Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a bitter perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia, it has naturalized in North and South America.
The plant’s leaves and flowering tops are used for flavoring beverages and candies. Infusions or extracts of horehound are sometimes used in herbal remedies for coughs and minor pulmonary disturbances.
Interestingly, horehound has ancient roots—it was one of the herbs found in the medicine chests of Egyptian pharaohs. In Roman times, it was even part of Caesar’s antidote for poison. The name “horehound” likely comes from the Hebrew word “marrob,” meaning bitter juice.
