Multiple usese for the historical white horehound plant

A traditional remedy against coughs since ancient Egypt, white horehound contains is a plant that deserves your attention.

• White horehound is a resistant, herbaceous perennial, with grey-white serrated, crumpled and drooping foliage.
• In summer, small, white, axillary flowers are arranged in corollas along the upper portion of the stems.
• Native to North Africa and the dry regions of Eurasia, horehound grows rapidly in areas with low rainfall and makes pretty white and silver borders.
• It is widespread in North America.
• Of the mint family, black horehound (Ballota nigra) was once used wrongly for the same indications as white horehound.
• Less used nowadays, it remains popular in herb gardens.
• 'Archer's Variety' is a beautiful white variegated variety that reseeds itself fairly identically (like the original).

Horehound likes well-drained soil, with sun.

Cut the plant down, just before flowering, to extract the juice or to dry it.

Parts used: the leaves and flowering tops

• Not to be confused with black horehound, white horehound is known for its medicinal properties in cases of respiratory conditions such as colds and bronchitis, particularly if the patient is having trouble expelling mucus by coughing.
• Horehound has a relaxing effect on the airways, while promoting the expulsion of mucus from the lungs.
• Due to its bitter taste from the presence of certain active components, white horehound stimulates the digestive system. It improves the appetite and aids digestion, especially in cases of flatulence and bloating.
• It is also good for the liver and increases the secretion of bile. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Do not take horehound if you already consume medications that contain serotonin.

Knowing the many traditional uses of this plant might mean you'll want to plant some in your garden this year.