Organic Horehound Extract

Organic Horehound Extract (Marrubium vulgare)

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean basin, central Asia, and northern Africa, with one of the longest documented histories of medicinal use of any herb in the Western herbal tradition. It is mentioned in the ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE) — one of the oldest surviving medical texts — and was used by ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval European herbalists. It was one of the most widely used respiratory herbs in 19th century Western herbal medicine and remains a classic inclusion in contemporary herbal practice for respiratory and digestive wellness.

Horehound belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is classified as an expectorant, bitter tonic, and antispasmodic herb in Western herbal medicine. It has a particularly well-established traditional history of use for respiratory and digestive wellness. This extract is prepared in 60% alcohol from certified organic Horehound aerial parts.

Naturally Occurring Compounds

• Marrubiin — the primary bioactive diterpene lactone in Horehound; a naturally occurring compound unique to Marrubium vulgare; the key marker of Horehound quality and potency; one of the most researched naturally occurring compounds in the context of respiratory and digestive wellness
• Premarrubiin — a naturally occurring diterpene precursor to marrubiin present in fresh Horehound
• Flavonoids — including luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin
• Alkaloids — including betonicine and stachydrine; naturally occurring compounds present in the aerial parts
• Tannins — naturally occurring astringent compounds
• Volatile oils — including sabinene and β-pinene; contributing to Horehound's characteristic aroma
• Phenolic acids — including caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid

Traditional Herbal Use

Respiratory & Expectorant Wellness

Horehound is one of the most important respiratory and expectorant herbs in Western herbal medicine, with a documented history of use for respiratory wellness spanning over 3,500 years. It is classified as an expectorant and antispasmodic herb in traditional herbal practice — categories of herbs traditionally used to support respiratory mucous membrane wellness and ease of breathing. It is a classic inclusion in traditional herbal formulas for respiratory and upper airway wellness and remains one of the most widely used respiratory herbs in contemporary Western herbal practice.

Digestive & Bitter Tonic Wellness

Horehound is classified as a bitter tonic and carminative herb in Western herbal medicine, with a long traditional history of use for digestive and gastrointestinal wellness. Its bitter marrubiin content stimulates digestive secretions in the traditional herbal model, making it a classic inclusion in traditional herbal formulas for digestive support.

Liver & Eliminative Wellness

Horehound has a traditional history of use in Western herbal medicine for liver and eliminative wellness. Its bitter tonic properties have made it a traditional inclusion in herbal formulas for liver and eliminative support.

Inflammatory Wellness

Horehound has a traditional history of use in Western herbal medicine for inflammatory wellness. Its naturally occurring marrubiin and flavonoid content have generated research interest in the context of inflammatory wellness.

How to Use

Take 20–30 drops under the tongue or in a little juice or water, up to 2–3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Not recommended during pregnancy — Horehound has traditional use as a uterine stimulant and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Not recommended during breastfeeding without practitioner guidance. May cause gastric irritation in sensitive individuals — take with food. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if you are taking diabetes medications or heart medications. Not recommended for long-term continuous use at high doses without practitioner guidance.

Ingredients

Organic Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) aerial parts, 60% alcohol.

Stack This With

• Thyme Extract — complementary expectorant and respiratory wellness herb
• Mullein Extract — complementary soothing respiratory herb
• Elecampane Extract — complementary respiratory and digestive bitter herb
• Gumpii Extract — foundational botanical base

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Related Wellness Guides

• Wellness Hub — explore all herbal guides

Content provided for informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner.