Black Horehound Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Black horehound is also known as the Ballota nigra plant, a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, black horehound also grows throughout Europe and the eastern regions of North America.¹

Black horehound has a fibrous, woody root and produces egg-shaped, green leaves. It also produces purple flowers that bloom late spring to late summer. Black horehound is known for its strong, unpleasant odor.^1,2

In traditional medicine, the dried leaves and flowers are used to produce natural remedies and herbal teas. Black horehound is also available in liquid extract form.

Black Horehound Health Uses and Health Benefits

Black horehound has several health benefits that can help heal a variety of conditions. Primarily, black horehound has been used as a traditional remedy against nausea and vomiting. Its antispasmodic health benefits can help ease an upset stomach caused by nervousness. Similarly, you can also use black horehound as a preventative measure against motion sickness if you are prone to this symptom during travel. It is also known to help alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy.¹

Another traditional black horehound use has been for alleviating painful menstrual symptoms. It also has natural expectorant properties, meaning it can help improve breathing by alleviating congestion. Black horehound may also help to ease flare-ups in people with gout and arthritis by lowering inflammation.¹

References

1. https://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_horehound_black.htm
2. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/horbla34.html