Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
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Hardy perennial herb and wildflower, found in wasteland and fields, flourishing best in dry soil. Square stems and wrinkled, downy, grey-green leaves and small white, two-lipped flowers in whorls on the leaf axils from June to September in the plant's second year. Grows to about 2 ft (60 cm) high. Also known as Common Horehound, Woolly Horehound and Houndsbene. The plant was probably named after the Egyptian god Horus, and incense was made and burned in rituals to honour him. However, its name may also derive from Maria urbs, an ancient Italian town. Or even from the Hebrew "marrob", meaning bitter juice, being one of the bitter herbs eaten by Jews as Passover.
Horehound was used by the ancients as a seasoning for food and drink and was used as a cough remedy in ancient Egypt. Indeed it makes a good, strong cough remedy. It is also antiseptic, antispasmodic and a tonic herb. It has been used to treat bronchitis, asthma, diarrhoea, fever, hepatitis, sore throat, and externally for helping wounds to heal. Combine with Hyssop, Sage or Thyme to make a good sore throat gargle.
Not only does the plant repel flies, it was also used to repel witches and to break spells. It has also been used in exorcism rituals. Boil it in water in a sickroom to remove bad vibes. Eat the leaves for a sore throat. Horehound tea can be used to get rid of intestinal worms, or used externally for eczema and shingles. It can also control rapid, irregular heartbeat. Navajo Indians would give labouring mothers a root before and after child birth.
It used to be a common cottage garden plant in Norfolk and Suffolk where it was used to make the tea and candy for treating coughs and colds. It has been used, too, as a cure for cankerworm in trees and can also be made in horehound ale. Animals too have been treated with the plant for cough and lung problems, ear trouble and liver maladies. Remedy for dog bites.
Plant in sun in any soil. Clip in spring to prevent the plant becoming leggy.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*