About Marrubium vulgare L.
Marrubium vulgare L., commonly known as white horehound or common horehound, is a flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern and central Asia, with its origins specifically in the region between the Mediterranean Sea and Central Asia. It has become widely naturalized across all continents, including most of North and South America. This is a grey-leaved herbaceous perennial plant that grows 25–45 centimetres (10–18 inches) tall. Its leaves measure 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) long, have a densely crinkled surface, and are covered in downy hairs. It produces white flowers that grow in clusters on the upper section of the main stem. White horehound has a documented history of use in folk medicine dating back to at least the 1st century BC. It was listed as a remedy for respiratory ailments in De Medicina, a treatise by Roman encyclopaedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus. First-century Roman agricultural writer Columella also included it in his work On Agriculture as a remedy to expel worms in farm animals. Over the following centuries, white horehound continued to be cited for similar uses in numerous herbals, including John Gerard’s The Herball, or, Generall historie of plantes and Every Man His Own Doctor: or, The Poor Planter's Physician. German Commission E monographs describe M. vulgare as a treatment for colds, a digestive aid, and a choleretic. It is also an ingredient in Ricola throat lozenges. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve the plant for use as a drug, but does classify it as a safe food additive.
