Horehound

Description

Horehound leaves are unique as they are wooly and whitish-gray in color and crinkled-looking. They have an extremely sharp aroma when crushed. Horehound flowers are white and are spiral-like positioned in the space between a leaf or branch and the stem. It does not appear on the plant until the second or third year of growth. Leaves and the flowers can be added into a salad, stir-fry, soup or stew but only once in awhile. This is a plant that is not intended to be consumed as food on a regular basis. This is used more in herbal remedies as a mild laxative and gastric tonic, or as a cough suppressant and remedy against common cold symptoms. It is an immune booster so drinking a cup of horehound tea once a week can be beneficial. It tastes very bitter so adding honey to sweeten is recommended.