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Horehound Herb
100% ORGANIC
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a perennial herb of the mint family traditionally used as an expectorant to treat coughs and colds. The bitter herb, often processed into syrups, teas, or candies, also has historical use as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant. While it has been used for centuries, robust scientific evidence is lacking for many of its traditional applications.
Common uses
Respiratory ailments: Horehound is best known for its use in treating respiratory conditions like coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats. Its bitter compounds, especially marrubiin, are thought to promote mucus production, making a cough more productive. The herb is a common ingredient in many herbal cough drops, such as Ricola.
Digestive tonic: Like many bitter herbs, horehound can stimulate the production of digestive juices and bile, which helps with indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Appetite stimulant: Horehound's bitter taste can increase the flow of saliva and gastric juices, which can help stimulate a lagging appetite.
Fever reduction: As a diaphoretic, a warm infusion of horehound can help induce sweating to "sweat out" a fever.
Flavoring: The distinctive, bittersweet flavor of horehound has been used to create candies, liqueurs, and teas for nearly 200 years.
Forms of consumption
Teas and infusions: A common way to consume horehound is by steeping the leaves and flowering tops in hot water. Honey is often added to counteract its bitter flavor.
Candies and lozenges: Horehound's long-standing use as a cough remedy has led to its inclusion in many herbal candies and throat lozenges.
Syrups and tinctures: The herb can be processed into syrups, often with honey, for soothing sore throats, or into tinctures for a concentrated dose.
Important safety considerations
Limited scientific data: Many traditional uses of horehound have not been evaluated in rigorous clinical trials, and not enough is known about its safety and effectiveness.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Horehound is considered likely unsafe to take during pregnancy, as it may induce menstruation and could cause a miscarriage. Its safety for breastfeeding has not been established.
Drug interactions: Horehound may interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, as it can lower both blood sugar and blood pressure. Those on these medications should monitor their levels closely or avoid the herb.
Heart conditions: People with heart problems should avoid using horehound, as large doses may cause irregular heartbeats.
Digestive side effects: Consuming large amounts of horehound can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Surgery: Since horehound can affect blood sugar, use should be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered a recommendation for medical or health use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using horehound or any herbal treatments.
100% ORGANIC
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a perennial herb of the mint family traditionally used as an expectorant to treat coughs and colds. The bitter herb, often processed into syrups, teas, or candies, also has historical use as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant. While it has been used for centuries, robust scientific evidence is lacking for many of its traditional applications.
Common uses
Respiratory ailments: Horehound is best known for its use in treating respiratory conditions like coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats. Its bitter compounds, especially marrubiin, are thought to promote mucus production, making a cough more productive. The herb is a common ingredient in many herbal cough drops, such as Ricola.
Digestive tonic: Like many bitter herbs, horehound can stimulate the production of digestive juices and bile, which helps with indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Appetite stimulant: Horehound's bitter taste can increase the flow of saliva and gastric juices, which can help stimulate a lagging appetite.
Fever reduction: As a diaphoretic, a warm infusion of horehound can help induce sweating to "sweat out" a fever.
Flavoring: The distinctive, bittersweet flavor of horehound has been used to create candies, liqueurs, and teas for nearly 200 years.
Forms of consumption
Teas and infusions: A common way to consume horehound is by steeping the leaves and flowering tops in hot water. Honey is often added to counteract its bitter flavor.
Candies and lozenges: Horehound's long-standing use as a cough remedy has led to its inclusion in many herbal candies and throat lozenges.
Syrups and tinctures: The herb can be processed into syrups, often with honey, for soothing sore throats, or into tinctures for a concentrated dose.
Important safety considerations
Limited scientific data: Many traditional uses of horehound have not been evaluated in rigorous clinical trials, and not enough is known about its safety and effectiveness.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Horehound is considered likely unsafe to take during pregnancy, as it may induce menstruation and could cause a miscarriage. Its safety for breastfeeding has not been established.
Drug interactions: Horehound may interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, as it can lower both blood sugar and blood pressure. Those on these medications should monitor their levels closely or avoid the herb.
Heart conditions: People with heart problems should avoid using horehound, as large doses may cause irregular heartbeats.
Digestive side effects: Consuming large amounts of horehound can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Surgery: Since horehound can affect blood sugar, use should be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered a recommendation for medical or health use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using horehound or any herbal treatments.