Horehound is an old medicinal herb,  best known as an agent used in cough and cold preparations.  It is a perennial member of the Mint family, and has the characteristic square stems common to mints.  It is an attractive plant to bees, and has sort of a musky odor when brushed.  The leaves are covered with white hairs, giving the plant an overall wooly appearance. 

Horehound is not the prettiest plant in the herb garden, but is still a worthwhile addition. Because of its menthol-like taste, it was long used in the past as a flavoring for sweets and teas. and as a substitute for hops in beer.  Medicinally, it is still used today (as it has been for centuries) in some herbal cough lozenges, syrups, and chest congestion remedies

Horehound is an easy to grow herb that self seeds readily, and may become a weed if left to grow unrestricted - as is true for most members of the mint family.  It prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soil, and survives fairly severe drought conditions.  In fact, though Horehound will usually survive the worst summers and is hardy in winter to zone 5 or 6, the one thing that will kill it is the wetness of winter and soggy soil.  It can be started from seed in early spring, but is also easily  propagated by root division or stem cuttings.  Flowers are tiny, white,  and inconspicuous, ringing the stems in mid to late summer. 

Horehound can be cut for drying or fresh use in the first year, and should be cut again just as it flowers in the second year for the most potency.  The leaves lose potency quickly, so after harvesting, chop them so they will dry quickly, and then promptly store in airtight jars. 

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