Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly as a remedy for respiratory issues such as lung congestion, coughs, and bronchitis. Its use for these conditions can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was valued as an expectorant—an agent that helps expel mucus from the airways. In folk medicine, horehound tea and syrups have been popular treatments for easing productive coughs and relieving chest congestion.

While there is some preclinical evidence suggesting that certain compounds in horehound (such as marrubiin) may have expectorant and mild anti-inflammatory effects, robust scientific studies in humans are limited. Most of the support for horehound’s use in treating lung congestion is anecdotal or based on traditional herbal sources rather than controlled clinical trials. Regulatory agencies, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), acknowledge its traditional use for temporary relief of cough associated with cold but also note the lack of well-designed human studies confirming efficacy.

In summary, horehound’s use for lung congestion is primarily rooted in tradition, with modest evidence from laboratory studies but insufficient clinical research to firmly support its effectiveness. As such, it is rated as having moderate traditional but limited scientific backing for this indication.

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