Horehound

50g (1.75oz)

Medicinal Name: Marrubium vulgare

Common names: White Horehound

Properties: expectorant, heart tonic

Description:

White horehound contains the diterpenes marrubiin (0.3–1.0%) and marrubenol, tannins, and 0.06% volatile oil. Marrubiin is thought to be chiefly responsible for the herb’s expectorant and bitter activity. It also acts on the heart to correct an irregular heartbeat.

White horehound has been a remedy for chest problems since ancient times, perhaps most frequently taken as a syrup made with honey or sugar. The Greek physician Dioscorides (40–90 ce) recommended a decoction of white horehound as a treatment for tuberculosis, asthma, and coughs.

White horehound is helpful for wheeziness, bronchitis, bronchiectasis (a damaged air passage within the lung), bronchial asthma, non-productive coughs, and whooping cough. The herb apparently causes the secretion of a more fluid mucus, which is readily cleared by coughing. As a bitter tonic, white horehound increases the appetite and supports the function of the stomach.

Preparation:

Infusion- bring water to boil then add leaves and let simmer for 10-30 minutes