
                                     HOREHOUND
                                     =========


                                    CULTIVATION:
     Horehound  is  a  spreading, aromatic  perennial  with square annual stem.
     Grows  to about 18 inches in height. The leaves are rounded, and wrinkled.
     It has small white flowers, and does not bloom until its second year.

     Horehound  needs full sun, and protection from cold wind. Grows in dry and
     alkaline  soil.  Divide  horehound  in mid-spring,  or  sow  seeds in late
     spring.  Take  stem  cuttings at the end  of  the summer. Horehound can be
     grown  indoors.  Thin  and  transplant to  12  inches  apart. Protect from
     excessive  moisture in winter, and  prune in spring. Horehound self-seeds,
     and  it  may become a pest. Germination  time  is about 28 days, and plant
     matures in 45 days.

     Pick leaves and flowering tops at flowering time, or as needed. Dry leaves
     and flowering tops.



                   CULINARY USES: ============== NO CULINARY USES


                                  MEDICAL   USES:
     Horehound  contains a chemical called  Marrubiin, which studies showed has
     phlegm-loosing  properties.  The herb has a  long  history as a remedy for
     soothing an irritated throat, or relieving a cough.

     For  a cough remedy infusion use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup
     of  boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, and  drink up to 3 cups a day. To
     offset  its bitter taste add sugar or  honey. This also will stimulate the
     appetite after a flue, or any other appetite-suppressing ailments.

     At  the  first sign of a cold use  9  finely chopped leaves and mix with 1
     tablespoon of honey. Eat this slowly to ease sore throat or coughs. Repeat
     several times if necessary.

     Drink  a  cold  infusion to ease  digestion  and  heartburn and to destroy
     intestinal worms.

     Animal  studies  performed in Europe  show  horehound opens blood vessels,
     which suggests possible value in treating high blood pressure.


                                      WARNING:
     Generally regarded as safe, for healthy nonpregnant, nonnursing adults.


                                    OTHER USES:
     Infuse  as a spray for cankerworms in  trees. Infuse in fresh milk and set
     in  a  dish  as a fly killer.  Use  dried  flowers in flower arrangements.
     Flowers attract bees to the garden.
     
