Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of coughs, particularly those associated with excess mucus or "dampness" as described in some traditional systems. The herb's use for cough relief dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, with references in the works of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder. In Europe and North America, horehound has been a common ingredient in cough syrups, lozenges, and teas. Traditional herbalists value horehound for its expectorant properties, believing it helps loosen phlegm and clear respiratory passages. The active constituents, such as marrubiin, are thought to mildly stimulate secretion in the bronchial tract.

While there are some laboratory and animal studies suggesting mild expectorant and antitussive effects, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most available evidence for horehound's efficacy in treating cough is anecdotal or based on its long-standing traditional use rather than rigorous scientific validation. Regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency acknowledge horehound’s traditional use, but note the absence of modern clinical evidence. Therefore, its use for cough (damp) is justified primarily by tradition, with moderate traditional evidence but limited scientific support.

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Nature's Sunshine Sinus Support EF