🤍 Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

Also known as: White Horehound • Hoarhound • Marrubium
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Origin: Mediterranean region, now naturalized across Europe & the Americas
Parts Used: Leaf and Flowering Tops
Primary Use: Internal

✨ Description

Bitter, cooling, and deeply cleansing, Horehound has earned its reputation as one of the finest respiratory herbs in traditional medicine. For centuries, it has been used to calm coughs, loosen phlegm, and support the lungs during colds, flu, or seasonal allergies.

As a member of the mint family, Horehound carries a mild aromatic edge beneath its signature bitterness — a flavor that signals its power as both a lung cleanser and digestive stimulant.
It’s often the key ingredient in classic herbal cough drops and teas used by singers, speakers, and anyone needing to strengthen their voice and clear the airways.

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a lung, digestive, and cleansing tonic:

Cough & Cold Relief: Helps expel mucus and ease chest congestion.
Lung Cleanse: Supports respiratory health and deeper breathing.
Throat Comfort: Soothes hoarseness and irritation.
Digestive Support: Stimulates bile flow and relieves bloating or sluggish digestion.
Immune Boost: Gently supports detoxification and defenses during seasonal changes.

Directions (Internal Use):
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of Horehound in 8 oz of hot water for 10–15 minutes.
Sweeten with raw honey or molasses to balance its bitterness.
Drink up to 2 cups daily during cold or allergy season.
For extra soothing, combine with Mullein, Licorice Root, or Ginger.

💧 External Uses

Used in steam inhalations for congestion and sinus relief.
Can be added to herbal chest rubs or baths to ease breathing and tension.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Purification & Clarity: Clears energetic heaviness from the chest and lungs.
Voice & Truth: Supports communication, truth-telling, and authentic expression.
Healing Breath: Symbolic of release — exhale what no longer serves.

Affirmation:

“Each breath renews me — I release heaviness and speak with strength and truth.”

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

Mullein or Lungwort – for lung strength and mucus release.
Licorice Root or Marshmallow Root – for throat soothing and moisture balance.
Peppermint or Eucalyptus – for sinus and respiratory support.
Ginger or Cinnamon – for warmth and flavor balance.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Horehound is organically grown and hand-harvested in late spring before flowering. The leaves are shade-dried to preserve their light color, aroma, and potency.
Each batch maintains its naturally bitter, cooling energy — the hallmark of high-quality Horehound.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

Taste: Bitter, minty, and slightly earthy.
Energetic Profile: Cooling, drying, cleansing.
Pairs well with: Mullein, Licorice Root, Peppermint, or Lemon Balm.

⚠️ Warnings

Avoid during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
Not recommended for those with gastritis or stomach ulcers.
Extended use may lower blood pressure — take short breaks between uses.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Horehound is the breath’s best friend — bold, bitter, and beautifully cleansing.
It clears the chest, steadies the lungs, and restores the voice of those who’ve been holding too much in.
Drink it when you need release, relief, or renewal — it reminds the lungs to let go, and the heart to follow.