Description
Horehound Tea
Horehound tea has long been known in the area of combating various respiratory ailments. The horehound is known to possess antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, diaphoretic and diuretic properties, among others.
The horehound is a perennial herb, a garden mint possessing a fiber-rich rootstock from which emerge bushy, square-shaped stems. The horehound has wrinkled green and white leaves, rough-textured on the top and wooly-textured on the underside of the lamina.
Known by its official name of marrubium vulgare, the horehound grows in a wide range of locales like meadows, pastures, railroad tracks in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The main constituent of the horehound is a bitter substance known as marrubin, and other constituents are flavonoids, caffeic acid, resin, tannins, wax, fat, sugar, etc.
The benefits of the horehound can be derived through teas, infusions, candies, tinctures and encapsulations. To make horehound tea, place 2½ teaspoons of horehound herb in a pint of boiling water. Let it steep and simmer for about 45 minutes. The tea is best consumed in lukewarm temperature.
Horehound tea is quite bitter in taste so it is normally flavored with lemon juice and sweetened by molasses, not sugar. Sugar is thought to dilute the beneficial properties of the horehound tea.
Though safe for use in children, the horehound is not recommended for use by pregnant women.
The following are some health benefits derived from this tea:
May help in fighting upper respiratory disorders like cough, asthma and lung troubles by loosening phlegm-accumulation in the passages.
Acts as a decongestant by thinning and loosening phlegm in the lungs
Has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the throat and lungs
Aids and boosts digestion and prevents indigestion and acid reflux
Promotes the healthy production of bile and other fluids necessary in the digestive tract which in turn reduces abdominal bloating and gas
Eases uterine and digestive system cramps
Has diuretic properties so it helps to counteract water retention
Aids in the removal of some intestinal worms
Has antiseptic properties so it can be used as a disinfectant for minor wounds
Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Making tea:-
• Place 1 tablespoon of dried, fresh leaves or flowers for each cup in a pot or container (preferably not a plastic or metal one as they can taint the tea)
• Pour boiling water over the leaves or flowers
• Cover the container so that the essential oils released by the water don’t escape with the steam
• Leave the tea to steep or draw for at least 5 minutes. If you want stronger tea it will have to steep for longer
• Pour the tea through a strainer to remove any plant matter.
To change taste, whether a sweetener such as honey is needed. Lemon, aniseed, and peppermint can all be used to alter the taste. Milk should not be added, however.
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