Marrubium vulgare

Marrubium vulgare, commonly known as horehound, is a flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern and central Asia. It is also naturalized in many places, including North and South America.

Description

Marrubium vulgare is a perennial plant that can grow up to 45 cm high. The leaves are 2-5 cm long, oval, hairy, and have a bitter taste. The flowers are small, white, and grow in dense clusters.

Cultivation and uses

Marrubium vulgare is often grown in herb gardens for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a flavoring in foods and beverages. The plant is considered a weed in some areas.

Medicinal uses

The leaves and flowering tops of Marrubium vulgare are used to make medicine. Horehound is used for digestion problems including loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and liver and gallbladder complaints. It is also used for lung and breathing problems including cough, whooping cough, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and swollen breathing passages.

Other uses

In addition to its medicinal uses, Marrubium vulgare is also used as a flavoring in foods and beverages. It is a key ingredient in horehound candy, a type of hard candy that is popular in some countries.

See also

• List of Lamiaceae genera
• Medicinal plants

References

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  Illustration of Marrubium vulgare from Köhler's Medicinal Plants
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  Historical text mentioning Marrubium vulgare
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  Horehound candy drops made from Marrubium vulgare
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  Marrubium vulgare plant
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  Marrubium vulgare in bloom
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  Close-up of Marrubium vulgare leaves
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  Insect on Marrubium vulgare
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  Marrubium vulgare growing in Mexico