Horehound Herb

What is a horehound herb? 

The plant is known as the white horehound. The aerial portions are used in the production of pharmaceuticals. Native to Europe and Asia, horehounds have been naturalized in a number of places, including the US. It is a fragrant perennial plant belonging to the mint family. The plant produces tiny white blooms and has oval leaves that are coated in woolly, white hairs.

How do I use Horehound Herb?

You may produce homemade cough drops, syrups, and teas using either fresh or dried versions. It's sometimes used as a flavoring as well. You may prepare horehound tea using dried or fresh leaves. Just cover a spoonful or two of the leaves with boiling water.

Horehound herb benefits:

Digestion issues such as appetite loss, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and issues with the liver and gallbladder may all be treated with white horehound. In addition, it treats lung and breathing issues such as whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, TB, and swollen airways.

◉ Cough Relief: A common component of herbal lozenges and syrups used as an all-natural cough remedy is horehound. This plant is used in these home remedies for coughing for a good reason. It includes what are known as diterpenes, which are naturally occurring plant chemicals. More precisely, marrubiin, a diterpene, is its main chemical constituent. The expectorant properties of horehounds are probably due to marrubiin. Put another way, horehounds aid in clearing the mucus that clogs the airways in those who suffer from coughs.

Additionally, studies have shown the antispasmodic and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties of horehound. These two additional factors make it an excellent natural cough reducer.

◉ Digestive Aid: Additionally, researchers think that marrubiin is the cause of horehound's bitter flavor. Horehound is said to be one of the bitter plants mentioned in the Bible, along with items like endive and horseradish. (6) Because bitter vegetables have been demonstrated to help manage dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion or upset stomach, this makes it a great option for enhancing digestion. 

Why is the digestion of bitter foods beneficial? In fact, the taste of bitter plants stimulates the synthesis of stomach and salivary secretions. When you eat, this is precisely what you want since these vital body fluids aid in the breakdown of the food you ingest. Professionals such as nutritionist, naturopath, and herbalist Kirsten Shanks add, "We have evolved a 'bitter reflex,' which detects taste on the tongue and starts to stimulate and tonify the organs of digestion, such as the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and stomach."

If your digestion isn't the best, go for bitter foods like horehound. You're much less likely to have digestive issues like gas and indigestion when your meal is broken down in an ideal way.

◉ Help repair your skin: The capacity of horehounds to aid in tissue healing is a lesser-known advantage. The word "hound" in "horehound" reportedly derives from an ancient Greek use of the plant for canine bite wounds caused by rabies (Tyler, 1993). Horehound was used topically as a wash or ointment for ulcers, scabs, bites, and wounds (Holmes, 1989).

◉ Improves your ability to breathe: Breathing becomes more difficult when you're ill. One of the horehound's health advantages is that it helps to promote more calm and effective breathing by relaxing the muscles around the lungs. This is crucial for the obvious reasons, but it's also incredibly beneficial for those with whooping cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.

Where can I buy Horehound Herb?

Buy Horehound Herb from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Horehound herb information (at a glance):