Horehound, sometimes called white horehound, is a member of the mint family that thrives in pastures and other wayside places all over Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, although it is now naturalized in North America and elsewhere. The herb was well known to the ancient Romans and Egyptians, the latter of whom called the plant Seed of Horus or Bull's Blood. Because the plant is considered one of the bitter aromatic herbs, it is often found in natural syrups and lozenges, sometimes in combination with marshmallow, mullein or licorice root. Horehound is also used in herbal tea blends and to make liquid extracts.
description Marrubium vulgare is a flowering plant in the Lamiaceae or Mint family. It is a gray-leaved herbaceous perennial plant, somewhat resembling mint in appearance, and grows to 25–45 cm tall. The leaves are 2–5 cm long with a densely crinkled surface, and are covered in downy hairs. The flowers are white, borne in clusters on the upper part of the main stem.
common names & nomenclature Its Latin name of Marrubium is said to be derived from Maria urbs, an ancient Italian town. Others believe the name derived from the Hebrew marrob which means "bitter juice".
Also known as: white horehound, common horehound, seed of hours, bull’s blood, eye of the star, hoarhound
Marrubium vulgare is native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia.
climate Grows in sunny locations such as roadsides, waste areas and planted in cultivated gardens.
soil Horehound is an easily grown plant that succeeds in most well-drained soils, though it flourishes best in a poor dry soil.
growing Sow seed in April/May or August/September in a cold frame. Germination can be slow and erratic. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the following spring. You can take basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. May also take divisions in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted directly into the position they will be permanently, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
harvesting The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried.
preserving Store dried horehound leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
