Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)
Family: Labiatae/Lamiaceae
Part Used: Aerial Parts
Active Constituents:
Bitter, mucilage, tannins, volatile oil
Medicinal Actions:
Anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, astringent, bitter, choleretic, expectorant, vulnerary
Medicinal Use:
1) Marrubium is indicated to treat conditions of the respiratory tract that cause copious discharges and congestion.
2) It reduces catarrh, and restores normal tone to acute or chronically congested tissues. It is indicated for treatment of cold with non-productive cough.
3) It relaxes smooth muscle, promotes normal mucus production and expectoration. It may be used to treat colds, allergic rhinitis, or bronchitis.
4) It also stimulates the flow of bile, and secondarily the production of HCl and other digestive enzymes. It has an astringent action, so is used to treat aphthous ulcers and may be used topically as an anti-microbial and vulnerary for the healing of ulcerations or lesions of the skin.
Treat herpes, gingivitis
Contraindications: Early pregnancy
Toxicity: None
Drug Interaction: None
Pharmacy:
Infusion: ½ tsp/cup TID (very bitter)
Tincture (1:5): 1 –2 ml TID
Fluid Extract (1:1): 15 – 30 drops TID - QID