Horehound (marrubium vulgare)
Synopsis of horehound
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a bitter, aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, and now naturalized in many regions around the world. The plant’s leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally, and they contain marrubiin (a bitter lactone), flavonoids, volatile oils (including camphene and limonene), tannins, and sterols, which contribute to horehound’s primary effects as an expectorant, bitter digestive stimulant, and mild anti-inflammatory.
Horehound is best known as a traditional cough remedy, used to loosen phlegm, soothe dry or unproductive coughs, and promote expectoration. It is especially effective for bronchitis, colds, laryngitis, and other upper respiratory tract conditions, often prepared as syrup, tea, lozenges, or tincture. Its combination of bitterness and mucosal action makes it valuable both for stimulating the appetite and aiding digestion, particularly in cases of sluggish digestion or lack of appetite.
In modern herbal formulas, horehound is sometimes included alongside other respiratory herbs like licorice, elecampane, or thyme, and it is still featured in traditional cough drops and herbal candies.
Historical Use
Horehound has been used in Western herbalism since ancient times, with mentions by Pliny the Elder and Galen, who praised it for treating respiratory and digestive ailments. It was often referred to as the “cough herb” in early European texts. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, horehound was a common component in syrups, cordials, and tonics used to treat lung infections, sore throats, and hoarseness.
In traditional folk medicine, it was also used as a digestive bitter, diuretic, and mild antiseptic, and was believed to counteract poison and aid in recovery from illness. Horehound was commonly grown in monastery gardens and used in homemade remedies for chronic cough and chest complaints.
Native American herbalists adopted horehound from European settlers and used it similarly as a respiratory and lung tonic.
Today, horehound remains a well-respected herb in traditional Western herbalism, especially valued in natural cough remedies and digestive tonics, offering a time-tested, multi-functional botanical for lung, throat, and gut support.
Horehound is used for these health conditions
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Laryngitis (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Sweat Baths (herbs for) (Traditional)
Wheezing (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
horehound is used to support these body systems
Bronchials (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Tonsils (Traditional)
