How to Use Horehound

Horehound has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. The most common application of horehound is as a cough suppressant or cold medicine; as such, it can be found in Ricola cough drops. If you have your own supply of horehound leaves, you can make a cold remedy at home. A tea made from horehounds leaves can treat coughs and colds and stimulate the appetite. Or the leaves can be used to make a salve to treat wounds and minor skin irritations.

Honey

Instructions

- 1
  Make a horehound cough syrup to soothe a cough or sore throat and break up phlegm. Add one ounce of horehound leaves to a pint of boiling water. Cut off the heat, cover the pot and allow the leaves to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves out of the tea. Add twice the amount of honey. Stir well. Store the syrup in a glass, sealable (preferably vacuum sealed) container. Take 1 teaspoon doses as needed, up to four times a day.
- 2
  Make a tea out of horehound to ease cold symptoms, soothe an upset stomach or stimulate your appetite. Add 1 gram of horehound leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Cut off the heat, cover the pot and allow the leaves to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves out of the tea. Drink one cup of tea three to four times per day or as needed. If you are taking horehound to soothe stomach upsets or as an appetite stimulant, drink the tea 30 minutes before each meal.
- 3
  Make a salve to soothe minor wounds or skin irritations. Mix roughly equal parts dried leaves and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to return to room temperature. Then place it on the wound.

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