The medicinal plant of 2018: horehound

There are plants that have helped us humans for centuries to heal illnesses and stay healthy. Horehound is one such herb. Horehound has almost fallen into oblivion, but the scientists of the "Working Group Medicinal Plants of the University of Würzburg" choose the medicinal plant of the year every year so that these herbs are remembered. For the coming year, it is horehound. This ancient medicinal plant helps with colds and stomach problems.

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via Anna-Lisa
10/26/2017, 11:45
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Healing tea made from horehound You can dry horehound leaves yourself or buy them from a pharmacy. To make a cup of tea, brew 1.5 grams of chopped leaves with 150 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for five to ten minutes. The tea is very bitter, so you can mix it with lemon balm, for example, to tone it down.

Marrubium vulgare
This is the scientific name for horehound. It is also known as white horehound or wall horehound. It grows to a height of 30 to 80 centimetres and has small white flowers. Horehound grows from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and in Central and Northern Europe.

Medical history
Horehound has been known to us for around 2,000 years. It has been an integral part of monastery herb gardens since the 8th century at the latest. It was used to treat lung diseases and persistent coughs. In the 19th century, its use increasingly focused on its expectorant effect on the respiratory tract.

Bitter substances
Horehound stands out due to its strong bitter and tannic substances. The herb also contains flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds and essential oil. Various studies have confirmed its effect in loosening mucus in coughs. Horehound bronchial drops (pharmacy) are used to treat mucous, cramped and inflamed bronchial tubes. The medicine is approved for use from the age of 12.

Use
Horehound is an undemanding plant and grows easily in the garden or in a flower pot on the windowsill. If you suffer from digestive problems, you should drink a cup of healing tea before eating. If you have a cold with a cough, several cups of tea throughout the day will help.