Nature's double-barreled assault on colds and coughs.

HOREHOUND 

Feel the sniffles coming on? Can't seem to shake that nagging cough? Two herbs have, for centuries, targeted those problems with amazing results. But don't hope for a good-tasting solution to your cold or flu attack. Sometimes help may be a bitter herb to swallow.

Most mints have a pleasant aroma and inviting taste. Not this one. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) tastes bitter and boasts very little aroma, although the leaves do offer a tangy smell when rubbed together. The plant is indigenous to Mediterranean Europe and central Asia, but has now become established throughout central Europe, Australia, and North America. All for good reason.

Horehound is harvested during the flowering season from June to August. Either the fresh aerial parts or the dried leaves and flowering tops can be used medicinally. The name comes from the two words "hoary" and "hound." Hoary describes the white hairs covering the leaves, while hound refers to the fact that the herb was used in ancient times to treat bites from rabid dogs.

Traditional Cough Medicine

Horehound has traditionally been used as a cough suppressant and expectorant. Before the era of antibiotics, it saw action for treating coughs associated with bronchitis and tuberculosis. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, horehound is used to treat bronchitis and whooping cough. Indians used it as a cough medicine, to treat colds and other respiratory ailments, and for relief of sore throat.

Today, horehound treats catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and is a common expectorant component of Ricola [R] herbal cough lozenges. Marrubin and the volatile oil in horehound stimulate the respiratory tract, causing an increase in bronchial mucous secretions.

Digestive Aid

Horehound is also used as an appetite stimulant and digestive tonic for the relief of bloating and flatulence. The tannins, many flavonoids, and other bitter ingredients of horehound act to stimulate gastric juices. In animal experiments, a significant increase in bile secretion results from the presence of marrubinic acid.

The plant can be consumed as a tea prepared from one tablespoon of cut herb steeped in a cup of boiling water. Three to four cups a day are considered safe. Alternatively, one can ingest one to two tablespoons of freshly pressed juice two to three times daily. There are no known side effects or contraindications, although it's not recommended for use during pregnancy.

MULLEIN 

Large-flowered mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) is a member of the figwort family. Also known as candleflower, shepherd's staff, and torch weed, mullein is native to much of Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia, but is now commonly found throughout North America. The plant grows in fields and along roadsides up to six feet tall.

Treatment for Coughs and Colds

The flowers have a honey-like fragrance and an almond-like taste, while the leaves have a bitter taste. Both the leaves and the large, yellow flowers have been used as medicine since ancient times as an expectorant, and for colds and flu. In Europe the flowers are preferred over the leaves for medicine.

Today people turn to mullein flowers for treating inflammation of the respiratory tract membranes and for coughs and sore throats. Externally, the leaves and flowers have been used topically for soothing the skin and for treating wounds.

In Germany mullein flowers are the main ingredients for various cough and bronchial tea medicines. German Commission E has approved its use for the treatment of catarrhs of the respiratory tract.

The expectorant action of mullein is due to its significant saponin and mucilage content.

Mullein provides a soothing effect on mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and is useful for the alleviation of throat irritations and cough.

Mullein flowers have shown a degree of activity against strains of influenza virus and also the herpes simplex virus. Mullein flowers, soaked in olive oil, have also been used for treating earaches. To prevent browning, the mullein flowers should be protected from light and moisture.

Safe Use

There are no known side effects, dangers, or contraindications known for mullein. A tea can be made by steeping three to four teaspoons of finely cut, dried flower petals in a cup of boiled water for 10-15 minutes. This tea can be drunk twice daily.

Horehound and mullein are two safe mild-acting herbs that can aid in the fight against colds, catarrh, coughs, and sore throats. Their friendly actions should win many friends during the winter months.

Winston J. Craig, Ph.D., R.D., is professor of nutrition at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.