Horehound's therapeutic uses
Horehound, a bitter herb traditionally utilized since Roman times, is primarily known for its therapeutic use in treating coughs and other respiratory ailments. It is recommended by herbalists for conditions such as asthma, sore throat, bronchitis, and whooping cough due to its expectorant properties. Historically, horehound was also employed for digestive issues, appetite enhancement, and menstrual problems. While horehound is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, with no substantial double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted to validate its efficacy.
The herb may also aid in treating intestinal disorders and potentially possess smooth-muscle relaxant effects. Despite its long-standing use, horehound's safety profile has not been thoroughly studied, and it is generally not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. Overconsumption can lead to side effects such as diarrhea and heart palpitations. Additionally, those on diabetes medications should avoid horehound due to potential interactions. Horehound remains a popular flavoring for cough drops and is still available in various forms today, including candies.
Horehound's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Cough
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Asthma, loss of appetite, sore throat, digestion, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
Overview
The herb horehound has been used since Roman times as a treatment for coughs, other respiratory problems, and rabies. It was also popular among Indigenous North Americans. Teas and syrups of horehound continued to be used through the nineteenth century for coughs, lung complaints, and menstrual problems. Although the herb itself has a strong bitter taste, horehound candy is considered pleasant by some, and it is still available in traditional candy stores.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of horehound is 1.5 grams of the dry herb three times daily or 2 to 6 tablespoons daily of the pressed juice.
Therapeutic Uses
Due to its expectorant properties, some herbalists recommend Horehound for cough, asthma, and sore throat. Similarly, horehound may also aid in treating bronchitis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. In addition, like other bitter herbs, horehound is thought to enhance appetite, and Germany’s Commission E has approved it for this use. Horehound may treat a variety of intestinal disorders. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence to support these uses. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and none have been performed on horehound.
It is commonly stated that horehound loosens bronchial mucus, but there is no meaningful or substantial evidence to support this claim. Weak evidence (far too weak to be relied upon) hints that horehound or its constituents marrubenol and marrubiin might have smooth-muscle relaxant, antidiabetic, blood-pressure-lowering, and non-narcotic pain-reducing effects. Horehound also may aid in treating intestinal parasites and have diuretic properties. Further, it has been suggested that horehound may have hypoglycemic properties and aid in bile secretion. Horehound is often used as a flavoring in cough drops.
Other suggested uses for horehound include treating gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, indigestion, gas, or constipation. Horehound may also reduce inflammation throughout the body and protect against bacteria and fungi with its antimicrobial properties.
Safety Issues
Horehound is thought to be relatively nontoxic, but it has not undergone any meaningful safety study. It is traditionally not recommended for use by pregnant women, and its safety in young children, nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been evaluated. The side effects of overconsumption of horehound include diarrhea, upset stomach, and heart palpitations. Patients taking diabetes medications should avoid horehound.
Bibliography
"Horehound." Drugs.com, 2023, www.drugs.com/npc/horehound.html. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
"Horehound – Health Information Library." PeaceHealth, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2109003. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Novaes, A. P., et al. "Preliminary Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Effect of Some Brazilian Medicinal Plants." Therapie, vol. 56, 2001, pp. 427-430.