Horehound

Scientific Names: Marrubium vulgare L. Synonym: Marrubium album Garsault English Name: Horehound Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): White Horehound, Common Horehound Family: Lamiaceae

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Leaves, flowers, seeds, hydrosol, oil
Cultivation Mode: Wild collection/ Cultivated
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, flavoring, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink, extract, hydrosol, food, tea

🌿 Industries That Use Horehound Leaves (Marrubium vulgare L.)

Horehound is a perennial herb in the mint family known for its bitter taste and traditional use as a respiratory and digestive remedy. The leaves are rich in marrubiin, volatile oils, flavonoids, and tannins—compounds that contribute to its expectorant and soothing effects.

1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Horehound has been used since ancient Roman times as a cough suppressant, expectorant, and digestive tonic.

Key Uses:

• Respiratory support: Clears mucus, soothes bronchial irritation

• Cough suppressant: Used in lozenges, syrups, and pastilles

• Digestive aid: Stimulates bile flow and relieves indigestion

• Appetite stimulant: Traditionally used for lack of appetite or weak digestion

✅ Common Forms: herbal teas, syrups, tinctures, lozenges, tablets

2. Herbal & Nutraceutical Industry

Highly regarded in modern herbalism for respiratory health, immune support, and bitter formulations.

Popular in:

• Cold and flu herbal blends

• Lung-cleansing capsules or tinctures

• Bitter herb formulas for liver and digestion

• Herbal cough drops and tonics

✅ Often combined with Mullein, Thyme, Licorice root, or Elecampane

3. Confectionery & Beverage Industry

Historically used as a flavoring agent in old-fashioned candies and herbal sodas.

Applications:

• Horehound candy drops (classic herbal remedy confections)

• Bitter flavoring in artisan sodas and tonics

• Herbal liqueurs and bitter aperitifs

✅ Distinctively bitter taste popular in nostalgic and herbal confections

4. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds beneficial for skin care.

Uses include:

• Herbal facial steams and detox masks

• Anti-acne tonics and cleansers

• Scalp soothers for irritation or dandruff

✅ Less common than other herbs, but growing in natural cosmetic formulations

5. Ethnic & Organic Markets

Popular in European folk medicine, North African, and Middle Eastern herbal traditions.

Commonly sold as:

• Dried loose leaves for infusion

• Extracts and syrups for respiratory care

• Horehound honey blends or homemade preparations

✅ Available in apothecaries, herbal markets, and health shops

6. Veterinary & Animal Wellness

Traditionally used in some regions to treat cough and digestion issues in livestock.

Applications:

• Herbal tonics for sheep, goats, and horses

• Natural support for respiratory health in animals

7. Academic & Scientific Research

Research focuses on:

• Expectorant and antispasmodic properties

• Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

• Potential anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects

✅ Studied for use in phytotherapy and traditional medicine systems

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌱 Key Features:

• Rich in marrubiin—a potent expectorant compound

• Bitter herb with ancient medicinal history

• Widely used in respiratory formulas and digestive tonics

• Known for its distinctive candy and tonic flavor

🌸 Industries That Use Horehound Flowers (Marrubium vulgare L.)

While horehound leaves are the primary medicinal part, the small white to pale purple flowers of Marrubium vulgare also carry medicinal value. These blooms contain similar active compounds—marrubiin, flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils—and are occasionally harvested with or alongside the leaves for respiratory, digestive, and bitter tonic purposes.

1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Horehound flowers are traditionally used interchangeably with the leaves, but in gentler formulations, especially in tea and cough syrup blends.

Key Applications:

• Mild expectorant and antitussive effects

• Soothes throat irritation and bronchial congestion

• Supports digestion as a mild bitter tonic

• Used in “whole plant” extracts or flower-focused infusions

✅ Typically found in cough teas, tonics, and throat lozenges

2. Herbal & Nutraceutical Industry

Used in niche herbal blends that highlight the flowering tops for a more aromatic, gentle effect compared to leaves.

Formulations:

• Flower-based herbal infusions and blends for the lungs

• Soothing respiratory lozenges and pastilles

• Digestive tonics for sensitive systems

✅ Combined with Chamomile, Mullein, Hyssop, or Marshmallow flower

3. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Though less common than other botanicals, horehound flower extracts are increasingly included for their antioxidant and clarifying properties.

Uses include:

• Natural facial steams and detox waters

• Astringent flower waters in toners

• Anti-acne serums and herbal facial mists

✅ Beneficial for oily, acne-prone, or dull skin

4. Specialty Tea & Beverage Industry

Horehound flowers, when dried, contribute to floral bitter herbal teas with a slightly milder taste than the leaves.

