Horehound candies, once the sovereign remedy for coughs, are still remembered by some. It used to be a common cottage garden plant to make the tea and candy for treating coughs and colds. It has been used, too, as a cure for cankerworm in trees and can also be made in horehound ale. Animals too have been treated with the plant for cough and lung problems, ear trouble and liver maladies. Remedy for dog bites.
Horehound was used by the ancients as a seasoning for food and drink and was used as a cough remedy in ancient Egypt. Indeed it makes a good, strong cough remedy. It is also antiseptic, antispasmodic and a tonic herb. It has been used to treat bronchitis, asthma, diarrhoea, fever, hepatitis, sore throat, and externally for helping wounds to heal. Combine with Hyssop, Sage or Thyme to make a good sore throat gargle.
Not only does the plant repel flies, it was also used to repel witches and to break spells.
Boil it in water in a sickroom to remove bad vibes. Eat the leaves for a sore throat. Horehound tea can be used to get rid of intestinal worms, or used externally for eczema and shingles. It can also control rapid, irregular heartbeat. Navajo Indians would give laboring mothers a root before and after child birth.
Plant in sun in any soil. Clip in spring to prevent the plant becoming leggy.
