Horehound is an old treatment for colds that has to some extent lost it's popularity, but may be worth a try id you have colds and coughs frequently.  Horehound is a perennial herb that is often seen growing in open meadows and pastures, as well as in waste places, along railroad tracks and on roadsides .  Horehound is often sold in hard-candy type lozenges and is an ingredient in some cough drops.  In addition to helping coughs, it is an expectorant and reduces fever.  It is also a mild stimulant and helps you get over that run-down feeling that often accompanies colds and flu.  It is also used for treating whooping cough and sore throat.   It can also help digestive problems and rids the body of excess water.  In Germany, it is approved for treating heartburn and poor appitite.  It is a diuretic and can remove some intestinal parasites.   In addition to lozenges, horehound can be used to make tea.

Cautions:  Too much horehound can cause diarrhea.  People with heart problems should nor use horehound, or only use it in very small doses because it can cause cardiac arrhythmias.

Horehound in Myths, Legends and religion:

Horehound is one of the bitter herbs eaten by Jews at Passover.

The Egyptians believed it could protect one from magic spells.  They called it "Seeds of Horus" which is where the modern name comes from.