Part(s) Used: Herb
MEDICINAL: Horehound is used in children's cough remedies, as it is a gentle but effective expectorant. It acts as a tonic for the respiratory system and stomach. In large doses it acts as a laxative.
RELIGIOUS: Horehound is used in incenses for protection. It is also used in exorcisms.
GROWING: Horehound likes dry sandy soils and full sun. It is a perennial (except in very cold climates) that reaches to 3 feet tall. It is a vigorous grower and can become a pest if not carefully controlled. It needs little water, tolerates poor soils, and does best in full sun. It blooms during its second year.
Herbal Use: Black horehound is stated to possess anti-emetic, sedative and mild astringent properties. Traditionally, it has been used for nausea, vomiting, nervous dyspepsia, and specifically for vomiting of central origin.(G7, G64)
Food Use: Black horehound is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N3). This category indicates that black horehound can be added to foodstuffs in the traditionally accepted manner, although insufficient information is available for an adequate assessment of potential toxicity.(G16)