Family: Lamiaceae ( Labiatae ), Marrubium vulgare L.


Source: Simon, J.E., A.F. Chadwick and L.E. Craker. 1984. Herbs: An Indexed Bibliography. 1971-1980.
The Scientific Literature on Selected Herbs, and Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Temperate Zone. Archon Books, 770 pp., Hamden, CT.

Horehound, Marrubium vulgare L. , is a spreading perennial herb native to central and western Asia, southern Europe, and northern Africa and naturalized in parts of North America.

Commercial production is centered in France. The name "marrubium" refers to the bitter qualities of the herb, and "hoar" refers to the white pubescence covering the plant.

The chief constituent of horehound is the bitter principle marrubium. Tannins, resins, waxes, and a volatile oil containing monoterpenes and a sesquiterpene have also been isolated from the plant .
The leaves and stems of horehound are often boiled and used in the preparation of candied products, cough drops, and syrups. Extracts of horehound are used in bitters and liqueurs. The plant is also grown for its ornamental value and is attractive to bees.

As a medicinal plant, horehound has traditionally been used against asthma, coughs, colds, bronchitis, sore throats, and skin irritations. The plant has also been used as a diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge.

Horehound has been used in treatment of tumors .
The volatile oil is a carminative and expectorant, while the bitter principle results in gastric activity.
Consumption of large quantities of horehound can induce Diahrrea and nausea.

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