White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern and central Asia. It is a grey-leaved herbaceous perennial plant, growing to 25-45 centimeters (10-18 inches) tall. The leaves are 2-5 cm (0.8-2.0 inches) long with a densely crinkled surface, and are covered in downy hairs. The flowers are white, borne in clusters on the upper part of the main stem.

Growing White Horehound from seed is not difficult, but it requires a little patience since germination can be slow and erratic. It is recommended to sow the seeds indoors in medium potting soil that is not too rich. Germination can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on conditions and temperature.

Use of White Horehound

White horehound is used for various purposes, including:

Digestive issues: White horehound is used to treat digestion problems such as loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and liver and gallbladder complaints.
Lung and breathing problems: White horehound is used to treat lung and breathing problems such as cough, whooping cough, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and swollen breathing passages.
Flavoring and expectorants: The extracts of white horehound are used as flavoring in foods and beverages, and as expectorants in cough syrups and lozenges. Expectorants are ingredients that make it easier to cough up phlegm.
Traditional Medicine

White horehound has been mentioned in conjunction with use as a folk medicine dating at least back to the 1st century BC. It has been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, and has been mentioned in numerous herbals over the centuries.