White Horehound

by MedlinePlus

Since ancient Egypt, white horehound ( Marrubium vulgare L.) has been used as an expectorant (to facilitate removal of mucus from the lungs or throat). Ayurvedic, Native American and Australian Aboriginal medicines have traditionally used white horehound to treat respiratory (lung) conditions. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned horehound from cough drops in 1989 due to insufficient evidence supporting its efficacy. However, horehound is currently widely used in Europe, and can be found in European-made herbal cough remedies sold in the United States (for example, Ricola®).

There is no well-defined clinical evidence to support any therapeutic use of white horehound. The expert German panel, the Commission E, has approved white horehound for lack of appetite, dyspepsia (heartburn), and as a choleretic. There is promising early evidence favoring the use of white horehound as a hypoglycemic agent for diabetes mellitus, and as a non-opioid pain reliever.

There is limited evidence on safety or toxicity in humans. White horehound has been reported to cause hypotension (low blood pressure), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) in animal studies

Note: White horehound should not be confused with black horehound ( Ballota nigra ) or water horehound ( Lycopus americanus , also known as bugleweed).

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Cough

Since ancient Egypt, white horehound has been used as an expectorant. Ayurvedic, Native American and Australian Aboriginal medicines have traditionally used white horehound to treat respiratory (lung) conditions. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned horehound from cough drops in 1989 due to insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness. However, horehound is currently widely used in Europe, and can be found in European-made herbal cough remedies sold in the United States (for example, Ricola®).

Diabetes

Animal studies and early human studies suggest that white horehound may lower blood sugar levels. White horehound has been used for diabetes in some countries, including Mexico. Further well-designed human trials are needed.

Heartburn/poor appetite

In Germany, white horehound is approved for the treatment of heartburn and lack of appetite, based on historical use. There is not enough information from scientific studies to evaluate the effectiveness of white horehound for these conditions.

High cholesterol

Early study shows that white horehound may lower cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Intestinal disorders/antispasmodic

White horehound has been used traditionally to treat intestinal disorders. However, there are few well-designed studies in this area, and little information is available about the effectiveness of white horehound for this use.

Pain

White horehound has traditionally been used for pain and spasms from menstruation or intestinal conditions. There are no reliable human studies on safety or effectiveness for this use.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antioxidant, asthma, bile secretion, bloating, blood vessel relaxation, bronchitis, cancer, cathartic, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colic, congestion, constipation, debility, diarrhea, digestive aid, fever reduction, flatulence, food flavoring, gallbladder complaints, heart rate abnormalities, high blood pressure, indigestion, intestinal parasites, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), laxative, liver disease, lung congestion, morning sickness, pneumonia, rabies, respiratory (lung) spasms, skin conditions, snake poisoning, sore throat, sweat stimulation, tuberculosis, upper respiratory tract infection, vasorelaxant, vomiting stimulant, warts, water retention, wheezing, whooping cough, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Caution: Black horehound ( Ballota nigra ) may be found in compounds reported to contain only white horehound.

Adults (18 years and older)

Cough/throat ailments: Doses that have been used include 10 to 40 drops of extract in water up to three times a day, or lozenges dissolved in the mouth as needed. Ricola® drops are recommended by the manufacturer at a maximum of 2 lozenges every 1 to 2 hours as needed.

Heartburn/appetite stimulant: Doses recommended by the expert German panel, the Commission E, include 4.5 grams daily of cut herb or 2 to 6 tablespoons of fresh plant juice. Other traditional dosing suggestions are 1 to 2 grams of dried herb or infusion three times daily.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough information to recommend the safe use of white horehound in children.

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