Horehound
Marrubium vulgare
White horehound, a bitter mint-family herb recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to help bring up phlegm with a cold, and for indigestion and poor appetite.
What is Horehound?
- Plant family
- Lamiaceae, the mint family
- Parts used
- The above-ground parts (herb)
- Genus
- Marrubium
- Species
- vulgare
Also called
White Horehound, Marrubium
Traditionally used for
- Cough
- Chest congestion
- Indigestion
- Appetite
Traditionally described as
- May help loosen mucus
- Bitter
Health topics
Where Horehound appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Chest Congestion and Bronchitis
Recognized in Europe to help bring up phlegm.
- Cough
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to help bring up phlegm with a cough from a cold.
- Indigestion
Recognized in Europe for mild indigestion such as bloating and gas.
- Loss of Appetite
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for temporary loss of appetite.
Traditions that use it
European Folk Medicine
Recognized in Europe as a traditional herbal medicine for cough with a cold, indigestion and poor appetite.
Safety
Who should avoid it
Don't use horehound if you have liver disease, a blocked or inflamed bile duct, a bowel blockage, or an allergy to mint-family plants. Ask a doctor first if you have a stomach ulcer, gallstones or other bile problems.[1]
Side effects
No side effects have been reported.[2]
Pregnancy
Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established, so it isn't recommended at these times.[1]
How much to use
Not recommended for children under 12. See a healthcare practitioner if a cough lasts more than a week, or indigestion or poor appetite lasts more than 2 weeks.[2]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes white horehound as a traditional herbal medicine for adults and teens over 12:
- To help bring up phlegm with a cough from a cold
- For mild indigestion, such as bloating and gas
- For short-term loss of appetite
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
Its bitter compounds and essential oils may stimulate appetite and the secretions lining the airways. Lab studies suggest several effects that could plausibly help mild indigestion.[2]
In short
Don't use it with liver disease, a blocked bile duct or a bowel blockage; ask a doctor first if you have gallstones or an ulcer.
Sources
- [1] Community herbal monograph on Marrubium vulgare L., herba (EMA/HMPC/604271/2012) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] White horehound (Marrubium vulgare L., herba): summary of the HMPC conclusions (EMA/HMPC/446032/2013) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.