ENGLISH NAME: White Horehound
LATIN NAME: Marrubium
vulgare
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Jablečník obecný
Turkey: Beyaz ballıbaba
/ Andız otu
Bulgaria: Бял пчелник (Byal pchelnik)
Georgia: თეთრი მარრუბიუმი (Tet’ri marrubiumi)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Sunny lowlands
and hillsides
Elevation: 300–1,200 meters
Terrain: Warm, dry areas;
stony sunny slopes, rocky grasslands, roadsides
DESCRIPTION:
White Horehound is a perennial herb that typically grows 30 to 80 cm tall. It
has square stems and woolly, gray-green leaves that are deeply wrinkled and
aromatic when crushed. The small white flowers form in tight whorls at the leaf
axils. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in warm, stony habitats and is often
found in southern-facing slopes.
USABLE PARTS: Stem (aerial
parts, including leaves and flowers)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Known for its expectorant, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally used to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion, often
in herbal syrups and teas.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Can cause nausea or stomach upset in high doses. Avoid during pregnancy or in
those with gastrointestinal sensitivity.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often used with thyme, licorice, or marshmallow root in herbal cough formulas.
PREPARATION:
Aerial parts are dried and used in teas, decoctions, or syrups. May also be used
in tincture form for concentrated herbal applications.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, when the plant is flowering and full of aromatic oils.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut the upper stems with leaves and flowers. Harvest during dry weather and
avoid flowering parts that have browned or wilted.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry thoroughly in shade. Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry
place. Use within 1–2 years for best potency.