Horehound by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Horehound, White Horehound
2. Folk Name(s): Hoarhound, Marrubium, Marvel, Seed of Horus
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Marrubium vulgare
4. Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Horehound is a hardy, woolly perennial with square stems typical of the mint family. It grows 1–2 feet tall, with wrinkled, gray-green leaves covered in fine white hairs, giving them a downy or “hoary” appearance. Small, white, clustered flowers form in whorls around the upper stems during summer. Its bitter taste and strong aroma distinguish it from other mints.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 4–10; tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in temperate regions with well-drained soil.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia; naturalized widely in North America and Australia in dry, disturbed soils.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers dry, sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage. Full sun is essential for flavor and vigor.
2. Propagation: Easily propagated by seed, root division, or cuttings. Seeds germinate best after cold stratification.
3. Companion Planting: Attracts pollinators, can be planted near other drought-tolerant herbs. Avoid overcrowding—it can be invasive.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest leaves and flowering tops just as the plant begins to bloom for peak potency.
5. Drying/Preservation: Dry quickly in a shaded, well-ventilated space. Store leaves whole in airtight containers; crush only before use to preserve bitterness and aroma.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Revered since ancient times as a remedy for respiratory ailments; used by Egyptians and Romans.
2. Traditional Medicine: A key ingredient in old-fashioned cough drops, syrups, and tonics. Widely used in European folk medicine for colds, coughs, and digestive troubles.
3. Symbolism: Associated with protection, purification, and banishing illness or negative influences.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Marrubiin (a bitter lactone), volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Expectorant and cough suppressant
4. Aids bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough
5. Stimulates digestion and appetite
6. Mild bitter tonic for the liver
   
7. Preparation Methods: Infusions, tinctures, syrups, lozenges, wines, and horehound candy.
8. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
9. Infusion/Tea: 1–2 teaspoons dried herb per cup boiling water; steep 10–15 min. Drink up to 3x/day.
10. Tincture: 2–4 mL up to 3x/day.
    
11. Safety/Precautions: Avoid in pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions). Excessive doses may cause nausea. Not recommended for people with heart conditions without medical guidance.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mercury; linked to Horus in Egyptian lore and occasionally to Hermes.
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, exorcism, banishment of negative energies, empowerment of speech and communication.
4. Ritual Use: Burn as incense in purification rites, carry as an amulet for protection against illness or harmful magic, use in spellwork to strengthen the voice or persuasive power.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Suggests the need for purification, clearing of negative influences, or strengthening of boundaries.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Highly attractive to bees and beneficial pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar and habitat in dry regions.
3. Culinary Uses: Historically used in candies, bitters, liqueurs, and homemade tonics. Horehound candy remains a traditional old-time sweet with medicinal roots.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Natural cough drops, homemade syrups, digestive bitters, insect-repelling incense.
2. Notable Traits: Extremely bitter flavor; hardy and drought-resistant; valued by bees.
3. Special Notes: One of the oldest continuously used herbs for cough remedies; still found in herbal lozenges today.

Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.
3. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal.
4. Hoffmann, D. Medical Herbalism.
5. USDA Plants Database