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Ballota nigra (Labiatae)
BLACK HOREHOUND, HOARHOUND
Vile-smelling, the flowering tops are given by herbalists to suppress
nausea and vomiting due to travel sickness and pregnancy, and for nervous
indigestion.
So foul smelling that cattle will not eat it, horehound derives its generic name from the Greek for reject. Culpeper linked horehound with the planet Mercury and recommended
it be eaten with salt to "cure the bites of mad dogs". A native of temperate eastern Europe, it thrives in roadside ditches, hedgerows, and other moist places. It has
square hairy stems, creeping roots, heart-shaped, scallop-edged leaves, and small purple flowers from late summer.
PARTS USED
Flowering tops.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Flavonoids.
ACTIONS
Sedative; suppresses nausea and vomiting; reduces muscle tension and spasm.
MEDICINAL USE
Given for nausea and vomiting, especially travel sickness and in pregnancy. It is also used for nervous dyspepsia (indigestion).
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture. |
