botanical name(s): Marrubium vulgare
synonyms: white horehound, hoarhound, andorn, marrube blanc
part(s) used: leaves and tops
qualities: bitter, pungent, salty, cool, dry
affinities: lungs, intestines, uterus
actions: expectorant, antispasmodic, bitter digestive tonic, vulnerary, diaphoretic/diuretic
dosage:
» tea: half oz to 1 pint water; drink half to 1 cup up to three times daily.
» tincture: 1 - 3 ml.
» powder: 1-2 g.
therapy: bronchitis, coughs, dyspepsia, colic
» note: Ballota nigra or black horehound is very high in flavonoids and is used for its anti-emetic action in motion sickness and morning sickness
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b
toxicity: 0
» contraindicated during pregnancy due to the emmenagogue and abortifacient effects and uterine stimulant action on animal uteri (Brinker, Farnsworth)
» can be emetic and cathartic in large doses
constituents: sesquiterpenes bitters including marrubin, essential oil, mucilage, tannin
footnotes
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.