Horehound

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:

Marrubium vulgare, white horehound

Introduction

Horehound is an herb in the mint family that grows in Europe and Asia. It has been used to ease coughing and asthma symptoms. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be taken as a hard candy.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for horehound.

What Research Shows

There is not enough data to support that horehound is helpful in treating health problems. We will review future studies as they are published.

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It may be safe for most adults to take horehound for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period or by children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.1

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

 

References

1. Rodríguez Villanueva J, Martín Esteban J. An insight into a blockbuster phytomedicine; marrubium vulgare l. herb. more of a myth than a reality? Phytother Res. 2016 Oct;30(10):1551-1558.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC