Constituents:Up to 1% marrubiin (a bitter principle), diterpene alcohols (eg marrbiol and murrubenol), small amounts of alkaloids, traces of volatile oil and a sesquiterpene, tannin, saponin, resin
The main medicinal used of horehound are in the treatment of respiratory disorders; as a bitter digestive tonic. The plant's bitter principle, with its expectorant properties, is responsible in part for the major medicinal use of white horehound for respiratory disorders. The volatile oil in the plant has the same expectorant property, as well as dilating the arteries.Marbry, Richard
Until 1900, horehound was an accepted medicinal in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and was found in various over-the-counter nostrums, including cough drops, until 1989, when the FDA challenged its use for a supposed lack of efficacy. A year later, Germany's commission E endosed horehounds folk reputation as an effective treatment for coughing, colds and indigestion. Decide for yourself. James Duke
Horehound also has a folk reputation for calming a nervous heart. This too has scientific backing for
marrubiin in small amounts has a normalizing effect on irregular heartbeats. 1306
In cold infusion horehound is a bitter tonic to the digestive system. Scientific evidence also shows that, as marrubiin breaks down in the body, it strongly stimulates bile production. 1305
Large doses act as a laxative,and as much as five cups of the tea could disturb heart rhythm.
Plant Description
Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887 Horehound is a perennial herbaceous plant, a non-aromatic member of the mint family. The plant is easily grown and has been long been cultivated in the corners of country gardens for the making of tea and candy for use in coughs and colds.
Folklore, Myths and Legends
History and Traditions
The Egyptians and Romans esteemed Horehound for coughs and colds, the same uses as it is recommend by modern herbalists. For centuries white horehound has been traditionally a reliable liver and digestive remedy. The plant has also been used to reduce fevers and treat malaria.This is one of the bitter herbs ordained to be eaten at Passover supper by the Jews. Gerard also recommened it as an antidote for posions and for "mad dogge biting". Grieve, AMH.
Astrology:
It is an herb of Mercury. A decoction of the dried herb, with the seed, or the juice of the green herb taken with honey, is a remedy for those that are short-winded, have a cough, or are fallen into a consumption, either through long sickness, or thin distillations of rheum upon the lungs. Nicholas Culpeper
The Egyptian priests called horehound the "Seed of Horus", or the "Bulls Blood", and "The eye of the Star". It was a principal ingredient in the negro Caesars's antidote for vegetable poisons. (Grieve)
** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **
Remedies using Horehound, White
Horehound is a perennial herbaceous plant, a non-aromatic member of the mint family. The plant is easily grown and has been long been cultivated in the corners of country gardens for the making of tea and candy for use in coughs and colds.
The Egyptians and Romans esteemed Horehound for coughs and colds, the same uses as it is recommend by modern herbalists. For centuries white horehound has been traditionally a reliable liver and digestive remedy. The plant has also been used to reduce fevers and treat malaria.This is one of the bitter herbs ordained to be eaten at Passover supper by the Jews. Gerard also recommened it as an antidote for posions and for "mad dogge biting". Grieve, AMH. 
It is an herb of Mercury. A decoction of the dried herb, with the seed, or the juice of the green herb taken with honey, is a remedy for those that are short-winded, have a cough, or are fallen into a consumption, either through long sickness, or thin distillations of rheum upon the lungs. 
The Egyptian priests called horehound the "Seed of Horus", or the "Bulls Blood", and "The eye of the Star". It was a principal ingredient in the negro Caesars's antidote for vegetable poisons. (Grieve) 
