Hoarhound
Scientific Name: White Horehound
Other Names: Horehound, Houndsbene, Marrubii herba, Marrubium vulgare, Mastranzo
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White horehound is a shrubby, perennial plant that probably grew first in northern Europe. It now grows wild in most parts of the world. Considered a weed in crop- and livestock-producing areas, it spreads rapidly and grows well in nonproductive locations such as along railroad tracks. A member of the mint family, it has the square stems that are characteristic of the mints. Its clusters of white flowers bloom at the same points as its distinctive leaves join the stem. The stems and leaves of white horehound plants are covered in whitish fuzz. Both the flowers and the woolly leaves give white horehound its name and also distinguish white horehound from similar types of plants. Fresh leaves have a stale smell; both fresh and dried white horehound have a bitter taste that has been described as faintly minty and apple-like. In the United Kingdom, it has been used to flavor a beer known as horehound ale.
The "aerial parts" (flowers, leaves, and stems) of white horehound are collected and dried for use as medicine. Dried white horehound contains a volatile oil known as marrubiin, which may not be present in fresh white horehound plants. Also called essential oils, volatile oils possess the characteristic smell and taste of the plant. They usually evaporate quickly at room temperature. Due to lack of evidence proving its effectiveness, white horehound was removed in 1989 from the FDA's list of active ingredients that are approved for use in non-prescription cough medicines. It can be sold as a dietary supplement; however, and it is still recognized as safe when used in small amounts to flavor beverages, candies, foods, and medicines.
Dosage and Administration
Note: White horehound should not be confused with black horehound (Ballota nigra), another product that is often called horehound. If white horehound is used, the label on the package that is purchased should clearly specify white horehound, and not just horehound, in the ingredients.
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies white horehound as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) when it is used as a flavoring in foods, beverages, or medicines. Although it is not FDA-approved for use as a medication, white horehound may be sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. It is available commercially in a number of oral preparations, mainly cough lozenges or syrups. White horehound is often combined with eucalyptus, marshmallow, or other herbals that are thought to relieve lung congestion. Recommendations for its use vary, so the directions on the package that is purchased should be followed. The maximum amount of white horehound that should be consumed in one day is 4,000 mg (4 grams).
Additionally, white horehound can be brewed into a tea using about a teaspoon of the fresh or dried flowers and leaves in one cup of boiling water. After being soaked for 10 minutes to 15 minutes, the solid parts are strained out before drinking the tea. Because the taste of white horehound may be bitter, the tea is usually sweetened or combined with other strong flavorings such as cinnamon. To stimulate the appetite, white horehound tea is usually taken three times a day before meals. For relieving congestion, it may be used as needed, but no more than three times a day.
Summary
White horehound is used most often as a tea or syrup to relieve respiratory congestion. It may also improve appetite, relieve gastrointestinal (GI) bloating, and reduce mild swelling. Although preliminary laboratory and animal studies seem to show it may have some beneficial effects for other conditions, not enough research supports it for any medical use.
Risks
Because white horehound may affect muscles in the uterus, possibly resulting in a miscarriage, women who are pregnant or who may be pregnant should not use it. Individuals with heart conditions should also avoid using white horehound due to its possible ability to alter heart rhythm. Individuals with diabetes and/or high blood pressure should use it cautiously, and check blood sugar and/or blood pressure levels frequently.
Side Effects
Large oral doses of white horehound may cause diarrhea. Touching it may result in an itchy rash.
Interactions
No interactions between white horehound and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods have been reported.
Last Revised October 19, 2007
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