Horehound

The Greek physician Discorides (lived AD 40-90) prescribed horehound for respiratory ailments and coughs, and it is still widely used today.

Description

This member of the family labiatae is a perennial and grows to a height of two to three feet. Its square stems and opposite leaves are woolly. Flowers are produced during the summer months, and attract bees and other beneficial insects. It can be found growing wild along roadsides and fields in Europe and North America.

Growing

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in the early spring, then thin to around ten to fifteen inches apart. Horehound prefers well drained soil, ph 6.7 to 7.3, and full to part sun. Best areas are US zones 4-8 (and comparable in other countries). The plants can also be propagated by dividing in early spring.

Pests

Horehound is usually pest-free.

Harvesting

Horehound leaves can be used fresh, or air-dried and stored in tightly-capped containers.

Uses

Medicinal uses for horehound include cough remedies, expectorant, calming heart action, diuretic properties, stomach tonic (increases appetite and improves stomach functions), and applied externally for skin conditions. Infusion of the herb is made by steeping one teaspoon horehound leaves in 1/2 cup hot water for about ten minutes. It should be taken no more than three times a day. Sugar or honey can be added. CAUTION: Excess horehound ingestion can cause irregular heartbeat in some persons. As always, do not take this or any other herb if you are taking other medicines. Consult your physician.

Horehound is also used for candy and beverages such as soda pop.

Recipe

Horehound Candy
Mothernature.com has a good horehound candy recipe (scroll to the bottom of the page).

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