Common Marrubium (Marrubium vulgare)

Common Marrubium (Marrubium vulgare) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, antispasmodic, and expectorant actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Common Marrubium (Marrubium vulgare) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Marrubium (Marrubium vulgare) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Marrubium
Scientific Name	Marrubium vulgare
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Marrubium
Species	vulgare
Native Range	Europe, North Africa, Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Antispasmodic, Expectorant
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Marrubium vulgare
Common Name: Common Marrubium
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Marrubium, Hart'S Tongue, Woolly Marrubium
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Marrubium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface pale white, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal racemes with actinomorphic flowers having five white petals and five yellow stamens, each with a distinct anther and filament.
Stems: Erect, unbranched, woody, glabrous, with opposite, ovate, acute leaves and axillary inflorescences.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Historically regarded as a soothing bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a mild antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.
Expectorant: In herbal literature, noted as a calming expectorant, for airway-related applications.
Sedative: As described in traditional systems, a gentle sedative, in nervous system–related contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Essential Oil: A complex mixture of volatile compounds produced by aromatic plant tissues.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.