Use with caution. Mild emmenagogue properties.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002