Horehound tea, made from the leaves of the white horehound plant, can relieve symptoms of respiratory tract disorders, acid reflux, abdominal pain, and indigestion. It contains marrubiinic acid, which clears phlegm and mucus, and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. A cup can be made by pouring boiling water over dried leaves and sweetened with honey or molasses.
Horehound tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the white horehound plant. Tea made from horehound leaves can be used to treat a wide variety of minor ailments. It is particularly effective in relieving the symptoms of upper respiratory tract disorders, such as coughing or asthma. Horehound tea is also used medicinally to relieve nocturnal acid reflux, abdominal pain, and indigestion, to lessen headaches caused by sinus infections, and to reduce symptoms associated with the common cold. The herb also relieves pain and itching caused by a sore throat.
White horehound is a perennial herb and a member of the mint family. It is indigenous to Europe, but can also be found growing in North and South America. The name “horehound” is apparently derived from the name of the Egyptian falcon-headed god of light, Horus, as an alternate name for the plant is “horus seed.” Horehound leaves contain marrubiinic acid, tannins, resins and flavonoids.
It is the marrubiinic acid, or marrubiin, in horehound tea that gives the tea most of its beneficial medicinal properties. Marrubiin is an expectorant that stimulates the salivary glands and bronchioles, helping to clear phlegm and mucus from the lungs, chest, and throat. It also stimulates the production of more gastric juice and speeds up the digestion process, which in turn minimizes the occurrence of nocturnal acid reflux. Marrubiin is also a pain-relieving compound, so horehound tea is effective in reducing pain caused by a sore throat, sinus infection, or indigestion.
Another active component of horehound tea is tannin. Tannins have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that reduce organic compounds such as proteins, amino acids, and alkaloids. For this reason, horehound was historically used to treat poisoning victims. In modern times, the medicinal uses of tannin include the treatment of diarrhea, hemorrhoids, gastritis, and enteritis. However, ingesting too many tannins can be dangerous, as tannins interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients such as calcium and iron.
A single cup of horehound tea can be made by pouring one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried horehound leaves. This infusion should be left to stand, covered, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Horehound leaves can be strained, and the tea can be sweetened with honey or molasses to combat the bitter taste of the herb. Horehound tea should not be sweetened with sugar, as this is believed to negate some of its beneficial effects.
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