Botanical Overview
Marrubium vulgare (White horehound) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family. Commonly used parts include the leaf and aerial parts. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia and has been introduced to North America.
Common names: White horehound, Horehound.
Energetics
- Temperature: Cooling
- Moisture: Drying
- Tastes: Bitter
- Tonicity: Relaxing
- Qi/Blood/Fluid: Qi
Primary Actions
- Expectorant
- Bitter
- Antitussive
- Diaphoretic
- Demulcent
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Common cold
- Sore throat
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
Syndromes
- Respiratory congestion
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Digestive sluggishness
TCM
Not traditionally used.
Ayurveda
Not traditionally used.
Unani
Not traditionally used.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The herb contains diterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, tannins, volatile oils, and marrubiin, a key bitter compound responsible for its expectorant and digestive actions.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2–4 g dried herb, 1–3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2–5 mL, 1–3 times daily
- Syrup preparations for cough and respiratory conditions
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to lack of safety data. May cause gastric irritation in sensitive individuals. Use cautiously in patients with gastric ulcers. No well-documented interactions but advise caution with concurrent use of other bitter or expectorant herbs.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable esoteric sources found to assign planetary or elemental rulers to Marrubium vulgare.
Selected References
- Assessment report on Marrubii herba (Marrubium vulgare L.), EMA, 2010
- Marrubium vulgare – White Horehound, Plants For A Future database
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, World Health Organization, 2002
- Handbook of Medicinal Plants, James A. Duke, 2002