Marrubium Vulgare or Horehound Herb
When it comes to herbal remedies, white horehound herb stands right up there. White horehound helps protect your immune system and is said to be helpful in treating diabetes, eliminating indigestion and gastrointestinal problems.
Horehound may even help prevent certain types of cancer. White horehound should not be confused with black horehound which also has therapeutic uses however due to its unpleasant odor and taste is not as commonly used as white horehound.
Marrubium Vulgare or Horehound Herb
Horehound herb (Marrubium vulgare) is a small flowering perennial that belongs to the mint family. A native of Europe and Asia but is now grown in many other areas including the US. Horehound is prized for both its culinary and medical uses.
It has white flowers and small leaves that are covered with little wooly hairs. It is from these flowers and leaves that the essential oils are extracted. Like most members of the mint family, it grows rapidly, and in some areas, it is considered to be an invasive weed.
Horehound is often used to make throat lozenges or candy, that is well known for its ability to soothe sore throats and quiet coughs. It is favored by many for its expectorant and antispasmodic properties as well as it’s ability to thin mucus secretions.
Also Horehound is said to reduce constriction of blood vessels, lowering inflammation, and blood pressure. While at the same time helping to balances cholesterol levels, by eliminating “bad” cholesterol and in doing so it helps to keep your heart free of plaque build-up.
Which is why many feel white horehound extract may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, caused by high cholesterol levels.
Blood Sugar Levels
White horehound herb has also been said to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels. Some research has shown that horehound aids in the bodies ability to handle glucose and in helping to keep blood sugar levels in a normal range.
Some studies have shown that white horehound inhibits the growth of colon cancer, one such study published in “Oncology Reports.” (Kiyoshi Yamaguchi, Jason Liggett, Nam-Cheol Kim, Seung Baek Pages: 275-281 Published on 01 January 2006) Researchers have concluded that these study results supported the traditional herbal use of horehound as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Besides being used as extracts, horehound may also be used as a tea or made into cough syrup.
Horehound Tea:
To make the tea, pour boiling water over fresh crushed, bruised or dried leaves and allow to steep for 2-3 minutes. Then sweeten with raw honey if you wish.
Horehound Honey Cough Syrup:
1. Take 2 ounces of dried white horehound, or 3 ounces of fresh white horehound crushed or bruised, add 2 cups water. Simmer until water is reduced by half. (1 cup herb infused water)
2. Strain off the horehound and return to heat. Stir in 1 cup raw honey mixing well. (Do not overheat as to much heat will kill the living enzymes in your honey)
3. If you want, you may add a few drops of peppermint or other essential oil to your syrup for taste. You may add a small amount of brandy or vodka as a preservative. Store in a glass container, label, and date. I recommend you store your syrup in the refrigerator.
Adults: Take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp every 2 hours until symptoms subside.
If you decide to use this on children, you will want to use less according to size and age. Please note that doctors do not recommend giving raw honey to children under the age of one year.
You can also check out my Natural Homemade Cough Drops that is made using horehound herb.
If you found this helpful, you may want to check out some of my other natural ways to treat body and health.
Please note that I am not a medical professional and this post is not meant to replace your medications. As with any health treatment, be sure to consult your doctor before trying anything new.
Leave a Reply