Marrubium Vulgare Uses, Benefits, And Remedies
Marrubium vulgare, commonly known as horehound, is a perennial herb native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
It is widely used in traditional medicine for its soothing and expectorant properties.
The herb offers various health benefits, including relieving coughs, reducing inflammation, and supporting respiratory health.
Its therapeutic actions are attributed to bioactive constituents such as marrubium, flavonoids, and mucilage.
Herbal preparations like infusions, tinctures, and syrups can be made from horehound to harness its medicinal properties.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Marrubium vulgare.
The 11 best health benefits of Marrubium vulgare are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 11 best health benefits of Marrubium vulgare.
- Treats Diarrhea: Marrubium vulgare helps treat diarrhea by reducing intestinal spasms and soothing the digestive tract.
- Soothes Digestive Issues: It soothes digestive issues by calming the gastrointestinal tract and reducing irritation.
- Relieves Coughs: Marrubium vulgare can relieve coughs due to its expectorant properties that help clear mucus from the respiratory system.
- Reduces Inflammation: The herb reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds that target inflamed tissues.
- Cures Ulcers: It helps cure ulcers by protecting the stomach lining and reducing acid secretion.
- Improves Respiratory: Marrubium vulgare improves respiratory health by easing breathing and supporting lung function.
- Treats Asthma: It treats asthma by relaxing the airway muscles and reducing bronchial spasms.
- Soothes Colic: The herb soothes colic by calming the digestive system and reducing cramping.
- Treats Gastroenteritis: Marrubium vulgare treats gastroenteritis by reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
- Relieves Heartburn: It relieves heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid and protecting the esophageal lining.
- Treats Bronchitis: The herb treats bronchitis by reducing mucus production and easing respiratory congestion.
Bioactive Constituents
Marrubium vulgare volatile oils are a key component of the herb and contribute significantly to its medicinal properties, containing compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
These volatile oils are often responsible for the herb's characteristic aroma and are used in traditional medicine for their soothing and expectorant qualities. In addition to volatile oils, Marrubium vulgare contains terpenoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, further enhancing the herb's therapeutic potential.
One of the most notable constituents is marrubiin, a unique iridoid glycoside that has been studied for its antispasmodic and sedative effects, making it valuable in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. The herb also contains flavonoids, which contribute to its overall antioxidant profile and may support cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation and reducing oxidative stress.
Together, these medicinal constituents make Marrubium vulgare a versatile and valuable herbal remedy with a wide range of potential health benefits.
The 9 best bioactive constituents of Marrubium vulgare are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 11 best bioactive constituents of Marrubium vulgare.
- Volatile Oils: Volatile oils in Marrubium vulgare contribute to its aromatic properties and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Terpenoids: Terpenoids are a class of compounds known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in Marrubium vulgare.
- Marrubiin: Marrubiin is a key iridoid glycoside with antispasmodic, anticholinergic, and bronchodilator properties.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Marrubium vulgare exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities.
- Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
- Rosmarinic Acid: Rosmarinic acid is a phenolic compound with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Ursolic Acid: Ursolic acid is a triterpene with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties.
- Lupulinic Acid: Lupulinic acid is a fatty acid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Glycosides: Glycosides in Marrubium vulgare, such as marrubiin, are responsible for its antispasmodic and bronchodilator effects.
Medicinal Parts
Marrubium vulgare root has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The root contains high levels of mucilage, which helps to coat and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, making it effective for treating conditions like gastritis and ulcers. It is also known to have mild antispasmodic effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of coughing and respiratory discomfort.
In addition to its root, the leaves of Marrubium vulgare are also valued for their medicinal properties, containing similar mucilage and compounds that support digestive health. The flowers, while less commonly used, contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile by adding additional flavonoids and antioxidants that enhance its healing properties.
Together, these parts of the Marrubium vulgare herb have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine to support digestive, respiratory, and even skin health.
The 3 best medicinal parts of Marrubium vulgare are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 3 best medicinal parts of Marrubium vulgare.
