A lovely little, often overlooked but very useful herb, Horehound, Marrubium vulgare is becoming one of my very favorite herbs. Even though it has a very bitter taste, a tincture made from the leaves can be used quite effectively in several ways. This herb is used as a tonic for the lungs. It is helpful for coughs, wheezing and any lung congestion. It helps to induce perspiration and if used as a cold tea, acts as a bitter to improve digestion.

Horehound can be found growing in wild places here in Texas. It is commonly seen in waste places, on roadsides and on farmland pastures where it seems to grow near it’s companion, Mullein, Verbascum thapsus. I combine fresh Horehound and fresh Mullein leaves for a Respiratory Resolve tincture I make, which seems to be very effective for lung problems. I recently harvested a large amount of vibrant, fresh horehound leaves from a friend’s ranch in Dripping Springs. I tinctured most of it in alcohol, some in vegetable glycerin (for my dear 6-year-old niece with some chronic lung issues). Horehound is safe for children and can be used by itself or with Catnip, Nepeta cataria for coughs and fevers.

Another interesting tip about Horehound is that is also called Hebrew marrob (a bitter juice), and was used as the original bitter herb during the Feast of Passover. So at my house every April, during Passover Seder, everyone gets to take a bite of this very bitter, but very wonderful plant.

If you are a longtime Texan, you might remember hearing about the cowboys carrying Horehound candy in their packs to be sucked on during their long journeys. Horehound is particularly helpful for dry, hacking coughs. The candy feels great to the throat and will help calm a respiratory problem.

So remember that bitter is good. Bitter helps with digestion and bitters contain many chemical constituents that are healing to the body.