Horehound has woolly, square stalks and stands 2 to 3 feet tall with wrinkled, gray-green opposite leaves that are smooth and downy. From June to September, small white flowers crowd in prickly white calyces, with hooked seeds that are carried on by the fur of passing animals. The fresh leaves smell a bit like thyme and are very aromatic.
This downy leaved mint family plant has been worked with for thousands of years as a medicinal ally for ailments of the throat and to help quell coughs. So effective in helping to ameliorate coughs and colds that Horehound has been found in many throat lozenges since the late 19th century. Studies show that Horehound’s chemical constituents possess potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. This plant is also a very useful expectorant, quells irritation of the bronchi, is helpful for asthma and for overall inflammation in the lungs and throat. Horehound is a digestive aid and also helpful for nausea and motion sickness.
Other common names for Horehound are seed of Horus and eye of the star as it was a plant that even pharaohs once used to supportive overall wellness. This is an ancient plant that has a place in any medicinal garden. Bees also love this friend.