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Herbs & Supplements
White Horehound
Other Names: Hoarhound, Horehound, Houndsbene, Marrubii herba, Marrubium vulgare, Mastranzo
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Uses
Note: White horehound should not be confused with black horehound (Ballota nigra). The two plants have very different uses even though they look similar and grow in similar areas.
White horehound is best known as an oral remedy for bronchitis and other respiratory conditions that cause congestion. Chemicals in white horehound are believed to relax the bronchial tubes in the lungs. In addition, they may promote mucus production--making mucus more watery and possibly easier to eliminate from the body by coughing. All these potential effects may relieve general lung congestion.
Historically, white horehound has also been taken to relieve minor gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Its bitter taste may increase appetite, and it may also reduce gas in the stomach. Additionally, in animal studies, white horehound has produced increases in bile production, which may not only improve appetite, but may relieve indigestion, as well. Some of the chemicals in white horehound have also been shown in laboratory studies to have mild diuretic effects, meaning that they may promote the elimination of urine from the body. Therefore, they may be slightly useful to lessen mild swelling, such as may be associated with menstrual periods.
In separate animal studies and under laboratory conditions, white horehound and chemicals extracted from it have shown some other potential effects. They may have some promise for treating abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure--possibly through the relaxing effect they may have on blood vessels. Very large doses, however, may disturb heartbeat. Initial results from animal studies show other possible uses for white horehound in treating diabetes, high cholesterol, and pain. However, none of these possible effects has been well-studied or tested for humans.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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