White Horehound

White horehound can be sown indoors in spring, or outdoors once the soil has warmed up, using open trays or plug trays. Germination is often slow and erratic, with seedlings typically appearing after 2–4 weeks, and sometimes longer. For this reason, plug trays are often preferable, as they allow seedlings to be grown on with minimal root disturbance.

Sow seeds on the surface of the compost and lightly cover or gently press them in. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and place trays somewhere bright and warm. Germination can be uneven, so patience is key.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on carefully and grow them on in a bright, sheltered spot. Plant out into their final position once the risk of frost has passed, but don’t leave plants in pots for too long, as more established plants are less happy being moved.

White horehound thrives in full sun and prefers free-draining, relatively poor soil. It is a tough, resilient plant that copes well with dry conditions and does not require rich soil or regular feeding. Once established, it needs very little assistance from the gardener.

Plants usually flower in their second year and can be long-lived. If allowed to set seed, white horehound may self-seed modestly, particularly in warm, dry sites. Occasional cutting back after flowering can help keep plants compact and encourage fresh growth.

White Horehound has a resinous aroma with a bitter and acrid taste that remains on the tongue for some time. This bitter spiciness, comprised of soapy saponins, aromatic essential oils, bitter lactones as well as alkaloids make it a staple herbal solution for coughs and colds.

Its special quality of getting a stuck and dry cough moving works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the respiratory passages as well as by as stimulating some mucus production. When taken as a hot tea its diaphoretic qualities are brought out, helping to warm a chill and support our natural immune responses to seasonal ills. For a dry cough its best taken as a syrup with other soothing demulcents and relaxing expectorant herbs.

Its bitter and warming nature also help to support sluggish digestion.

Harvest the aerial parts before the inflorescence shoots up. Tie up in small bunches or cut to the desired size and dry at around 30C in a well ventilated space for around 24 hours or until dry. Store in an airtight container out of direct sunlight.

As its pretty bitter, use white horehound as tea with some sweeter herbs that support respiratory health, such as licorice, licorice mint or fennel. Infuse 2g of dried herb in 250ml of freshly boiled water and infuse in a covered cup for 15 minutes.

Also very popular in syrups.

A tincture at 1:5@40% can be stored for the winter months.