Horehound

Horehound is native to Europe and Britain where is is commonly found along roadsides and in waste places. The perennial plants are bushy and grow one to two feet in height. The leaves are gray, wrinkled, woolly and exhibit an interesting, musky, wormwood scent with a bitter taste. The scent fades with drying and is nearly lost when stored.

Dried leaves are teas, desserts, and baking whereas the fresh plant is best for making candies and lozenges. Horehound is hardy and easily grown. Choose a location that receives full sun with well-drained soil. It thrives in dry, poor ground. Each packet contains 0.1 gram, which is approximately 125 seeds. A perennial in USDA zones 3 to 8.

Horehound can be invasive in many areas; please ensure you are following best practices against growing invasives in your region. This plant is best grown in a container and not allowed to go to seed.

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Medicinally, horehound has been used for centuries to flavor honey as well as in the flavoring of cough and throat candies to treat coughs and sore throats. In combination with other herbs, it was used as an expectorant and tonic.