Popular in:

• Bitter herbal blends with a floral hint

• Traditional respiratory and detox teas

• Boutique flower teas for throat and digestion

✅ Provides gentle bitterness and a soft aromatic finish

5. Ethnic & Organic Herbal Markets

In some folk practices, the flowering tops are prized for being milder and better suited for children’s remedies (in very small amounts and under guidance).

Commonly used as:

• Flowering tops in bundled herbal products

• Dried flowers in syrup blends and honey infusions

✅ Available from wildcrafters, herbal shops, and apothecaries

6. Scientific Research & Botanical Study

Though less studied than the leaves, the flowers are being examined for:

• Their marrubiin and essential oil profile

• Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential

• Synergy with whole-plant formulations

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌼 Key Features:

• Contains marrubiin and essential oils, similar to leaves

• Gentler than leaves, ideal for milder remedies

• Used in herbal teas, syrups, and cosmetic infusions

• Traditional use in respiratory and digestive wellness

🌱 Industries That Use Horehound Seeds (Marrubium vulgare L.)

While horehound seeds are primarily valued for propagation, there is growing interest in their phytochemical potential and use in natural remedies, cosmetics, and traditional formulations. The seeds are small, dark-brown, and rich in lipids, antioxidants, and secondary metabolites, though far less studied than the plant’s aerial parts.

1. Agricultural & Seed Production Industry

The primary use of horehound seeds is in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Applications:

• Propagation for commercial herb farms

• Home and botanical gardens for herbalists

• Organic seed suppliers and nurseries

✅ Seeds are sown in spring or fall for perennial growth
✅ Drought-tolerant, suitable for arid medicinal plant farming

2. Pharmaceutical & Herbal Medicine Research

Emerging interest exists in analyzing the bioactive compounds in the seeds themselves.

Research Areas:

• Essential fatty acid content (omega-6, omega-9)

• Potential antioxidant or antimicrobial activity

• Marrubiin-related derivatives in early plant stages

✅ Limited but promising phytochemical studies underway

3. Cosmetic & Skincare Industry (Experimental)

Due to the oil content, horehound seeds may be used in experimental botanical oils or extracts.

Potential Applications:

• Herbal seed oil blends for skincare

• Antioxidant-rich serums and moisturizers

• Extracts for scalp and hair nourishment

✅ Still under development in artisanal product lines

4. Nutraceutical & Functional Ingredient Industry (Emerging)

While not currently mainstream, interest is growing in using seed oils or extracts in supplements.

Possibilities:

• Seed powder in bitter herbal formulations

• Lipid-based nutraceutical blends

• Use as a carrier of bitter compounds in capsules

✅ Requires more safety and efficacy data

5. Ethnobotanical & Organic Trade

In some folk and indigenous herbal traditions, seeds may be saved, traded, or consumed in small amounts for their perceived medicinal value.

Uses:

• Bitter tonics for digestion or liver support

• Ground seed mixed with honey for respiratory health (rare practice)

✅ Such uses are anecdotal and should be approached cautiously

6. Botanical Research & Conservation

Used in studies involving:

• Seed germination and drought resistance

• Medicinal plant breeding programs

• Preservation of traditional European medicinal species

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Key Features:

• Primarily used for propagation of medicinal horehound crops

• Seeds may contain beneficial lipids and antioxidant compounds

• Emerging interest in skincare and nutraceutical applications

• Still largely under-researched compared to leaves and flowers

🧾 Comparison: Horehound Leaves vs Flowers vs Seeds

(Marrubium vulgare L.)

Feature	Leaves 🌿	Flowers 🌸	Seeds 🌱
Primary Uses	Herbal medicine, teas, syrups, lozenges, tinctures	Mild remedies, floral teas, cosmetic infusions	Propagation, research, emerging skincare/nutraceutical use
Key Compounds	Marrubiin, tannins, flavonoids, bitter principles	Marrubiin (lower), essential oils, antioxidants	Essential oils (trace), lipids, potential antioxidants
Medicinal Role	Expectorant, digestive tonic, antitussive	Soothing throat and lung support, gentle bitter tonic	Under study—possible antioxidant or lipid support
Bitterness Level	Strong (very bitter)	Mild to moderate	Not commonly consumed; bitterness unknown
Culinary Use	Bitter herbal teas and lozenges	Light inclusion in floral bitter teas	Rare or not applicable
Cosmetic Use	Herbal extracts in toners, shampoos	Floral waters, face mists, anti-acne blends	Trial use in antioxidant-rich oils or seed powders
Traditional Use	Widely used in European folk medicine	Sometimes used in child-friendly formulations	Minor role in seed-based bitters or ancient preparations
Propagation Role	No	No	Yes — essential for plant cultivation
Availability in Market	Widely available dried or powdered	Less common, found in full-herb blends	Mostly sold by seed suppliers or botanical growers
Industrial Importance	High (main medicinal component)	Moderate (gentler, specialty use)	Low to emerging (limited commercial use so far)
Toxicity/Allergens	Generally safe in moderate doses	Generally safe	Not commonly ingested; requires more safety data

