Horehound
Also known as- Marrubium vulgare, marrubio, white horehound, wooly horehound.
Introduction
Horehound is a garden mint with green and white leaves and a distinctively bitter taste. Although the herb grows in a wide range of climates, the best quality is grown in desert heat.
Constituents
Marrubiin (the bitter substance in the herb), flavonoids including apigenin, luteolin, and vitexin, caffeic acid and stachydrine, and a small amount of essential oil and tannins.
Parts Used
The above-ground parts of the plant, dried and cut.
Typical Preparations
Usually as a tea, but also in infusions, tinctures, and encapsulations. Historically made as a candy or confection.
Summary
Horehound is used to make cough medicines for people whose upper respiratory symptoms are caused by acid reflux. The marubiinic acid in the herb both stimulates the release of phlegm and stimulates the release of gastric acids so that digestion is complete more quickly and nighttime gastric reflux is minimized. This compound is also mildly analgesic, relieving pain caused by cough or indigestion.
Benefits of Horehound
For centuries, horehound has been valued for its ability to treat cough and remove excess phlegm. Listed here are other benefits associated with horehound.
1) Anti-inflammatory
Horehound is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. Those suffering from arthritis may find pain relief resulting from painful, inflamed joints. The anti-inflammatory effects even extends itself to improving circulation by reducing inflammation of the blood vessels.
This greatly benefits the whole body, making it easier for blood and oxygen to get to all organs and greatly reducing the pressure placed on the heart. When pressure is taken off the heart, instances of strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease are greatly reduced.
Finally, horehound may also reduce inflammation in the respiratory system and therefore help soothe sore throats and irritation.
2) Reduces Cholesterol
There has been some indication that white horehound extract may help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is considered “bad cholesterol” because it clogs the arteries with plaque and often leads to the development of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
3) Muscle Cramps
Horehound is considered to be an antispasmodic, meaning it helps to alleviate cramps and spasms. By drinking a tea made of horehound leaves, you can relax the nervous system and body, greatly reducing spasms.
4) Menstrual Cramps
Horehound’s antispasmodic abilities also lends itself to alleviating menstrual cramps. Horehound may not only help soothe cramps, but it also may help to get hormones under control and improve mood.
5) Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Some research indicates that horehound may help reduce blood sugar levels. Horehound helps the body handle sugar by improving the body’s response to it, as opposed to going haywire when large doses of sugar are consumed. This will help diabetics get a better handle on their glucose levels.
6) Facilitates Digestion
White horehound reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal system and colon, helping the body better able to digest food and reducing instances of gas, indigestion, and bloating.
The antiseptic properties help prevent the GI tract from falling pray to bacteria and viruses. Some studies indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce instances of hemorrhoids.
7) Boosts Immune System
Horehound is considered a medicinal plant due largely in part to its many healing compounds, such as its antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. These properties help protect the body and help your immune system fend off illness and disease.
The antiseptic properties contained in horehound are why it’s commonly used in toothpastes and mouthwashes currently on the market.
8) Removes Toxins
Horehound has the ability to induce sweating, helping the body to eliminate toxins, as well as excess sweat, fat, and water. Horehound’s ability to facilitate sweating is also an effective way to help break a fever and cool the body down.
How to Take Horehound
The flavor of horehound is described as having a menthol and minty taste, often used to flavor cough drops and syrup. Horehound is available in the following forms:
- Capsules
- Tea (both cut and tea bags)
- Cut and Sifted
- Liquid extract
- Candy
Precautions
Horehound isnÍt
good unless it tastes bad (or at least bitter). The bitter taste
activates a reflex action that helps normalize breathing and digestion,
and the beneficial effects of the herb are not realized if it is
combined with too much sugar or other sweetener. Generally not
recommended while pregnant.
