Main content

HealthWise KnowledgeBase

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 Reference white horehound, which acts differently.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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. Reference Cinnamon has been used historically for the treatment of various menstrual disorders, including heavy menstruation.² This is also the case with shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). ³ Other herbs known as astringents (tannin-containing plants that tend to decrease discharges), such as Reference cranesbill, Reference periwinkle, Reference witch hazel, and Reference oak, were traditionally used for heavy menstruation. Human trials are lacking, so the usefulness of these herbs is unknown. Reference Black horehound 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. Reference Black horehound (Ballotta nigra, Marrubium nigrum) is sometimes used by herbalists to treat nausea associated with motion sickness.⁴ However, there are no clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness for treating this condition.

Used for

Why

1 Star

Menorrhagia

Refer to label instructions

Black horehound has been used traditionally for heavy periods.

Reference Cinnamon has been used historically for the treatment of various menstrual disorders, including heavy menstruation.² This is also the case with shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). ³ Other herbs known as astringents (tannin-containing plants that tend to decrease discharges), such as Reference cranesbill, Reference periwinkle, Reference witch hazel, and Reference oak, were traditionally used for heavy menstruation. Human trials are lacking, so the usefulness of these herbs is unknown. Reference Black horehound 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.

Reference Black horehound (Ballotta nigra, Marrubium nigrum) is sometimes used by herbalists to treat nausea associated with motion sickness.⁴ However, there are no clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness for treating this condition.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Black horehound has primarily been used in European traditional herbalism to relieve nausea, Reference 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.⁵ ^{, 6} A recent test tube study found black horehound phenylpropanoids to have both Reference antioxidant properties and a sedating effect on overactive nerve cells.⁷ Although no human studies have been conducted with black horehound, the herb is believed to be useful for treating nausea associated Reference motion sickness due to a possible effect on the central nervous system.⁸

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.⁹ 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 Reference meadowsweet, Reference chamomile, or Reference 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, 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

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 Reference 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.¹⁰ Consult with a doctor who is trained in botanical medicine before using horehound during pregnancy.

Related Information

Reference What Are Depletions & Interactions?

References

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

2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods,Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 168–70.

3. Ellingwood F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1919, 1998, 354.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Review: 11-07-2012

Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.