H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Horehound Click to listen highlighted text! Horehound health benefits are far greater than have been touted for centuries as a digestive aid and for bronchial relief. Let’s take a look as to what this top-selling herb can do!
- improve blood circulation
- reduce blood sugar levels
- Lower cholesterol levels
- reduce swelling and pain from arthritis
- act as a cough suppressant and an expectorant
- help stimulate appetite
More than that…
A Full View of Horehound Health Benefits:
Horehound’s vasodilatory action helps to improve blood circulation by dilating, or widening, the blood vessels. This allows for better blood flow throughout the body, which can help to improve overall health. Improved circulation can also help to reduce the risk of some conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
In addition to its circulatory benefits, horehound is also a cough suppressant and an expectorant. This means that it can help to expel mucus from the lungs and also help to stimulate appetite.
Horehound can also help to reduce blood sugar levels. This is because the herb helps to stimulate insulin production, which helps the body to better process sugar. This can be beneficial for people who have diabetes or who are at risk for developing the condition.
Horehound can also help to lower cholesterol levels. This is because the herb helps to increase the production of bile in the liver. Bile is responsible for breaking down cholesterol in the body, so by increasing its production, horehound can help to reduce cholesterol levels.
Horehound’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with arthritis. The herb can also help to improve circulation, which can further reduce pain and inflammation.
Overall, horehound is a versatile herb that offers a range of health benefits. If you are looking for an herb to help improve your overall health, horehound may be a good option to consider.
Horehound Health Benefit Anti-Cancer Potential
Some studies have shown that horehound may have anti-cancer potential. One study in particular found that a compound found in horehound called marrubenol was effective at inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
While more research is needed to confirm these findings, horehound may be a promising natural treatment for cancer.
Active Constituents:
The Horehound herb contains many compounds that are beneficial for human health, including:
- Flavonoids: have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Saponins: have antispasmodic and expectorant effects
- Monoterpenes: have antimicrobial and expectorant activity
- Flavonoids help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Saponins help to break up mucus and make it easier to cough up
- Monoterpenes help to kill bacteria and viruses
The Plant:
The Horehound herb is a member of the mint family and has a bitter, slightly sweet flavor. The herb is native to Europe and Asia, but can now be found all over the world.
It grows to about two feet tall and has white or pale lavender flowers. The leaves of the herb are opposite each other on the stem and are hairy and wrinkled.
It prefers dry, sandy soil and full sun. However, the herb can also tolerate partial shade. The herb is drought tolerant and does not need to be fertilized.
To harvest horehound, cut the stems near the base of the plant. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. The herb can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Recommended Dosage:
The recommended dosage of Horehound herb depends on the form in which it is taken.
For tea: 2-4 grams of dried herb
Tincture: 2-4 ml three times per day
Horehound Tea Recipe:
1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times per day.
The tea can be brewed with fresh or dried leaves.
Drink three times per day.
Taste: Horehound tea has a bitter, slightly sweet flavor. Some people like to sweeten their horehound tea with honey.
Capsules: 500 mg three times per day
Precautions:
Horehound is generally considered safe for most people.
Side effects are rare but may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
People with allergies to plants in the mint family should avoid Horehound.
In addition, the herb can interact with some medications. Therefore, it is important check with your physician beforehand.
Do not confuse it with the poisonous kinds, and do not use it in large quantities.
Horehound Candy Recipe:
The woolly leaves of this plant have a menthol-like taste and are made into an extract which is combined with sugar into confections, as well as a base for throat lozenges.
Make an infusion of:
8 cups boiling water
1-1/2 quarts loosely packed horehound leaves and stems
Steep covered 20 minutes. Drain and discard leaves and stems. To 2 quarts of this bitter dark brew, add:
4 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups dark cane syrup
1 Tablespoon butter
(1 teaspoon cream of tartar – optional)
Cook these ingredients until they reach the hard crack stage, 300 degrees. Skim, and pour into a buttered 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan and score into pieces before it sets. Allow to cool.
Similar herbs:
- Sage
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
All of these herbs are members of the mint family and have a bitter, slightly sweet flavor. They each can be used in teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Plus they have many of the same health benefits as Horehound, including:
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Antispasmodic and expectorant effects
- Antimicrobial and expectorant activity
FAQ / Quick Overview
Q: What is Horehound?
A: Horehound is an herb that has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and bronchitis treatment. This versatile herb can be taken in many forms, including teas, capsules, and tinctures.
Q: What are the benefits of taking Horehound?
A: The Horehound herb contains many compounds that are beneficial for human health, including flavonoids, saponins, and monoterpenes. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant, and antimicrobial activity.
Q: Is Horehound safe for everyone to take?
A: The Horehound herb is safe for most people to take. However, the herb can interact with some medications. Therefore, it is important to consult with your health care provider before taking.