🔍 Summary:

• Leaves are the most widely used part, especially for respiratory and digestive herbal formulations.

• Flowers are gentler and preferred in floral teas, skin products, or child-safe formulas.

• Seeds are primarily used for cultivation, but are gaining attention for their oil and phytochemical potential in cosmetic and health applications.

 

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Persian Name: فراسیون/ Farasiun German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Mariennessel, Gewöhnlicher Andorn, Andornkraut geschnitten getrocknet French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Marrube, Marrube blanc, Marrube vulgaire

 

HARVEST CALENDAR

 

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Dried Horehound Leaves (Marrubium vulgare L.) (Per 100g)

Botanical Name: Marrubium vulgare L.
Common Names: Horehound, White Horehound, Marrubium
Part Used: Aerial parts (primarily leaves; dried)
Traditional Use: Herbal expectorant, bitter tonic, digestive and respiratory remedy — popular in herbal teas and lozenges

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100g, dried)

✅ High in fiber and plant protein; moderate in energy; suitable for herbal formulations and infusions

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🔬 Mineral Content

🪨 Particularly rich in calcium, iron, and manganese — supporting bones, blood health, and enzymatic function

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🌿 Vitamin Content

🍃 Offers strong antioxidant and clotting support via vitamins A, C, E, and K

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Marrubiin – A bitter diterpene with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-stimulant effects

• Volatile Oils (e.g., pinene, limonene, camphene) – Mild antimicrobial and bronchial effects

• Tannins & Flavonoids – Astringent and antioxidant activity

• Bitter principles – Aid liver and bile function

• Rosmarinic Acid – Antioxidant and antispasmodic properties

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🩺 Health Benefits

💨 Often used in cough syrups, herbal lozenges, and digestive teas

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⚠️ Usage & Safety Notes

• Typical Use: 1–2 grams per cup in infusion; up to 3 cups daily

• Taste: Strongly bitter; often sweetened in herbal formulas

• Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy due to uterine-stimulant effects

• Drug Interactions: May interfere with anti-arrhythmic or blood pressure medications

• Overuse Warning: Large doses may cause nausea or cardiac irregularities in sensitive individuals

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📦 Storage Guidelines

• Keep in airtight container away from light, air, and moisture

• Ideal storage temperature: below 25°C

• Shelf life: 1–2 years under proper conditions

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📌 Disclaimer

This profile is intended for educational, herbal cataloguing, and wholesale reference only. Horehound is not a pharmaceutical drug and should be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist. Nutrient content may vary by origin and processing.

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🧾 Nutrition Facts – Dried Horehound Flowers (Marrubium vulgare L.) (Per 100g)

Botanical Name: Marrubium vulgare L.
Common Names: White Horehound, Marrubium
Part Used: Dried Flowering Tops (with floral bracts and upper leaves)
Traditional Use: Used in herbal infusions, respiratory support, and bitter tonics

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100g, dried)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	~295 kcal	15%
Water (residual)	~8 g	—
Protein	~8.5 g	17%
Total Fat	~2.9 g	4%
• Saturated Fat	~0.7 g	4%
Carbohydrates	~52 g	18%
• Dietary Fiber	~29 g	104%
• Natural Sugars	~1.9 g	—

🌼 Slightly lighter in energy than leaves, but still rich in fiber and herbal constituents

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🔬 Mineral Content

🌸 Balanced mineral content ideal for herbal infusion and botanical extract use

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🌿 Vitamin Content

🍃 Offers moderate antioxidant vitamins and clotting support (notably A, C, K)

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🧪 Phytochemical & Bioactive Compounds

• Marrubiin – A bitter labdane diterpene with expectorant and digestive effects

• Volatile Oils – Including camphene, pinene, limonene

• Flavonoids – Luteolin, apigenin derivatives

• Phenolic Acids – Rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid

• Tannins – Mild astringent properties

🌸 Flowering tops are a concentrated source of marrubiin and aromatic resins, ideal for therapeutic infusions

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🩺 Health Benefits