Herbal Preparations
Marrubium vulgare teas are a popular method of utilizing the herb, often prepared by steeping dried leaves or flowers in hot water to extract its bitter compounds and mucilage.
These teas are traditionally used to soothe coughs, ease respiratory congestion, and provide a calming effect due to the herb's expectorant and antispasmodic properties. In addition to teas, marrubium vulgare can be made into decoctions by simmering the herb for a longer period, enhancing the release of its active constituents.
Tinctures and capsules are also common preparations, offering a more concentrated form of the herb for those seeking a more potent dose. The versatility of marrubium vulgare allows it to be incorporated into various formulations, including creams, syrups, and lozenges, each tailored to address specific ailments such as inflammation, sore throat, or digestive discomfort.
Its wide range of applications underscores its value in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.
The 16 best herbal preparations of Marrubium vulgare are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 16 best herbal preparations of Marrubium vulgare.
- Teas: Marrubium vulgare tea is used to soothe respiratory issues, reduce coughing, and alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and asthma due to its expectorant properties.
- Decoctions: Marrubium vulgare decoctions are used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and coughs, as they help loosen mucus and ease breathing.
- Tinctures: Marrubium vulgare tinctures are used for their antispasmodic and expectorant effects, helping to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and respiratory congestion.
- Creams: Marrubium vulgare creams are applied topically to reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritations, including eczema and insect bites.
- Syrups: Marrubium vulgare syrups are used to alleviate coughs and respiratory discomfort, often combined with other herbs for enhanced expectorant effects.
- Linctuses: Marrubium vulgare linctuses are used to soothe coughs and ease throat irritation, providing a calming effect on the respiratory tract.
- Capsules: Marrubium vulgare capsules are used for their expectorant and antispasmodic properties, helping to relieve coughs and respiratory congestion.
- Lozenges: Marrubium vulgare lozenges are used to soothe sore throats and reduce coughing, often providing a local anesthetic effect.
- Oinments: Marrubium vulgare ointments are used topically to relieve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and minor inflammations.
- Liniments: Marrubium vulgare liniments are applied externally to reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in respiratory-related muscle spasms.
- Oils: Marrubium vulgare oils are used in aromatherapy and topical applications to relieve respiratory congestion and soothe the skin.
- Juices: Marrubium vulgare juices are used internally for their expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory system.
- Mucillages: Marrubium vulgare mucillages are used as a soothing agent for the throat and respiratory tract, often used in cough syrups.
- Baths: Marrubium vulgare baths are used to relieve respiratory discomfort and promote relaxation, often used in aromatherapy for congestion.
- Gargles: Marrubium vulgare gargles are used to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation, helping to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections.
- Poultices: Marrubium vulgare poultices are applied externally to reduce inflammation and pain, particularly for respiratory-related chest discomfort.
Side Effects of marrubium vulgare
Marrubium vulgare may cause dry mouth because it contains compounds that can reduce saliva production, leading to a decrease in oral moisture.
Marrubium vulgare causes nausea due to its potential to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and trigger a reflex response in the brain's vomiting center. Marrubium vulgare leads to stomach pain because it may irritate the stomach lining and increase gut motility, causing discomfort.
Marrubium vulgare might lead to vomiting as its bitter compounds can overstimulate the digestive system and activate the body's emetic reflex.
The 7 most common side effects of Marrubium vulgare are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 7 most common side effects of Marrubium vulgare.
- May Cause Dry Mouth: Marrubium vulgare may reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth sensation.
- Causes Nausea: The herb may stimulate the digestive system, potentially causing feelings of nausea in some individuals.
- Leads To Stomach Pain: Marrubium vulgare may irritate the stomach lining, resulting in discomfort or pain.
- Might Lead To Vomiting: In some cases, the herb may trigger vomiting due to its effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Leads To Drowsiness: The herb may have sedative properties that can cause drowsiness or a sense of calm.
- Might Induce Fatigue: Marrubium vulgare may cause tiredness or a lack of energy in some users.
- May Cause Heartburn: The herb may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux and heartburn.