Black Horehound

Uses

Botanical names:
Ballota nigra

Parts Used & Where Grown

This European mint family (Lamiaceae) plant now grows in North America and on other continents as well. The leaf and flower are used medicinally. This plant should not be confused with white horehound, which acts differently.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
1 Star
Menorrhagia
Refer to label instructions
Black horehound has been used traditionally for heavy periods.

Cinnamon has been used historically for the treatment of various menstrual disorders, including heavy menstruation. This is also the case with shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). Other herbs known as astringents (tannin-containing plants that tend to decrease discharges), such as cranesbill, periwinkle, witch hazel, and oak, were traditionally used for heavy menstruation. Human trials are lacking, so the usefulness of these herbs is unknown. was sometimes used traditionally for heavy periods, though this approach has not been investigated by modern research.
1 Star
Motion Sickness
Refer to label instructions
Black horehound is sometimes used by herbalists to treat nausea associated with motion sickness.

(Ballotta nigra, Marrubium nigrum) is sometimes used by herbalists to treat nausea associated with motion sickness. However, there are no clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness for treating this condition.
1 Star
Nausea
Refer to label instructions
Black horehound has primarily been used in European traditional herbalism to relieve nausea, anxiety, or the combination of these conditions.
Black horehound has primarily been used in European traditional herbalism to relieve nausea, anxiety, or the combination of these conditions.Although human studies with black horehound are lacking, the herb is believed to be useful for treating nausea associated motion sickness due to a possible effect on the central nervous system.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Black horehound has primarily been used in European traditional herbalism to relieve nausea, anxiety, or the combination of these conditions.1 It was also used as a mild expectorant and to help normalize menstruation.

How It Works

Botanical names:
Ballota nigra

How It Works

Phenylpropanoids—flavonoids and compounds found in the volatile oil of black horehound—are believed to be the plant’s major active constituents.2, 3 A recent test tube study found black horehound phenylpropanoids to have both antioxidant properties and a sedating effect on overactive nerve cells.4 Although no human studies have been conducted with black horehound, the herb is believed to be useful for treating nausea associated motion sickness due to a possible effect on the central nervous system.5

How to Use It

Black horehound is traditionally used as a tea or tincture. Approximately 2 teaspoons of the leaves are added to 1 cup hot water and allowed to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.6 One cup is drunk three times per day. If a tincture is preferred, 1 to 2 ml may be taken three times per day. Black horehound is rarely used alone, and is frequently combined with meadowsweet, chamomile, or ginger for relief of nausea.

Interactions

Botanical names:
Ballota nigra

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Ballota nigra

Side Effects

There are no reports of adverse effects from use of black horehound when taken in the recommended amounts. Black horehound was traditionally used to treat nausea during pregnancy, though no scientific evaluation of the safety or efficacy of this practice has been conducted. Some sources report that black horehound could induce miscarriage when taken in large amounts.7 Consult with a doctor who is trained in botanical medicine before using horehound during pregnancy.

References

1. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990:181.

2. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990:181.

3. Daels-Rakotoarison DA, Seidel V, Gressier B, et al. Neurosedative and antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoids from Ballota nigra. Arzneim Forsch 2000;50:16-23.

4. Daels-Rakotoarison DA, Seidel V, Gressier B, et al. Neurosedative and antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoids from Ballota nigra. Arzneim Forsch 2000;50:16-23.

5. Hoffmann D. The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, New York: Healing Arts Press, 1998, 29.

6. Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal, 3rd ed. Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK: Element, 1990:181.

7. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Pulbications, 1998, 175.

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